Call number
FIC URR
Collection
Genres
Publication
Back Bay Books (2006), 499 pages
Description
Fiction. HTML: From one of America's most beloved authors, a tale of miracles and passion. Teresita is not an ordinary girl. Born of an illiterate, poor Indian mother, she knows little about her past or her future. She has no idea that her father is Don Tomas Urrea, the wild and rich owner of a vast ranch in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. She has no idea that Huila, the elderly healer who takes Teresita under her wing, knows secrets about her destiny. And she has no idea that soon all of Mexico will rise in revolution, crying out her name..
Subjects
User reviews
LibraryThing member -Cee-
I've always loved historical novels with their spotlights on the human story behind theories, dates and names. This well written book does not disappoint. As a descendant of Teresa Urrea, a proclaimed Mexican saint who played an important role in the Mexican Revolution of the late 1800s, Urrea has
Tense, violent and passionate passages - as well as those steeped in beauty and peace - are found throughout this vivid rendering of the hardscrabble life in the desert and mountains of Mexico. Hidden gems of thought shine through what is grim. It is a humble story of strength. The unbearable sweetness of love pervades the suffering of weakness, hatred and disease. There is joy of satisfaction and tenderness in human connections. Urrea has produced an insightful chronicle of a time both good and evil.
I didn't really find that I had to suspend my personal beliefs when I encountered the miraculous events of the story. Mythology and religion of diverse cultures have cited numerous incidents that are similar. While this book is about a mix of Catholic and Mexican Indian philosophy, my readings of eastern religions claim the same types of spiritual power and presence. If you don't believe in the super-natural at all, you may find yourself resisting the "miracles". However, it is still a wonderful story.
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done extensive research crossing Indian, Mexican and American cultures and resources. The result is a highly readable and engaging story of how a young girl grows from a neglected, dirty little orphan to a much loved and revered saint. Tense, violent and passionate passages - as well as those steeped in beauty and peace - are found throughout this vivid rendering of the hardscrabble life in the desert and mountains of Mexico. Hidden gems of thought shine through what is grim. It is a humble story of strength. The unbearable sweetness of love pervades the suffering of weakness, hatred and disease. There is joy of satisfaction and tenderness in human connections. Urrea has produced an insightful chronicle of a time both good and evil.
I didn't really find that I had to suspend my personal beliefs when I encountered the miraculous events of the story. Mythology and religion of diverse cultures have cited numerous incidents that are similar. While this book is about a mix of Catholic and Mexican Indian philosophy, my readings of eastern religions claim the same types of spiritual power and presence. If you don't believe in the super-natural at all, you may find yourself resisting the "miracles". However, it is still a wonderful story.
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LibraryThing member mckait
The author, at the end of this work of wonderous and beautiful fiction, this history, tells us it is the result of 20 years of historical and cultural research for the this book. It is the story of Teresa Urrea, also known as The Saint of Cabora. It is a story that was carried down through his
It takes you from the days before her birth, a fatherless child, in a hut with a dirt floor through her childhood, her life and so much more. This is a work of history, of spirituality and religion, of war, love hate and betrayal. It is a story of God, and healing and deep humanity.
Teresita, as she was called was eased from her mother's womb by Huila, a midwife and healer. At the moment of her birth, she was recognized as a gifted child. One who would be a healer in her own right, in the years to come.
Abandoned by her mother, she lived a life of poverty and abuse with her mothers sister and that sister's own children. It was only after an episode of extreme abuse that Huila took the child under her own protection, and saw to it that her life would be eased. Huila not only looked into her eyes and saw a gifted girlchild, but knew who her father had been.
Circumstances forced her to leave the only home she had ever know, and follow Don Tomas' Urrea to a new home, and a new life. Her aunt chose another path, which freed her to live with Huila, whom she learned to love and respect. Huila was free to become the teacher the child Teresita was waiting for.
The words to describe the terrible beauty of this book fail me. It is a book filled with love, with hate, with food and music, with worship and heresy ( but not where you expect it to be). It is a tale of opportunities, war , betrayal and martyrdom, joy and earthiness. This is a book that should sit on a shelf in every readers home. It is one to read again and again. IT is a book with no need for a sequel, as to read it again is to read more, learn more and see more.
