Veronica Chapa offers this fictionalized account of the life of Malinalli, who was the interpreter for Cortes when he invaded Mexico--"a pivotal figure in Mexican history" according to Kirkus. A fantastic account with lots of magic mixed in with the horrible depradations of the Spaniards against the indigenous peoples. We also get the benefit of her detailed research into the customs and culture of these tribes. Booklist offers this review and positive recommendation:
"First-time novelist Chapa masterfully blends history and myth in a mesmerizing reimagining of Malinalli, also known as La Malinche, the enigmatic interpreter for conquistador Hernán Cortés. Though born into Nahua nobility, Malinalli ended up living a life irrevocably shaped by loss and vengeance following the deaths of her twin and her father. Her journey takes her from priestess to slave as the Spanish invade the Aztec empire, and ultimately to Cortés's translator, but her role is far from ordinary. Chapa imbues Malinalli with supernatural powers, including the ability to bring her embroidery to life, adding a fantastical dimension to the narrative. As Malinalli battles warring leaders and mystical forces, she is caught between loyalty and survival as she embarks on a quest for justice. Chapa delivers a spellbinding tale that reclaims Malinalli's story with imagination, depth, and compassion. This novel is a must-read for fans of magical realism and stories that challenge traditional views of history."
Kirkus is lukewarm in their review, calling the book more of a "fantasy adventure" than a historical novel. They go on to say "The plot follows what we know of the real events of La Malinche’s life only vaguely, and there’s little sense of place or of everyday life in 16th-century Mexico. But the book’s biggest flaw is the flatness of its characters, especially Malinalli herself, whose voice seems to remain that of an adolescent even as she’s exposed to (and takes part in) brutal violence." And they add "La Malinche is a complex symbol, seen by some as a victim of colonialism, by others as a traitor to her people, and by yet others as a founding mother of today’s Mexico. This novel, a fictionalized version of her life, won’t settle any arguments."
