Ramona is a captivating and heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and resilience set against the backdrop of 19th century California. Helen Hunt Jackson expertly weaves together the stories of Ramona, a young mixed-race woman, and Alessandro, a proud Native American man, as they navigate the prejudices and injustices of their time.

The characters are well-developed and their struggles feel authentic and relatable. Ramona’s journey to find her place in a society that rejects her is both heartbreaking and inspiring, while Alessandro’s battles with the harsh realities of life as a Native American are depicted with raw emotion and depth.

The writing is rich and evocative, painting a vivid picture of California’s sweeping landscapes and diverse cultures. Jackson’s keen eye for detail brings the setting to life, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of the time period.

Overall, Ramona is a timeless and thought-provoking novel that sheds light on the complexities of race, identity, and societal norms. It is a powerful reminder of the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.

Book Description:
Set in Old California in the wake of the Mexican-American War, Ramona is two stories at once. It is the story of the love between a part-Native American orphan girl, Ramona, and Alessandro, a young Indian sheepherder. It is also the story of racial prejudice and the clash between cultures as California changes from a Spanish colony to an American territory. Ramona is the ward of Señora Gonzaga Moreno, who despises the girl for her race but honors the dying wish of the Señora's sister, Ramona's foster-mother, to raise her as her own. Señora Moreno embodies the aloof arrogance of Spanish nobility, hating both the Americans who dispute her claim to her vast rancho, and the Indians, whom she places in the same social class with slaves. Her only semblance of love is reserved for her son Felipe.

Despite the Señora's machinations, Ramona and Alessandro fall in love, and eventually elope. But their life together is not an easy one, as they roam the Southern California searching for a home. Their many hardships cannot dull their love for one another, but they soon take a toll that changes their lives forever. (Introduction by Christine Dufour)