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family for many generations.It takes you from the days before her birth, a fatherless child, in a hut with a dirt floor through her childhood, her life and so much more. This is a work of history, of spirituality and religion, of war, love hate and betrayal. It is a story of God, and healing and deep humanity.
Teresita, as she was called was eased from her mother's womb by Huila, a midwife and healer. At the moment of her birth, she was recognized as a gifted child. One who would be a healer in her own right, in the years to come.
Abandoned by her mother, she lived a life of poverty and abuse with her mothers sister and that sister's own children. It was only after an episode of extreme abuse that Huila took the child under her own protection, and saw to it that her life would be eased. Huila not only looked into her eyes and saw a gifted girlchild, but knew who her father had been.
Circumstances forced her to leave the only home she had ever know, and follow Don Tomas' Urrea to a new home, and a new life. Her aunt chose another path, which freed her to live with Huila, whom she learned to love and respect. Huila was free to become the teacher the child Teresita was waiting for.
The words to describe the terrible beauty of this book fail me. It is a book filled with love, with hate, with food and music, with worship and heresy ( but not where you expect it to be). It is a tale of opportunities, war , betrayal and martyrdom, joy and earthiness. This is a book that should sit on a shelf in every readers home. It is one to read again and again. IT is a book with no need for a sequel, as to read it again is to read more, learn more and see more.
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LibraryThing member riofriotex
This is a fictionalized biography of a real person, the author's great aunt, Teresa Urrea (1873-1906), otherwise known as the Saint of Cabora, Mexico. It follows the period from her illegitimate birth to Cayetana Chavez, a Tehueco Indian otherwise known as "The Hummingbird," who was impregnated by
The whole story was fascinating (and mostly true as written), but I actually thought Tomas Urrea was more interesting than his daughter - he was such a dashing reprobate!
Some reviewers have criticized this book for its use of untranslated Spanish. I didn't have a problem with this, perhaps because after eight years of Spanish from grades 5-12, I understood most of it (a lot was cuss words), or I could figure out the meaning from the context. This code-switching is actually quite common among Latino writers.
See more in my review at Bookin' It.
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her employer, wealthy rancher Tomas Urrea. Teresa is eventually recognized by Tomas and becomes part of his family. After a near-death experience, she develops healing powers and a following that threatens the dictator of Mexico, Porfirio Diaz. The book ends when she and her father are deported to the United States in 1892.The whole story was fascinating (and mostly true as written), but I actually thought Tomas Urrea was more interesting than his daughter - he was such a dashing reprobate!
Some reviewers have criticized this book for its use of untranslated Spanish. I didn't have a problem with this, perhaps because after eight years of Spanish from grades 5-12, I understood most of it (a lot was cuss words), or I could figure out the meaning from the context. This code-switching is actually quite common among Latino writers.
See more in my review at Bookin' It.
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LibraryThing member cameling
I didn't realize until that this was historical fiction until I got to the end and read the author's note. I did wonder though since the author's last name was the same as some characters in the book.
I thought it was a little long in some chapters, and I'm glad I have basic Spanish to understand
Although the book is centered around Teresa, who later became known as Santa Teresa of Cabora, and her development from a child under tutelage of Huila to a resurrected woman performing healing miracles, I really liked some of the other characters, her father, Aguirre the engineer, Secundo who became her protector, Beneventura her stepbrother and Cruz Chavez, all of whom added a great deal of color to the story.
In my opinion, her father, Don Tomas Urrea was one of the best characters in this book.
This review doesn't do the book a smidgeon of justice, but I'm finding it hard to review it without retelling the entire story. It's simple, and the richness of the character details are what really makes this story one that will sit with you for a while.
I thought it was a little long in some chapters, and I'm glad I have basic Spanish to understand
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some of the phrases that weren't translated, but I did enjoy it on the whole. Although the book is centered around Teresa, who later became known as Santa Teresa of Cabora, and her development from a child under tutelage of Huila to a resurrected woman performing healing miracles, I really liked some of the other characters, her father, Aguirre the engineer, Secundo who became her protector, Beneventura her stepbrother and Cruz Chavez, all of whom added a great deal of color to the story.
In my opinion, her father, Don Tomas Urrea was one of the best characters in this book.
