`the Virgin of Flames` (by Chris Abani)

The Virgin of Flames ' by Chris Abani

The immigrant novel entitled The Virgin of Flames ' and written by Chris Abani can be approached as a sincere , sometimes excessively frank writing about extremities into which human psyche can fall in the search for identity . The present is intended to discuss the theme of social and psychoemotional margins in the book and argues that the protagonist , living in extremely uneasy , criminalized neighborhood needs to focus on marginalized people , disgusting experiences and experiments , due to the spirit of forthcoming collapse and devastation dominant in

his community

The plot of The Virgin of Flames ' is set in the eastern part of Los Angeles , probably the most diverse and multicultural place in the city where African and Hispanic Americans are trying to coexist peacefully yet without success . The atmosphere of threat and decadence is emphasized by the author since the first paragraphs : The inevitable broken fire hydrant surrounded by an explosion of half-naked squealing children bearing witness to the blessed coolness of water . World-weary tenements and houses contemplating a more decadent past , looking undecided , as if they would up and leave for a better part of the city at any moment (Abani , 2007 ,

. 3 . The dark mystery of the place is further supplemented by apocalyptic apparitions of the Virgins of Guadalupe , considered a negative omen , warning about the forthcoming catastrophes . Desperate and horrified members of the disintegrated community begin to reveal the most antisocial and sordid sides of their personalities as a result...