I would argue that the complex narrative structure used in the excerpt is an example of establishing a work of fiction that is based on nonfiction. In this excerpt, which is found at the beginning of Soto's story, the author is recalling not just his grandmother's advice on how to make a living and who to marry, but <em>how</em> specifically she gave that advice to him - interspersing words in Spanish and sounds, and using an overall humorous way of speaking - and how he interpreted it and assessed it. This way of narrating is very relatable, vivid and realistic, and, as a result, the story seems believable and engages the reader.