This review doesn't do the book a smidgeon of justice, but I'm finding it hard to review it without retelling the entire story. It's simple, and the richness of the character details are what really makes this story one that will sit with you for a while.
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LibraryThing member amandacb
Urrea’s novel about the Saint of Cabora, Teresita (little Teresa), resonates with mysticism, lyricism, and understated sophistication. Immediately from the first lines, I was pulled into the story of Teresa’s poor upbringing on a ranch as the illegitimate daughter of the ranchero, Tomas, a
Events accelerate as Urrea begins to intertwine revolutionary rumblings with Teresita’s surprising rise from the dead after an attack (which, by the way, is eloquently written for something so horrific). Teresita is tested, mauled physically and mentally, and revered despite her pleas otherwise, but her strength resounds through the pages. The ending of this novel is satisfactory, and the author’s note that Teresita was indeed an actual historical person is a surprising and pleasing footnote to a fulfilling and highly recommended novel.
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delightful and well-rounded character himself. Teresa unwittingly ingratiates herself into Tomas’s household by being her clever and adorable self (I especially loved the line about the grandfather clock: “This tree has a heart”), and while the novel’s pace through this halfway point is languid, it is still engrossing.Events accelerate as Urrea begins to intertwine revolutionary rumblings with Teresita’s surprising rise from the dead after an attack (which, by the way, is eloquently written for something so horrific). Teresita is tested, mauled physically and mentally, and revered despite her pleas otherwise, but her strength resounds through the pages. The ending of this novel is satisfactory, and the author’s note that Teresita was indeed an actual historical person is a surprising and pleasing footnote to a fulfilling and highly recommended novel.
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LibraryThing member London_StJ
I am sorry to say that after ten chapters I am putting down Luis Alberto Urrea's The Hummingbird's Daughter. The novel itself is beautifully written and promises to be incredibly powerful and meaningful for those who are able to make it to the end. I picked up the novel at the suggestion of several
So why am I abandoning the book before I finish it? Personal difficulty - I find myself less and less able to focus on the narrative itself as I trip over foreign dialog, words I don't understand, and names I'm afraid I'm mispronouncing. While I am confident that Urrea's use of native dialog is quite appealing to many readers, I personally find it to be a stumbling block that has grown harder to ignore as I continue the book. However, because I recognize that as a flaw in myself, as opposed to a flaw on the part of the author, I still feel confident giving (what I read of) The Hummingbird's Daughter four stars.
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LibraryThing members, and I do not deny that their praise is well-deserved.So why am I abandoning the book before I finish it? Personal difficulty - I find myself less and less able to focus on the narrative itself as I trip over foreign dialog, words I don't understand, and names I'm afraid I'm mispronouncing. While I am confident that Urrea's use of native dialog is quite appealing to many readers, I personally find it to be a stumbling block that has grown harder to ignore as I continue the book. However, because I recognize that as a flaw in myself, as opposed to a flaw on the part of the author, I still feel confident giving (what I read of) The Hummingbird's Daughter four stars.
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LibraryThing member snash
An excellent tale, made all the more amazing and interesting by the fact that it is true. The vivid portrayal of the setting put the me right there. What most captured me, however, was my empathy for all of the characters. I'm a bit too skeptical to believe the miracles but am willing to accept
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that Theresa was a amazing awe inspiring person. Show Less
LibraryThing member msf59
It’s the early 1880’s, in Mexico, and a girl is born to a poor Indian worker. Her name is Terisita and her father is the rich landowner Don Tomas, although he is unaware of her birth. Early on she proves to be a “gifted child” and is taken in by the local healer, Huila, to learn the duties
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of midwifery. In her later teens, after a horrific event, she finds herself able to produce miracles. She quickly becomes Saint of Cabora or the Mexican Joan of Arc and thousands of people flock to the ranch, to witness and be cured. It is a dark time in Mexico, revolutions are brewing and there is rampant hunger and violence. This is a beautifully rich story, impeccably researched and populated with unforgettable characters. Enchanting and highly recommended! Show Less
LibraryThing member Joycepa
Teresa Urea was a historical figure who was born Sinaloa, Mexico, in the mid-19th century. She became nationally known as a healer (curandera) and vigorous defender of the rights of The People--the indigenous tribes of Mexico. She was widely held to be a saint--the Saint of Cobera, where she lived
The author, who is related to Teresita, has written an absolutely remarkable novel around what facts are known of this young curandera’s life. It is utterly absorbing. Somehow, Urrea achieves a delicate balance between relating the atrocities--the genocide--that the Mexican government of the time, under Porfirio Diaz’ dictatorship, against The People with an incredibly tender account of Teresita’s life. It’s filled with a gentle humor while dispassionately recounting the sometimes brutal relationships within families.
