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Sharman Apt Russell
Yucca Publishing
Ages 12+
In 1528, the real-life
conquistador Cabeza de Vaca shipwrecked in the New World where he lived
for eight years as a slave, trader, and shaman. In this lyrical weaving
of history and myth, the adventurer takes his young daughter Teresa from
her home in Texas to walk westward into the setting sun, their travels
accompanied by miracles--visions and prophecies. But when Teresa reaches
the outposts of New Spain, life is not what her father had promised.
As a kitchen servant in the
household of a Spanish official, Teresa grows up estranged from the
magic she knew as a child, when she could speak to the earth and listen
to animals. When a new epidemic of measles devastates the area, the
sixteen-year-old sets off on her own journey, befriending a Mayan
were-jaguar who cannot control his shape-shifting and a warhorse
abandoned by his Spanish owner. Now Teresa moves through a land stalked
by Plague: smallpox as well as measles, typhus, and scarlet fever.
Soon it becomes clear that Teresa
and her friends are being manipulated and driven by forces they do not
understand. To save herself and others, Teresa will find herself
listening again to the earth, sinking underground, swimming through
limestone and fossil, opening to the power of root and stone. As she
searches for her place in the New World, she will travel farther and
deeper than she had ever imagined.
MY REVIEW:
This book was recommended to me by my professor, as it was written by a friend of hers. I like this professor so I agreed to check it out. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, but as I started reading about de Vaca and his daughter, I was completely drawn into the story. Russell's writing is a lyrical blend of mythology, history, and magical realism. Teresa's world is so vivid, I felt as though I had stepped into a painting. The book has the feel of legend, and the author incorporates the mystical elements so effectively as to convince the reader that these elements might really be as much a part of history as de Vaca himself.
While I do question whether the literary style of the writing would actually appeal to middle grade readers or adolescents, the vocabulary and subject matter are certainly appropriate for younger readers. Overall, Teresa of the New World would make a fine addition to any home or school library, and would especially complement curriculum about the European exploration of the New World.
While I do question whether the literary style of the writing would actually appeal to middle grade readers or adolescents, the vocabulary and subject matter are certainly appropriate for younger readers. Overall, Teresa of the New World would make a fine addition to any home or school library, and would especially complement curriculum about the European exploration of the New World.
CONTENT RATING:
Profanity: None
Violence: Mild
Sexuality: None
Wow, I love the plot! It sounds really intriguing. The cover is super pretty too. Thanks for the review! :-)
ReplyDelete~Cindy
This one might make a good classroom read-aloud. Very compelling storyline. I've added it to my list of future reads.
ReplyDeleteThis sound like a terrific book. It's not the sort of book I would normally pick out, but you make it sound so inviting. I'll look for it and I'll tell my niece about it. It is right up her alley. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDelete