The Children of the Sun

A few years ago I saw the film "Cabeza de Vaca" which fascinated me, and this book deepened my knowledge of this incredible Spanish explorer and his three companions, who were called by the Native American tribes that they met on their journey across America, the "Children of the Sun". The book is based on the records left by de Vaca and others, but the author conjures thought-provoking scenarios of Spanish and Indian interactions. Originally with a company of hard-core conquerors, de Vaca and three others are the only ones left after they shipwreck off the Gulf coast of Florida. They were enslaved by one tribe for a few years, but after escaping, they became known to other tribes as healers, and were cared for and protected by these tribes on their journey to return to Mexico. They crossed the southern part of what is now the U.S., barefoot and almost naked, meanwhile learning the language and customs of the tribes. They learned to love the indigenes, and finally upon arriving in Mexico, spoke against conquering and enslaving them. There are many interesting facets to the story, other than their journey, which include Cortes' battle with the Aztecs, interracial relationships, Catholicism versus Indian "paganism", romance, and political backstabbing by famous names among Spanish explorers and conquerors. There is much to learn and reflect upon in this book.