The Dreamer

The Dreamer, by Pam Munoz Ryan and Peter Sis. Scholastic Press, 2010.


The Dreamer is a beautiful marriage of narrative and illustrations. This novel follows young Neftali’s life as he struggles to thrive in his home in Chile. Is father expects Neftali to be physically strong like himself and to work hard to be a doctor or businessman. He ridicules the young boy for day dreaming, reading too much and his fanciful listening to a mysterious voice. Neftali’s older brighter experiences the same treatment form their father, as he wishes to be a singer. The oasis in this sea of criticism is Neftali’s step mother, Mamadre. She recognizes the talent of her step sons, but is unable to stand up to their authoritarian husband as he attempts to mold the boys to meet his expectations. Throughout the novel Neftali is called by a voice that questions the world around him, encouraging him to explore the poetry that he sees and feels. As Neftali grows older he begs his uncle to allow him to work at the newspaper as a writer, but Neftali is once again exposed to the cruelty of the world when the paper is burned down for writing opinions that differ from those of the town’s leaders. Though his father has attempted to stamp out all trace of artistry and imagination, Neftali eventually is accepted to a forward thinking university where he is finally able to express himself freely.

Pam Munoz Ryan and Peter Sis create a beautiful story in which the imaginings and emotions of Neftali are artfully expressed through the poetic writing and beautiful illustrations. Many readers will begin this novel not knowing that is an imagined account of the life of Pablo Neruda. The poetry written in the style of Neruda that is interspersed throughout the text allows the reader a glimpse into the potential inspiration for Neruda’s famous poetry. The metafiction components of this story are featured most prominently as the readers sees Neftali becoming a writer of civil rights pieces, arguing for the freedoms of the native people of Chile, as well as developing the poetry for which he will someday become famous.