Coming Attractions (book)

Coming Attractions is a 1981 novella by American author Sandra Cisneros. It is considered a key early work in Chicana literature, notable for its exploration of female identity, cultural hybridity, and the challenges faced by young women growing up in a Mexican-American community in Chicago.

The novella, told in a series of vignettes, follows the coming-of-age of the protagonist, Esperanza Cordero, as she navigates the complexities of family, poverty, sexuality, and her search for a place to belong. The fragmented narrative style mirrors Esperanza's fragmented experiences and her evolving understanding of the world around her.

Coming Attractions is often cited as a precursor to Cisneros's more famous novel, The House on Mango Street, and shares similar themes and characters. It is a significant work for its early portrayal of Chicana girlhood and its influence on subsequent generations of Latina writers. Its themes of self-discovery, the desire for independence, and the importance of community resonate with readers across cultural backgrounds. The title alludes to the future possibilities and potential that lie ahead for Esperanza, despite the obstacles she faces.