Coming of Age

In Efrén Divided, the author thematically delves into coming of age, through his character Efrén. At the outset of the narrative, when Amá is arrested and deported, Efrén feels envious of his younger siblings. When he talks to Apá about their options, he “watche[s] Max and Mía laughing, jealous of how clueless they [are] to what [has] happened. Part of him—a larger part than he’d like to admit—even wishe[s] he could be plucked up and kept in the dark too” (50). The author utilizes this moment to illustrate that coming of age is the stripping away of innocence. Without the protection of naivety, Efrén is forced to confront the truth, his mother has been taken away from them and they do not know if she can come back. He holds the adult worries and responsibilities...