Analysis of “The Redheads are Bad Luck” by Manuel L. Alonso
1. Book Data
Title:
The Redheads are Bad Luck
Author:
Manuel L. Alonso
Editorial:
Alfaguara (Red Series)
Issues Published:
One
Edition Read:
11th Edition
Year:
1995
City:
Torrelaguna, Madrid
Number of Pages:
162
2. Author Details
Manuel L. Alonso wrote stories for adults for many years. From the late eighties, he dedicated himself exclusively to children’s and youth literature. His books cover diverse topics, from humor to horror.
He has won the Altea and Jaén Prizes and the Nobel Bookstore award. He has been a finalist for the Prix Europa and has been on the Honor Roll of White Raven and the CCIS.
He frequently changes his residence, describing himself as nomadic. He currently lives in Mallorca.
3. Abstract
Approach:
A teenage boy runs away from home and joins a gang of squatters in an abandoned warehouse. There he meets Helena, Chema, and others.
Node:
The police discover the squat, and everyone flees. Helena and the boy escape together. They search for John, Helena’s boyfriend, whom the boy is deeply infatuated with. A policeman who killed a man during a bank robbery is pursuing them. Helena and John witnessed the crime and reported it to the police. The policeman wants to kill them to prevent them from revealing his identity.
Despite his love for Helena, the boy helps her find her boyfriend. They spend a lot of time together and meet Horace, who agrees to help them catch the policeman. Helena and the boy act as bait, while Horace prepares to ambush the policeman. After many hours, the policeman appears, intending to kill Helena. Just as he is about to attack, Horace intervenes.
As Horace is about to strike the policeman with a hatchet, Helena desperately shouts, “No!” She has already suffered enough from witnessing the man’s death at the bank.
Outcome:
Helena bids farewell to the boy, promising that they will meet again. She leaves for Brazil with John, and the boy returns home to his parents. His love for Helena motivated his actions, but ultimately, they do not end up together.
4. Narrator Type
The story is primarily narrated in the first person.
5. Settings
Key settings include the street where a man attacks Helena and the boy, and the store where the police chase them.
6. Time Frame
The story is mostly written in the past tense, although there are instances where it is not. An adult man describes a period of his adolescence.
7. Public Perception of Squatters
Based on conversations, the general opinion of squatters is as follows:
The fundamental philosophy of squatting might seem appealing: utilizing empty houses to provide shelter for the homeless. However, the known cases and examples suggest a different reality. Squatters are often perceived as spoiled children, primarily from upper-middle-class backgrounds, who seek to rebel and have fun by defying societal expectations.
Furthermore, many squatters end up associating with violent groups, such as Independents and other pro-ETA factions. These groups seem to prioritize destruction, attacks, and opposition to the established system, rather than peaceful protest.
Characteristics:
Squatters are typically young people who illegally occupy empty houses, rooms, or buildings that do not belong to them. They establish these spaces as their living quarters and “centers” for organizing neighborhood activities (or so they claim).
Description:
They are often young individuals, not necessarily poor, who reject societal norms and openly defy laws. They have a distinct appearance, characterized by dreadlocks, piercings, tattoos, and specific clothing styles.
If squatters were not violent or disruptive, they might not be considered a nuisance.
8. Characters
| Name | Role | Global Relational Role | Physical Characteristics | Psychological Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chico | Narrator and protagonist | Helena’s companion while fleeing the police | Adolescent, about fourteen years old, childlike appearance | Loyal, good friend, sensitive, prioritizes Helena’s happiness over his own |
| Helena | Co-star | Member of the squatter gang and John’s girlfriend | Redhead, freckles, green eyes, pretty. About four years older than Chico. | Brave, outspoken, confident, and self-reliant |
| Horace | Secondary character | Helps Helena and Chico catch the policeman | Graying beard, thin hands, voice and eyes of someone accustomed to giving orders | Strong character, resentful, courageous |
| Policeman | Secondary character | Pursues Helena and John | Has a scar on his hand | Ruthless, angry |
| John | Secondary character | Helena’s boyfriend | Not described in detail | Not described in detail |
9. Lessons Learned
This book taught me that revenge is not always the right path. We must maintain a clear conscience, as demonstrated by Helena’s plea to Horace not to kill the policeman. It highlights the value of friendship and the importance of mutual support. It shows that genuine love seeks the happiness of the other person, as exemplified by Chico’s actions towards Helena. Finally, it reveals that appearances can be deceiving, as seen in the case of the seemingly respectable policeman who commits murder and pursues Helena and John.
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