Scan barcode
gcpisani's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
4.5
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Urrea spent two decades researching the “history” of his distant relative – Teresa Urrea, the Saint of Cabora and “Joan of Arc” de Mexico.
This fictionalized biography of Teresa has many fantastical elements. She was a curandera and known to have prophetic dreams, as well as the healer’s gift. Even as a young girl she was in demand as a midwife because she could ease the mothers’ pains.
Urrea clearly loves the subject and writes poetically. There is a large cast of characters, though, and the reader should pay attention. But, then again, these stories have been told around campfires and kitchen tables for more than a century and who knows where the truth ends and the legend begins? The result, however, is that some characters appear without reason and disappear rather suddenly. Whatever happened to Millan? What happened to Gaby? What about Loreto? And, really, what happened to Teresa for the rest of her life?
Urrea uses a lot of Spanish in the text, as well as some indigenous Indian words. He tends to translate the latter, but not the former, so the non-Spanish speaking reader will be at a distinct disadvantage.
Like most folk tales, the book has more than its share of humor, as well as tragedy, suffering, and larger-than-life magic. It is a quintessentially Mexican story.
This fictionalized biography of Teresa has many fantastical elements. She was a curandera and known to have prophetic dreams, as well as the healer’s gift. Even as a young girl she was in demand as a midwife because she could ease the mothers’ pains.
Urrea clearly loves the subject and writes poetically. There is a large cast of characters, though, and the reader should pay attention. But, then again, these stories have been told around campfires and kitchen tables for more than a century and who knows where the truth ends and the legend begins? The result, however, is that some characters appear without reason and disappear rather suddenly. Whatever happened to Millan? What happened to Gaby? What about Loreto? And, really, what happened to Teresa for the rest of her life?
Urrea uses a lot of Spanish in the text, as well as some indigenous Indian words. He tends to translate the latter, but not the former, so the non-Spanish speaking reader will be at a distinct disadvantage.
Like most folk tales, the book has more than its share of humor, as well as tragedy, suffering, and larger-than-life magic. It is a quintessentially Mexican story.
maysa_christmas's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
abaugher's review against another edition
5.0
I audio-read this book, and had to start it over again immediately. The wording is so rich and beautiful, the story so touching, I had to go back and re-discover what I was afraid I might have missed the first time. It's even better the second time. Extraordinary!
lossanna's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
hbskeen's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jennagarcia's review against another edition
5.0
This is one for my library shelves. I was about a third of the way in before I realized it must be based in truth. I’m sure I will be going down a rabbit hole in the near future for more information about la Santa de Cabora.
sleeepykitty's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5