Dream, Sweet Dreams of You by Latino writer Rick Vasquez is a romantic novella based on actual events.
The colorful culture and history of the Mexican community in the United States, particularly in Los Angeles, California, has produced some of the most remarkable art, literature, and narrative that are reflective not only of the relationship of both countries and their people but also the flight and plight of Latin-Americans. Today, we will feature a historical romance novel that will take us back in time and allow a glimpse of the immigrant communities through the epic love story of two lovers and their families.
Dream, Sweet Dreams of You by Rick Vasquez
Rick Vasquez and Leslie Joy Vasquez co-wrote Dream, Sweet Dreams of You in 2018. Set during the early 1900s, the story is based on the history of Rick Vasquez’s family, specifically the love story between her grandmother Rafella and her husband, Juan. The tumultuous chapter in Mexican history and the dictatorship of President Porfirio Diaz provides a rich backdrop to Vasquez’s narrative.
Dream, Sweet Dreams of You paints the turbulent and trying period for the Latino community in Los Angeles, California. Most of the immigrants left for the United States settled in Sonora Town, one of the Mexican communities in Los Angeles. With no lands, no houses of their own, and abandoned by the new city government, many Mexicans during this period struggled for a dignified life. However, many of them found good fortune and established businesses and properties in La Placita and Sonora town.
“1914 Sonora Town, Los Angeles, California.
Senor Sanchez, a resident of Sonora Town in the midst of a town meeting: “Amigos, are you suggesting that we riot and war with the Anglos? That we draw weapons and risk our family’s lives? And what about when they retaliate? We are banditos in America’s eyes. The whole country will come against us… No, I can’t put my family in this situation, and neither can you. We need to help each other. We must survive as neighbors, and family, until we can show the gringos we can support our own. We can’t solve anything with violence.” (excerpt from the book)
The romance of Rafella and Juan was a roller-coaster ride. As the daughter of one of the largest cattle ranchers in California, Rafella was sheltered and always under the watchful eyes of her father. Juan, on the other hand, is a free-spirited boy whose passion is music and fame. They met in front of the old church in La Placita and immediately fell in love. To be with Juan, young Rafella abandoned her family and her rights to her family’s heir. Starting a family proves to be a challenge for the young lovers, with Juan still desperately chasing his personal dreams and at times at the expense of their relationship. But despite the odds and the frustration, Rafella and Juan soldiered on and never left each other’s side. They managed to build a family and keep the love they had for each other. As the years passed by, they would eventually found peace and serenity. Dream, Sweet Dreams of You is a romantic saga that depicts the journey of two lovers at a time of great personal conflicts and social injustices. It is an epic tale that happened many years ago yet has left a long-lasting impact on the lives of their family. Rick and Leslie Joy Vasquez share a truly unique and compelling novel we have not seen in recent years. Dream, Sweet Dreams of You is a heartwarming Vasquez book on Latino survival love story worth reading.
Rick Vasquez is a Latino author, artist, musician, and movie producer. He is an author of three major works, including Dream, Sweet Dreams of You. Rick Vasquez is immensely proud of his heritage and the Latino community’s sacrifices to better each new generation. He is a proud father and grandfather and a devout family man with strong spiritual faith.
