The narrative structure is non-linear and shifts between multiple perspectives. How does this structure affect your understanding of the characters and their development? Did this style enhance or challenge your reading experience? Whose did you like/dislike or resonate with the most?
The novel features only one female narrator among several male voices. What is the significance of having just one female perspective in a story dominated by male narratives? How does her point of view shape our understanding of the broader themes, such as family, identity, and power? Do you think her voice offers a contrast or complement to the male perspectives, and why might Espinoza have chosen to limit female narration in this way?
Espinoza chooses to include Spanish in the novel without translation or italics, presenting the language as an integral, natural part of the narrative. How does this decision impact your reading experience, and what does it suggest about the characters’ cultural identities and the novel’s themes of authenticity and belonging? In what ways does the inclusion of untranslated Spanish shape your understanding of the characters and their world?
In The Sons of El Rey, the characters grapple with their sense of self, often navigating complex layers of identity shaped by migration, family ties, and cultural expectations. How does the novel portray the challenges and sacrifices of migration as it intersects with their journeys of self-discovery?
Father-son relationships are central to the story. How are these relationships portrayed throughout the book? In what ways does the title The Sons of El Rey reflect both the literal and metaphorical dynamics between fathers and sons?
Lucha libre, with its masked wrestlers and theatrical battles, plays a prominent role in the novel. How does lucha libre serve as a metaphor for the characters' personal struggles, particularly their conflicts around identity, power, and survival? In what ways do the masks and personas of lucha libre reflect the ways characters hide or reveal their true selves?
The persona of El Rey de Coyote that Ernesto adopts in the luchador ring takes on a life and perspective of its own. How does this alter-ego influence each character’s life and shape their perspectives? What significance does El Rey de Coyote hold for them individually and within their relationships?
Queer identity plays a significant role in the novel. How does Alex Espinoza portray the struggles and complexities of being queer in a traditional, often conservative, Latino community? What challenges do the queer characters face in reconciling their identity with familial and cultural expectations?
In The Sons of El Rey, Alex Espinoza explores complex intersections of masculinity and queer identity, set against the hyper-masculine world of lucha libre. How do the male characters navigate traditional expectations of masculinity in relation to their sexual identities, and how does this internal and external tension shape their self-perceptions and relationships? In what ways does the performative nature of lucha libre mirror the characters’ own performances of masculinity in their daily lives?
Secrets and hidden truths are a recurring motif. How do revelations of hidden histories or secrets change the course of the story and the relationships between characters? Are there particular moments of truth-telling that stand out?
The novel touches on class and economic disparity. How do wealth, poverty, and the aspiration for success shape the lives of the characters? In what ways are they constrained or liberated by their social class?
Alex Espinoza explores themes of heritage and generational trauma. How do the experiences of the different generations in the novel reflect changes in cultural values, expectations, and experiences of displacement or belonging?
Espinoza’s writing vividly portrays place and environment. How does the setting — both in the U.S. and Mexico — influence the characters’ experiences and emotional journeys?
The Columbia Center for Teaching and Learning outlines 5 principles for inclusive teaching. This list has been adapted for those for creating an inclusive Book Club experience.
1. Foster belonging by having introductions, chosen name/pronouns, and avatars during the first meeting.
2. Set expectations by outlining Book Club including frequency, type of work, and examples.
3. Recognize diversity and acknowledge barriers to inclusion by choosing a variety of authors and providing the content.
4. Design for accessibility by providing the most flexible mode of instruction.
5. Reflect on your own beliefs by asking students for suggestions and implementing them for the next semester.
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