“Signs preceding the end of the world” by Yuri Herrera is a book about a young girl named Makina and her journey to cross the border to the United States. Taking place in Mexico and being created by a Mexican writer, Makina is very much your typical Latina. Yuri Herrera created Makina’s character to make a connection towards his own people. When reading the book, Makina is very smart, protective entitled to her own opinion, very beyond her years. As a girl who’s on her own and is trying to cross the border she needs to to be trucha as many Spanish speaking people calling being “cautiously aware” which Yuri paints Makina very well with her strong personality. Yuri characterizes Makina like any other Chicana X writer would; for example in the beginning Makina is always taking about pulque. In “the big Chilango” which Yuri is (or at least I strongly believe) referring to Mexico City is really known for its pulque. However, the pulque isn’t for everyone and certainly not for women; its frowned upon to see a young lady drinking this since its such a strong drink. It’s enjoyable to see a male author write this from a female perspective and it being so positive without him bashing women who drink. Also, pulque itself is the staple alcoholic drink of Mexico City/Hidalgo so for Makina to be drinking it and liking it is a very meaningful to her own heritage and culture.
Literary Genres in Translation 