Helpful Score: 2
I bought this book because it was written by the author of "Like Water for Chocolate," which I enjoyed. Ms Esquivel has taken a very basic, simple story of the relationship between Herman Cortes and his slave/lover Malinalli, and woven it into a fairy tale with pictures. It is set in Mexico during the 1500's when the Spaniards, under Cortes, took over Mexico, then ruled by Montezuma. It is based on the Aztec belief that the world is ruled by Earth, Wind, Fire and Water. The reviewers found it "ambitious and inventive." I found it "strange."
Esquivel never quite makes an emotional connection with the reader in this curiously remote story of the Native American woman who served as translator for Cortes in his conquest of Montezuma.
Beautiful story with wonderful descriptions that made everything come to life.
Enjoyed this book. Great descriptions and a wonderful story. It felt as if the story would flow better if I was reading it in spanish rather than in English.
If you're interested in Mexican history, particularly the role of women in it, this is a great read for you.
I picked this book because I loved Like Water for Chocolate and it was 3 dollars at Borders. This book is a little slow in the beginning, so I put it down and now I am not really interested in picking it back up.
