Books Like...
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.
If you liked Malinche, here are the top 3 books to read next:
- #1
Save:"Nights Of The Witch" by Graham Hancock in the series "War God" is a captivating blend of historical fiction and supernatural fantasy set in the time of the Spanish conquest of old Mexico. The story follows characters like Tozi, a magical person with a great destiny, who is persecuted for her abilities and trapped in the Aztec world of blood sacrifices. The narrative weaves known history with supernatural elements seamlessly, revealing the flaws of both European and Native populations. The plot unfolds with intense action sequences, intricate character relationships, and a richly detailed setting that immerses readers in the world of the Aztec Empire and the arrival of Hernan Cortes.
The writing style of "Nights Of The Witch" is praised for its engaging storytelling that keeps readers hooked late into the night. The author effectively combines fact and fiction, creating a narrative that educates about historical events while keeping the reader entertained with elements of fantasy. The book's exploration of trust, freedom, and love adds depth to the characters and their motivations, making the storyline not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.
- #2
Save:'Aztec' by Gary Jennings is a massive historical fiction novel packed with historical facts and information about the Aztec empire before the Spanish conquest. The story follows the life of Mixtli Dark Cloud, a rising Aztec commoner, from childhood to old age. Mixtli's narrative is filled with adventure, violence, and taboo subjects, all while providing insights into the Aztec culture and society. is framed as Mixtli recounting his life to Spanish priests, highlighting the clash of civilizations and the destruction of the Aztec civilization by the Spanish invaders. The writing style is described as captivating, informative, and entertaining, with a mix of sarcasm and humor that keeps the reader engaged throughout the lengthy narrative.
That we may be better acquainted with our colony of New Spain, of its peculiarities, its riches, the people who possessed it, and the beliefs, rites, and ceremonies which they heretofore held, we wish... '1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus' by Charles C. Mann is an engaging exploration of the pre-Columbian Americas, challenging traditional narratives about the indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere. Mann presents a well-researched account of the advanced cultures and civilizations that existed before European contact, shedding light on their population density, societal structures, and environmental impact. His writing style is captivating, making complex historical and anthropological concepts accessible to readers, while maintaining a sense of discovery and intrigue throughout the narrative.
The seeds of this book date back, at least in part, to 1983, when I wrote an article for Science about a NASA program that was monitoring atmospheric ozone levels. In the course of learning about the ...
