Atria/Primero Sueno Press
Malinalli
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"A vivid and unprecedented journey into the Spanish invasion of Aztec Mexico." --Luis Alberto Urrea, acclaimed author of The House of Broken Angels
A "wild, unforgettable adventure" (Reyna Grande, author of A Dream Called Home) about the triumphs and sorrows of one of the most controversial and misunderstood women in Mexico's history and mythology, perfect for fans of Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Gods of Jade and Shadow and Zoraida Córdova's The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina.
A real-life historical figure, the woman known as Malinalli, Malintzin, La Malinche, Doña Marina, and Malinalxochitl was the Nahua interpreter who helped Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés communicate with the native people of Mexico. When indigenous leaders observed her marching into their cities, they believed she was a goddess--blessed with the divine power to interpret the Spaniards' intentions for their land. Later, historians and pop culture would deem her a traitor--the "Indian" girl who helped sell Mexico's future to an invader.
In this "lush tale about the power of language, the complexities of empire, and the bonds of sisterhood" (Rita Chang-Eppig, author of Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea), Malinalli is all of those things and more, but at heart, she's a young girl, kidnapped into slavery by age twelve, and fighting to survive. Blessed with magical powers, and supported by a close-knit circle of priestesses, Mali vows to help defend her people's legacy. For the first time, Malinalli's "propulsive story of magic, love, and the struggle for power in a new world" (Luis Jaramillo, author of The Witches of El Paso) is told with the empathy, humanity, and awe she's always deserved.
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Book Details
ISBN:
9781668009017
EAN:
9781668009017
Binding:
Hardcover
Pages:
384
Authors:
Veronica Chapa
Publisher:
Atria/Primero Sueno Press
Published Date: 2025-11-03
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A controversial figure in history, but a very well written reimagining of her life’s story. So much interesting and fascinating history and language displayed in the author’s very comforting and ancient storyteller narrative voice. I enjoyed every page and the empowerment she gave to Malinalli. It made me read and research more on my culture’s rich, ancient history.
Great tale combining history and fantasy!
I liked the general plot of this book, but I didn’t like the style. Magic, magic, magic. Made me wonder how Cortés conquered them.
Interesting historical fiction with a fantasy undercurrent. Malinalli is a retelling of the life story of Malinche, who was a translator for Hernan Cortez when he came to pillage South America. she has been cast as a traitor to her people by history. this book is an attempt to redeem her.I enjoyed the character of Malinalli and all of the folklore and magic of the story.Towards the end of the story it became a little repetitive though so this is a rounded up 3.5 star rating.
This wonderful book combines mythology,, research and magic to tell the story of the woman most important to the founding of Mexico. Her bittersweet tale is brought to life by Veronica Chapa, a rare storyteller whose next work we await impatiently.