But Urrea’s greatest achievement in this book is his characterizations of two women: Teresita and her teacher, the curandera Huila. It is rare, in my opinion, that a male author can really capture the nature of women well in a novel, but Urrea does so. The two women could not be more different; Teresita retains innocence despite the harshness of her early life, while Huila is wise, a state in which innocence is impossible. The lives of these two women light up the book.
Other characters are well-drawn as well: Aguirre, the e3ngineer, who flees to RTexas and published incendiary articles urging revolution in Mexico; Segundo, the ranch foreman; and Tomás himself, with the two women forming the trinity that propels the story forward.
I could not put this book down; I read it in two sittings. The story is absorbing and the lives of Teresita, Huila, and Tomás and the times they lived in are utterly fascinating. Urrea’s excellent writing is infused with a real love for his three main characters that illuminates the entire book.
Not to be missed.
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until she was 19. Her father, Tomás, was a wealthy landowner in the state of Sonora.The author, who is related to Teresita, has written an absolutely remarkable novel around what facts are known of this young curandera’s life. It is utterly absorbing. Somehow, Urrea achieves a delicate balance between relating the atrocities--the genocide--that the Mexican government of the time, under Porfirio Diaz’ dictatorship, against The People with an incredibly tender account of Teresita’s life. It’s filled with a gentle humor while dispassionately recounting the sometimes brutal relationships within families.
But Urrea’s greatest achievement in this book is his characterizations of two women: Teresita and her teacher, the curandera Huila. It is rare, in my opinion, that a male author can really capture the nature of women well in a novel, but Urrea does so. The two women could not be more different; Teresita retains innocence despite the harshness of her early life, while Huila is wise, a state in which innocence is impossible. The lives of these two women light up the book.
Other characters are well-drawn as well: Aguirre, the e3ngineer, who flees to RTexas and published incendiary articles urging revolution in Mexico; Segundo, the ranch foreman; and Tomás himself, with the two women forming the trinity that propels the story forward.
I could not put this book down; I read it in two sittings. The story is absorbing and the lives of Teresita, Huila, and Tomás and the times they lived in are utterly fascinating. Urrea’s excellent writing is infused with a real love for his three main characters that illuminates the entire book.
Not to be missed.
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LibraryThing member -Eva-
Luis Alberto Urrea weaves a story around the life of his ancestor, Teresa Urrea, sometimes called the "Saint of Cabora." Teresita is an interesting character and her fictionalized growth from precocious child to confident woman is nicely described and her transformation into healer/saint is a
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fascinating one, especially when you know it's based on historical documents. The only quibble I have is a small one and is perhaps because the writer is a relative: he doesn't fully get under the skin of his characters - perhaps because he's too concerned with imagining what they were actually like, rather than making them fully fictional. He may have gotten closer to Santa Teresita had he let go a little more of fact and made her more fiction. Nevertheless, it's a great story of a truly fascinating person living in an interesting time and place, one I now want to know more about. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lisa2013
I really slogged through this. I’m not sure why I had such a difficult time reading it. I’m glad that I did. I ended up enjoying it but I wasn’t wild about it. It's well written, I liked some of the characters including Huila and Teresa; many of the characters were interesting, although often
This book did inspire me to research the peoples in these places and this time that are described in this novel. This book is a work of fiction but is based on a real woman from an actual place and time, and the history is interesting. I think I’d rather have read a non-fiction book about the subject.
So, I don’t know whether it’s because while reading my tolerance for human frailties was especially low or what it was, but the story just didn’t grab me.
However, it’s epic in scale and has some beautiful descriptions and I wouldn’t want to dissuade anyone from reading it, especially because I’m glad that I read it for my book club; otherwise I would not have read it, or stuck with it had I started. I guess this doesn’t sound like a rousing endorsement but I would recommend this book if you’re interested in Mexico’s history and peoples.
