When the Angels Came

Relatively few Latino novels are published yearly in the United States. Now from Rudy Apodaca comes When the Angels Came a compelling story of a 12-year-old boy and of the old man who befriends him and a poignant narrative of their unparalleled friendship. The story begins in 1934 in west Texas when Santiago Dominguez as a six-year-old loses his parents and is then raised by his loving uncle. Four years out of high school as a Marine Santiago finds himself fighting in Korea where he’s injured and awarded the Silver Star for bravery. Two years later in 1952 he moves to San Miguel the “tiniest” of villages hidden along the Rio Grande in southern New Mexico. There for many years he lives a quiet and private life earning a reputation as a good man but nonetheless a recluse. Being modest he tells no one of his past. Not until 2011 when Jamie Almaguer moves into San Miguel with his parents do the boy and Santiago now 83 years old meet. The old man is now known as Don Santiago the title a tribute of respect. Despite warnings from other youngsters to stay away from Don Santiago “The Hermit” as they call him Jamie by mere happenstance meets the old man at a grocery store. From that chance meeting the two begin a relationship that bonds them despite their age difference. Don Santiago guides and comforts Jamie through difficulties in his young life his first confrontation with racism the sexual assault of his close friend and the sudden illness of his mother. In time Jamie comes to treasure Don Santiago who molds him providing the tools to tackle life’s issues. This at a time most youngsters often with considerable apprehension are exploring the world around them and what living in it is all about. Ten years later when a graduate student Jamie makes his final entry in his journal the spirit of Don Santiago within him. Above all else Jamie writes Don Santiago gave me what I considered the greatest gift anyone can give another. He believed in me. That can do much to invigorate and inspire the soul and the mind of a youngster just barely starting out in life.