50 pages • 1 hour read
Sonia ManzanoThe Revolution of Evelyn Serrano
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Chapters 19-24Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Chapter 19 Summary: “Operation Pasteles”
Evelyn discusses her grandmother’s conflict with her mother, uncovering their strained relationship and her mother’s past struggles. She learns about her mother’s lonely childhood, which was spent mostly at relatives’ houses. Evelyn attends a church meeting between the Young Lords and parishioners, hopeful for a positive outcome regarding the group’s request for space to run community programs. The meeting ends without granting the Young Lords permission to use the church. Conversations among attendees turn to the Nationalist movement in Puerto Rico and the Ponce Massacre, leaving Evelyn apprehensive about her family’s controversial ties to the tragic event.
Chapter 20 Summary: “The Takeover”
The Young Lords take over the neighborhood church and gain space for community programs. As the Young Lords nail the doors shut, Evelyn’s family faces division over whether to stay or leave. Evelyn’s determination to stay triggers a heated argument between her mother and grandmother regarding their past. Despite the tension, Evelyn’s mother decides to stay to ensure her daughter’s safety.
Chapter 21 Summary: “The Enchanted Cottage”
Evelyn notices a charged atmosphere inside the church during the Young Lords’ takeover. The community inside the church feels revitalized and cared for, enjoying the free services provided. The arrival of a reporter adds excitement, highlighting the significance of the takeover to the community. Afterward, Evelyn attempts to convince her mother to donate food to the church’s breakfast program, and the interaction reveals deeper tensions about their differing perspectives on charity and community support.
Chapter 22 Summary: “My Bodyguard”
Evelyn’s attempt to go to the church is halted by her mother, who insists on joining her. At the church, they notice an increased media presence as the Young Lords hold a press conference, highlighting their community services. In the basement, Evelyn finds the breakfast program already in full swing and sees Angel enjoying a meal. She reflects on the church’s role in providing warmth during winter and a safe haven from Angel’s abusive father. Despite polite interactions, tension lingers between Evelyn’s mother and grandmother as they seek distractions from each other in the following days.
Chapter 23 Summary: “Puzzle”
The church becomes a bustling center, attracting Puerto Ricans from across the city, who come to enjoy various free services, including breakfast programs and medical screenings. Angel expresses gratitude for the community’s care. Evelyn is surprised to discover her grandmother teaching a Puerto Rican history class, and she fears that her family’s connection to the Ponce Massacre will be exposed. At the class, she notices her mother’s longing gaze toward her grandmother.
Chapter 24 Summary: “The Poet”
The Young Lords’ church takeover attracts the attention of public figures, including actors and actresses. Evelyn and her friend Migdalia reluctantly attend a poetry reading with Evelyn’s mother. As the poet discusses the struggles of Puerto Ricans, Angel becomes increasingly anxious, questioning Evelyn about the meaning of the poet’s words. Evelyn is unexpectedly emotional, finding truth and catharsis in the experience, but she seeks confirmation from her mother and grandmother. Her grandmother’s emotional response and her mother’s discomfort indicate the resonance of the poet’s words. Reactions from the crowd vary, with some showing appreciation while others display discomfort. Afterward, Evelyn and her grandmother plan a clothing drive, while the family silently reflects on their way home.
Chapters 19-24 Analysis
The evolving perspective of Evelyn’s mother on her family history acts as a catalyst for personal reconciliation. Mrs. Serrano is initially hesitant to discuss the past, but a conversation with Evelyn about Abuela sparks a deeper understanding of Mrs. Serrano’s complicated relationship with the woman, for Abuela’s penchant for political activism has left Evelyn’s mother with a sense of abandonment. This conversation represents a first attempt between Evelyn and her mother to understand and heal their complex family dynamics. As Evelyn sits with her mother and grandmother during the church takeover, her description of the emotional vibe as “angry love” captures the layered nature of the women’s relationship, for despite their festering disagreements, an underlying sense of familial love and concern binds them together. When Evelyn observes her mother gazing longingly at her grandmother, the moment encapsulates the cycle of understanding and misunderstanding within their family. Her mother’s longing gaze signifies a yearning for connection and understanding despite the apparent distance and tension between them. This passage underscores the interconnectedness of past, present, and future generations, illustrating the first steps in a process of reconciliation and understanding within their family: a bridge toward healing old wounds and strengthening their bonds.
Evelyn’s mother also undergoes a profound transformation in her attitude toward the Young Lords and their efforts, symbolizing a shift in her understanding of The Power of Community Activism and her acceptance of their cultural and political significance. During the poetry reading, she calls Evelyn’s attention and emphasizes behaving respectfully for the event, demonstrating her growing acceptance of important community events organized by the group. The impact of the community programs extends far beyond addressing practical needs within the community, for initiatives like the free breakfast program, the clothing drive, and the history classes provide essential resources and cultivate a sense of belonging and empowerment among residents. What was once a community marked by despondency and disillusionment now radiates revitalization and optimism from the church’s walls. Angel’s transformation is emblematic of the movement’s success, for he is now fueled by the care and support of the church’s programs, and his improvement serves as a testament to the profound impact of community-driven initiatives. Additionally, the Young Lords’ church takeover serves as a rallying point for Puerto Ricans from across the city, garnering attention from the media and spreading their message beyond local confines. Evelyn’s mother recognizes catalysts for positive change in their multifaceted initiatives, recognizing that the Young Lords are empowering their community to confront systemic challenges.
These chapters also highlight The Importance of Critically Examining History, for Evelyn finds herself navigating the complex intersection of her family history and her cultural identity within her newfound sense of community. Her embarrassment and worry regarding her grandfather’s involvement in the Ponce Massacre reveal her deep-seated fear of judgment and stigma tied to her family’s past. The fear of judgment and ostracization for her grandfather’s past actions becomes a heavy burden, and as she grapples with the possibility of being associated with this fraught history, she fears the repercussions on her reputation and identity. She also tries to reconcile her family’s past with her present self and her newfound sense of belonging. By labeling herself as a “phony,” Evelyn internalizes this shame and guilt, further emphasizing her desire to distance herself from this particular aspect of her personal history.
