Jose Antonio Delgadillo

West of Western Jose Antonio Delgadillo

The struggle between family sacrifice and personal success. José Antonio Delgadillo examines his life and his faith in this revolutionary fictional memoir. Delgadillo creates an alternative self, Pablo Colmena, who experiences financial success at a heavy cost. Through Pablo's writings, Delgadillo explores themes of identity and devotion while also chronicling and celebrating the city of his birth - Los Angeles.



Pablo is the son of an immigrant Catholic family. His relationship with his father has always been troubled, culminating in an incident in which his investments cost his father his job. Pablo keeps his involvement a secret and carries around shame and guilt that further distance him from his father.



At the same time, Pablo questions his devotion to the Catholic church. His uncertainties about religion only serve to drive a wedge between him and the rest of the family. Pablo strives to leave his impoverished childhood behind him, but his experiences will make him realize just how much his parents gave up to offer him a better life.



Delgadillo's work shows the enduring power of family and argues that money and success don't necessarily buy happiness and contentment.