57 pages • 1 hour read
Héctor TobarThe Barbarian Nurseries
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Barbarian Nurseries by Héctor Tobar chronicles Araceli, a live-in maid for the Torres-Thompson family in a gated Orange County community, who embarks on a journey through Los Angeles with the family's two boys after their parents unexpectedly leave, leading to a media frenzy and legal troubles centered on her immigration status. The novel addresses domestic violence and systemic prejudice.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Héctor Tobar’s The Barbarian Nurseries explores contemporary issues through the lens of a Mexican immigrant housekeeper in Los Angeles. Critics praise its rich character development and insightful social commentary. Some find its pacing uneven and length daunting, but overall, it’s lauded for its compelling narrative and cultural relevance.
Who Should Read The Barbarian Nurseries?
A reader who would enjoy Héctor Tobar's The Barbarian Nurseries is someone interested in contemporary social issues, multicultural dynamics, and the interplay of class and identity in modern America. This novel appeals to fans of Sandra Cisneros's The House on Mango Street and Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections.