The "Daughter of Invention" is a short story written by Julia Alvarez that tells the tale of a young girl named Yolanda and her family's journey from the Dominican Republic to the United States. The story follows Yolanda as she navigates the challenges of growing up in a new country and finding her place within her family and community.
At the beginning of the story, Yolanda is a young girl living in the Dominican Republic with her parents and older brother, Rafa. Yolanda's father is a talented inventor, and he spends most of his time working on his inventions in the garage. Yolanda's mother is a homemaker who takes care of the household and supports her husband's work. Yolanda is a curious and creative child who loves to help her father in the garage and come up with her own inventions.
However, the family's comfortable life is turned upside down when Yolanda's father becomes involved in the political opposition to the dictator Trujillo and is forced to flee the country. Yolanda, her parents, and her brother are forced to leave everything behind and start a new life in the United States.
In the United States, Yolanda and her family struggle to adjust to their new surroundings. They struggle to find work and make ends meet, and Yolanda misses her old life in the Dominican Republic. She also faces the challenges of being a newcomer in a new country, where she doesn't speak the language and doesn't know anyone.
Despite these challenges, Yolanda remains optimistic and determined to make the best of her new life. She works hard in school and eventually becomes fluent in English. She also helps her father in the garage, where he continues to work on his inventions. Yolanda's creativity and resourcefulness are put to the test when she comes up with a unique invention of her own – a portable hair dryer for her mother, who struggles to dry her long hair in the small bathroom of their new apartment.
As Yolanda grows up, she becomes more confident and self-sufficient. She discovers her passion for writing and begins to express herself through her writing. She also becomes more involved in her community, volunteering at a local library and participating in community service projects.
Throughout the story, Yolanda's parents remain supportive of her and encourage her to pursue her dreams. They also serve as role models for her, showing her the importance of hard work, perseverance, and determination.
In the end, Yolanda becomes a successful writer and a respected member of her community. She is able to bridge the gap between her old life in the Dominican Republic and her new life in the United States, and she becomes a "daughter of invention" in her own right – not just because of her father's inventions, but because of her own ingenuity and determination.
Overall, "Daughter of Invention" is a heartwarming and inspiring story about the challenges and triumphs of immigration, the importance of family and community, and the power of creativity and determination. It is a celebration of the resilience and determination of the human spirit and the ability to overcome adversity and make a new life for oneself.