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infuriating. I read as a skeptic but that shouldn’t have detracted from my enjoyment as it hasn’t with other similar themed books. The book was disturbing, violent and depicted many atrocities that humans commit upon one another, but I’ve read plenty of books such as those and loved them despite the gore and tragedy.This book did inspire me to research the peoples in these places and this time that are described in this novel. This book is a work of fiction but is based on a real woman from an actual place and time, and the history is interesting. I think I’d rather have read a non-fiction book about the subject.
So, I don’t know whether it’s because while reading my tolerance for human frailties was especially low or what it was, but the story just didn’t grab me.
However, it’s epic in scale and has some beautiful descriptions and I wouldn’t want to dissuade anyone from reading it, especially because I’m glad that I read it for my book club; otherwise I would not have read it, or stuck with it had I started. I guess this doesn’t sound like a rousing endorsement but I would recommend this book if you’re interested in Mexico’s history and peoples.
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LibraryThing member bookwoman247
Urrea grew up hearing miraculous tales of his distant relative, Tia Teresita, revered as a saint, yet reviled by the Diáz regime during the Mexican Revolution.
He has taken those tales and spun them into a luminous novel.
I was swept away from page one, and it only got better from there.
It helped me
The Hummingbird's Daughter was well-crafted with almost perfect pacing.
I did not really expect to love this as much as I did!
He has taken those tales and spun them into a luminous novel.
I was swept away from page one, and it only got better from there.
It helped me
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to understand magical realism and its roots in the indigenous beliefs of Latin America. I gained a new respect and appreciation for the genre.The Hummingbird's Daughter was well-crafted with almost perfect pacing.
I did not really expect to love this as much as I did!
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LibraryThing member kmaziarz
Urrea here tells the mesmerizing story of the life of his ancestor, Saint Teresa Urrea. Born into poverty on the rancho of her father Tomas Urrea in the 1870s, Teresa was raised in among the workers until first the rancho’s wise woman Huila and then Tomas himself recognized that Teresa was an
Sweeping in scope and style, infused with magical realism and delicious descriptions of the many smells and tastes and colors of the rancho, The Hummingbird’s Daughter is beautiful and, at times, funny and wise. Highly recommended for fans of Latino or historical fiction.
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illegitimate Urrea and took her in. Huila trained the girl in herbcraft, healing, and the other lore that was her heritage, and Tomas attempted to domesticate her, giving her shoes and teaching her manners. But Teresa was destined to be a troublemaker. A shocking act of violence turned the wild girl into the Saint, returning from near-death with healing powers in her hands and revolution in her heart. This brought down upon the Urrea rancho first swarms of pilgrims and later, the wrath of the Mexican government. Sweeping in scope and style, infused with magical realism and delicious descriptions of the many smells and tastes and colors of the rancho, The Hummingbird’s Daughter is beautiful and, at times, funny and wise. Highly recommended for fans of Latino or historical fiction.
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LibraryThing member hemlokgang
Urrea's reading of this piece of historical fiction is magnificent. I felt like I was listening to an epic poem rather than prose. The story of Saint Theresita is stirring and spiritual. It compels the reader into the world of Mexican mystery, religion, history, superstition, and faith, just as
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Theresita compels more and more followers and believers. I might have given this novel four stars, but the reading itself merits five! Show Less
LibraryThing member MelissaMcB
I loved this book. I got lost in it and couldn't put it down.
LibraryThing member supertalya
Wow. It's only been a few times when I can say a novel has changed me. I can say in now after reading this one. The book mixes all my favorite genres into one beautiful work--historical fiction, mysticism, class issues, latino culture, strong leading women, and magical realism. I have heard of Luis
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Alberto Urrea, the 2005 Pulitzer Prize finalist, for his book "The Devil's Highway." It is so well researched. The young illegitimate mestizo girl went from sleeping on the dirt floor to her father's house to being the "Saint of Cabora." I was not surprised that this book took twenty years to finish. I can't wait to read more by this author. Show Less
LibraryThing member porch_reader
I saw Luis Alberto Urrea read from his new book, Queen of America a couple of weeks ago. If you ever have the opportunity to see him read, do it! He is amazing. Queen of America is the sequel to [he Hummingbird's Daughter. Both books are about Urrea's distant relative Teresita, who became the Saint
I bought Queen of America at the reading and had it signed. But even though Urrea said that The Hummingbird's Daughter and Queen of America could each stand alone, I decided that I wanted to read them in order. So I started with The Hummingbird's Daughter.
