Ysrael Overview
“Ysrael” is a short story by Junot Diaz. It was originally published in Story magazine and was later reprinted in Diaz’s short story collection Drown. Ysrael takes place in the Dominican Republic and follows brothers Yunior and Rafa, who are recurring characters in Diaz’s work. Nine-year-old Yunior and twelve-year-old Rafa are spending the summer in a rural Dominican town with their uncle, and the brothers becomes fascinated by a local boy named Ysrael, who wears a mask over his face. Supposedly, Ysrael’s face was partially eaten by a pig when he was an infant. Rafa and Ysrael decide one day to seek out Ysrael. The story explores themes of violence, sex, complicity, youth, and family.
Study Pack
The Ysrael Study Pack contains:
