Malinche

Laura Esquivel is not your ordinary writer of mundane stories as clearly witnessed in her previous work. 'Malinche' was interpreted from Spanish and tells the saga of a young native girl. Always Esquivel brings a brilliant and unusual blend of point-of-view, story & magic. In this ambitious and creatively crafted book, the historical facts she offers in an at-times-chronologically-defiant story line is fascinating and brings to vivid life the historical figures, culture & climate of the 1500's Yucatan Mexico. I feel sorry that one reviewer didn't even give this powerful character and worthy story a chance to be understood before quitting after page 50 and then giving a bad review. I admit the long Mexican names slowed down the flow of reading for me initially but once I got past this, the story was so captivating that upon reading the last sentence, I immediately started it all over again and appreciated it even more this second time. One other thing to understand is that there is a very spiritual aspect to the main character, Malinalli. For me, that is what is so sparkling in the book. Esquivel is one of those rare & gifted writers who brings to life a contemplative woman who is deeply connected to the Elements, the Sun, Corn, a Horse and all of nature. The descriptions of the powerful relationship and the conversations she has with her wise blind grandmother I read and re-read. If the reader is not aligned to a mystical way of perceiving life, it may not appeal. I did appreciate, too, how much of the mysterious history of that period was brought to life for me so that I gained new understanding of those tumultuous times. It is now among my favorite inspirational books and some day, if I am ever ill or impaired I will request some kind person to read me this book aloud. Thank you, Ms. Esquivel for another of your inspired works!

Great Buy!! the book was in PERFECT conditions and the price was soooo cheap!!! Shipping was also supper fast!!!! THNX THNX aloot!!! =] peace.

El libro lo recibi y su edicion me parecio buena. La idea de escuchar la "voz" de una mujer a la que solo conocia como la traductora de Cortez me parecio interesante. En general el libro es bien logrado, con una excelente narrativa y logrando que el lector "vea" con los ojos de Malinali. La forma en que se pinta la llegada de los "barbudos" y como se pinta a Cortez esta en linea con los 500 anos de resistencia, pero a la vez se pinta a los aztecas/mexicas como un pueblo guerrero y sanguinario conta el cual peleaban otros pueblos. Lo que no me gusto es la falta de glosario. Para todos aquellos que no somos mexicanos el lenguaje es a veces incomprensible ya que se usan muchos terminos regionales o peor aun en idiomas de la zona. Como el libro se lee sin wikipedia al lado realmente me costo entender algunos pasajes.

This lyrical novel permits you to see the conquest of the Aztecs by Cortes in a new light. The story is told by Mallinali, a native slave woman trained by her grandmother in ancient wisdom. Through her eyes you understand why Cortes was believed to be the returned god Quetzalcoatl, coming to end Aztec domination and cruelty, especially human sacrifices. Nicknamed Malinche, Mallinali became Cortes' translator and mistress. Entering her inner dialogue, we experience her doubts once she comes to know Cortes, as well as her ambitions to better her lot in life. The story plumbs the riches of this unusual woman's spirituality and philosophy, while highlighting the world-shattering changes made by the conquistadors in the life of the indiginous peoples of Mexico

Para todos aquellos que siempre tenemos una ligera inquietud y un poco de antojo por saber mas.. Este libro es un manjar sobre un lado humano de la mal querida Malinche. Una nina que al nacer pronto pierde al padre, la abandona su mama, la cria la abuela y al morir esta su madre la regala-intercambia. Al crecer un poco y debido a su facilidad para aprender lenguajes unos "extranjeros" la utilizan. Se enamora, desilusiona, se vuele a enamorar... actua con miedo... Es una gran variedad de sentimientos que esta mujer experimenta y por supuesto uno tambien gracias a la gran facilidad de expresion que caracteriza a la autora. Algo mas que no debemos pasar por alto... "Como Agua para Chocolate"