Tropic of Orange by Karen Tei Yamashita is a 1997 magical realism novel that spans a week, exploring interconnected lives in Los Angeles and beyond, as a mystical event beginning in Mexico influences the city's climate and geography. Diverse characters navigate surreal disruptions, delving into themes like native resistance to colonialism, cultural diversity, and the immigrant experience. Includes themes of child endangerment and violence.

Karen Tei Yamashita's Tropic of Orange dazzles with its vivid prose and intricate, multi-layered narrative, blending magical realism with social critique. Readers praise its bold experimentation and diverse characters but find the complex plot occasionally challenging to follow. It's celebrated for addressing critical themes such as globalization and cultural intersectionality.

Readers who enjoy Tropic of Orange by Karen Tei Yamashita are often fans of magical realism, multicultural narratives, and socio-political commentary. Similar to those who appreciate Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude and Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses, they are intrigued by complex, interwoven stories that explore diverse identities and global issues.

Fantastical / Mysterious / Gritty / Adventurous / Contemplative

Karen Tei Yamashita

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Tropic of Orange and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Tropic of Orange Summary and Study Guide

Background

Tropic of Orange Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Monday: Summer Solstice”

Part 1 Tropic of Orange Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Tuesday: Diamond Lane”

Part 2 Tropic of Orange Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Wednesday: Cultural Diversity”

Part 3 Tropic of Orange Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Thursday: The Eternal Buzz”

Part 4 Tropic of Orange Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Friday: Artificial Intelligence”

Part 5 Tropic of Orange Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Saturday: Queen of Angels”

Part 6 Tropic of Orange Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Sunday: Pacific Rim”

Part 7 Tropic of Orange Part 7 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Tropic of Orange Character Analysis

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Themes

Tropic of Orange Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Tropic of Orange Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Tropic of Orange Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Tropic of Orange Essay Topics

Tropic of Orange

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Tropic of Orange?

Reading Age

Book Details