I was pulled into Teresita's story from page one. As the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy rancher, Teresita grew up learning from the ranch's medicine woman. As Civil War brewed in Mexico, it became clear that Teresita had special powers, and soon she was revered as a saint. The conflict on the ranch and in Mexican society is the backdrop for Teresita's story, and as with good historical fiction, Teresita's story makes the historical context come to life. The variety of characters on the ranch are complex, distinct, and permit no stereotypes. I felt as though I was hearing Teresita's whole story from the lips of a gifted storyteller.
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of Cabora in the late 1800's. So, Urrea began the reading by telling stories about his family. Then he had memorized the part of his book that he was going to read, so it was more like a performance than a reading. It was impossible not to want to know more about Teresita and her relatives after that. I bought Queen of America at the reading and had it signed. But even though Urrea said that The Hummingbird's Daughter and Queen of America could each stand alone, I decided that I wanted to read them in order. So I started with The Hummingbird's Daughter.
I was pulled into Teresita's story from page one. As the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy rancher, Teresita grew up learning from the ranch's medicine woman. As Civil War brewed in Mexico, it became clear that Teresita had special powers, and soon she was revered as a saint. The conflict on the ranch and in Mexican society is the backdrop for Teresita's story, and as with good historical fiction, Teresita's story makes the historical context come to life. The variety of characters on the ranch are complex, distinct, and permit no stereotypes. I felt as though I was hearing Teresita's whole story from the lips of a gifted storyteller.
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LibraryThing member asyouth
an Ok book, slow then picks up then dies down again, I did not finish
LibraryThing member parkermazk
The Hummingbird's Daughter is an amazing read. No matter whether you believe in miracles, or what religion you are, you still form a relationship with the characters in the book. This work is so enjoyable because, even though it is a work of fiction, it is immersed in historical events which Luis
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Alberto Urrea researched for over twenty years. Urrea is able to seamlessly incorporate his research which encompassed stories passed down through his family, as well as printed articles and books that were written about his “aunt” Teresita. Urrea did an amazing job melding these historical facts with what he imagined might have happened but was not, or could not, be documented. I look forward to reading the sequel in December 2011. Show Less
LibraryThing member TigerMc
I thought this was an amazingly beautifully written novel, at times reading almost like poetry. Unfortunately, I loaned my copy out and it never came home. If not, I'd have pulled a quote describing the setting of the sun on the desert, the purple shadows of the mountains getting longer and longer,
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reaching the horses grazing, until "horse by horse, night conquered the plain." In additino to the at times poetic, there are also moments of magical realism, as when butterflies puddle on the body of a woman raped and left for dead. Truly a breath-takingly beautiful work, though I felt it weakened toward the end. Still, definitely worth reading, again and again, and one to keep on the shelf! (and buy again when your copy doesn't find its way home.) Show Less
LibraryThing member kellifrobinson
This book is beautifully written and I had the added pleasure of listening to the unabridged audiobook read by the author. This meant that each Mexican name or word was perfectly pronounced and the pace and timing of the poetic prose was set forth before me just as it was intended to be heard. As
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Urrea explains in an interview, this book is a blend of nonfiction (years and years of research), poetry and storytelling. This exquisite combination brings Teresita, soon to become the Saint of Cabora, magically to life in Nineteenth Century Mexico. Show Less
LibraryThing member gwendolyndawson
The epic tale of a Mexican-Indian girl with healing powers (the Saint of Cabora) who lived on a ranch with her father. This novel is full of magical realism and beautiful writing. I enjoyed the wonderful dialog and the detailed characterization of Thomas Urrea and Teresa Urrea. I found the plot to
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be a bit wandering at times. Show Less
LibraryThing member ocgreg34
Teresita grows up on the rancho of Don Tomás in Sinaloa. Intelligent and inquisitive, she gains the attention of Huila, the curandera of the rancho who recognizes the faint gift of healing within the girl and begins her training. As her gift grows, Teresita becomes known as something of a saint to
This is a remarkable story about one woman's belief in her own abilities and her sense to do what is right even when it goes contrary to the desires of an entire government. It's rich in detail and filled with wonderful and unique characters. And what makes the story even more intriguing is that Teresita is based on an actual person--who was an ancestor of the author. I definitely recommend reading this book.
