Malinche by Laura Esquivel tells the story of Mallinali, an indigenous woman who becomes the translator for Hernán Cortés and eventually his mistress. The book explores Mallinali's inner growth, her role in aiding the Spanish in destroying the Aztecs, and the clash of two cultures during the conquest of Mexico. Esquivel's writing style combines historical facts with magical realism, providing a thoughtful retelling of this controversial period in Mexican history.

Characters:

Malinalli emerges as a layered protagonist, struggling with her identity and choices, while other characters lack depth and nuance.

Writing/Prose:

The author employs a lyrical, poetic style that evokes strong imagery, merging historical and spiritual themes, though it may feel fragmented at times.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows Malinalli's complex life through the brutal period of the Spanish conquest, focusing on her internal struggles and the consequences of her actions.

Setting:

Set against the backdrop of 16th century Mexico, the story vividly depicts the cultural landscape during the Spanish conquest.

Pacing:

The book's pacing is inconsistent, alternating between rapid developments and slower, introspective passages that may frustrate some readers.

First came the wind. Later, like a flash of lightning, like a silver tongue in the heavens over the Valley of Anáhuac, a storm appeared that would wash the blood from the stones. After the sacrifice, ...

Notes:

Malinche is known as Malinalli, which means a type of grass in Nahua.

She was sold into slavery as a child after her father's death.

Malinche became the interpreter and mistress of Hernán Cortés.

The story is set during the fall of the Aztec Empire in the 16th century.

Esquivel imagines Malinche caught between her native culture and the Spanish influence.

The novel includes a replication of an ancient codex, illustrating the story through images.

Malinche is both praised as a heroine and criticized as a traitor in historical context.

She was believed to have been the daughter of an Aztec noble.

Her translation skills were crucial to Cortés's success.

Malinche is often viewed as a complex figure, embodying both empowerment and victimization.

The term 'malinchista' is used pejoratively in Mexico to describe someone perceived as disloyal to their culture.

Esquivel uses magical realism in her storytelling technique.

The novel has drawn comparisons to Esquivel's previous work, Like Water for Chocolate.

There are references to contemporary beliefs that may not fully align with the 16th-century Nahua culture.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of slavery, violence, cultural destruction, and the internal conflicts of the protagonist.

From The Publisher:

The internationally bestselling author of "Like Water for Chocolate" returns with this extraordinary retelling of the passionate and tragic love affair during the conquest of the Aztecs, between the conquistador Cortez and his Indian interpreter, Malinalli.

Ratings (2)

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Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (2):

Read It (2)

1 comment(s)

ColorfulLeo92

Hated It

1 month

I had high hopes for this novel, looking through the life in a historical sense. But I just didn't gel with the story, it was written oddly and had questionable themes. And while the part where the main character talked to her grandmother when she was very little was kinda cute and poetic it just feelt far from realistic and sadly that was the best part of the book

What can you read after
Malinche?

About the Author:

Laura Esquivel was born in Mexico City in 1950. Her first novel, Like Water for Chocolate, has sold more than four and a half million copies around the world and remained on the New York Times bestseller list for more than a year. She currently lives in Mexico.

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