Face of an Angel

Employing a variety of techniques-unattributed dialogue, stories within stories, passages from term papers and a waitressing manual-Chavez's accomplished first novel weaves the interlocking histories of the Dosamantes clan and the fictional New Mexico town of Agua Oscura. But the author, a playwright, actress and story writer, seeks to be more than a compiler of earthy, colorful tales about love, marriage, death, trailer parks and pickup trucks. Here is an updated Pilgrim's Progress with a Chicana feminist twist: Chavez follows the spiritual journey of her narrator, Soveida Dosamantes, who grows from a shy fearful girl to become a vulnerable, obliging waitress and, finally, a forceful woman ready to make difficult choices. Her highly readable style effortlessly mixes Spanish and English in a way that won't jar the monolingual reader (``May [the Virgin Mary] spare you a drunken man... smelling of frijoles and beer. Dios mio el gas!''). And if there is an occasional excess of sentimentality, there is never a dull moment in this rich polyphonic novel. 25,000 first printing; BOMC and QPB selections; author tour. (Sept.)