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the people of the rancho and the surroundings towns as well as to the indians--much to the alarm of General Porfirio Díaz who wants to wrestle control of the land from the indians.This is a remarkable story about one woman's belief in her own abilities and her sense to do what is right even when it goes contrary to the desires of an entire government. It's rich in detail and filled with wonderful and unique characters. And what makes the story even more intriguing is that Teresita is based on an actual person--who was an ancestor of the author. I definitely recommend reading this book.
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LibraryThing member shazjhb
Excellent book. Very happy read.
LibraryThing member kirstiecat
Based on the retelling of stories of people who knew her and documents, this story explores the life of Teresita Urrea, a real true historical figure regarded as a Saint in Mexico in the first part of the twentieth century. Teresita has a rich sense of humor and personality and Urrea, who grew up
This really deserves 4 1/2 stars out of 5 but it bothered me that in the end, the author doesn't follow up in an epilogue on the remainder of the protagonist's life. Even a small summary would have sufficed to make it 5 stars. It seems careless to create an epic 500 pages then leave that out. I needed it for my sanity and well being. That information is important.
Still, I really learned a great deal about Mexican and Native Indians in Mexico in history as well as about their culture and I found the text both engaging and incredibly rewarding. I really couldn't wait to see what would happen to our heroine next. I'll also say I really enjoyed the other characters in Teresita's life as well.
And whether, in your own sense of culture and wisdom, you believe in the sainthood and, perhaps more importantly, the miracles of Teresita is for you to decide but I will say you'll at least yearn to believe it and more than anything you hope every word is true.
Quotes:
pg 194, "Bees were better companions than people."
pg. 255, "Feel it. The earth falls away. We have been prisoners of the ground, and now it releases its grip on us. Yes. Yes. The air moves us freely. We are like water...The air loved them-they could feel it...Dog voices were tiny as crickets."
pg. 394, "The World of reason must be a lonely place."
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with some of these stories and regarded her as his great aunt, really brings a fullness of life to her. He begins at her conception to her adulthood where she is regarded as a woman who has died, spoken to God, come back from the dead, and has the ability to perform miracles. She's also a woman that rejects the official government of Mexico and organized religion even though her own faith is strong. Urrea did fieldwork and research for 20 years on this woman. She was, from the accounts of others, a great healer but she was also quite funny and one of the first women in that time and country to learn to read. She did not like violence and her imagination was more wondrous than can be conceived by most humans. This really deserves 4 1/2 stars out of 5 but it bothered me that in the end, the author doesn't follow up in an epilogue on the remainder of the protagonist's life. Even a small summary would have sufficed to make it 5 stars. It seems careless to create an epic 500 pages then leave that out. I needed it for my sanity and well being. That information is important.
Still, I really learned a great deal about Mexican and Native Indians in Mexico in history as well as about their culture and I found the text both engaging and incredibly rewarding. I really couldn't wait to see what would happen to our heroine next. I'll also say I really enjoyed the other characters in Teresita's life as well.
And whether, in your own sense of culture and wisdom, you believe in the sainthood and, perhaps more importantly, the miracles of Teresita is for you to decide but I will say you'll at least yearn to believe it and more than anything you hope every word is true.
Quotes:
pg 194, "Bees were better companions than people."
pg. 255, "Feel it. The earth falls away. We have been prisoners of the ground, and now it releases its grip on us. Yes. Yes. The air moves us freely. We are like water...The air loved them-they could feel it...Dog voices were tiny as crickets."
pg. 394, "The World of reason must be a lonely place."
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Awards
Southwest Books of the Year (2005)
Kiriyama Prize (Winner — Fiction — 2006)
San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of the Year (Fiction — 2005)
Notable Books List (2006)
Illinois Reads (Adult — 2013)
Pages
499
ISBN
0316154520 / 9780316154529