I think when I got this book (and I can't remember where it came from), that I thought it was a novel - it isn't. It's hard to describe but I guess it's part travel log, and part biography.
Lanyon is an Australia scholar who teaches and studies women's issues and in particular Spanish and historical issues. This book explores the life of Malinche, a native of 16th century Mexico who translated for the Hernan Cortés during his conquests of her lands (and surrounding lands).
Through the telling of her visits to libraries, museums and various historic sites connected to the little understood life of Malinche, Lanyon gives as good an outline of her part in the Spanish conquest is as possible from the scant traces which remain. Also looking at how her name has become synonymous with 'traitor' in modern Mexico.
It hadn't been what I was expecting, but I did enjoy the story and learning a little bit of the history of Mexico and the conquest. I struggled with most of the names, and even now I'm unsure how to pronounce 'Malinche'.
July - August 2012
Monday 20 August 2012
The woman who died a lot - Jasper Fforde
I was so excited that this was published that I couldn't wait for the paperback this time - and rushed out to get the hardback, getting a signed copy (at no extra cost).
However, I'm sorry to say that I think Fforde should actually retire Thursday Next. In this book she's sort of in retirement anyway, and an interesting plot device is used to give her the energy and speed she needs to fight Goliath (and Jack Schitt) again.
Although partly set in a library, and with some really clever (as usual) in jokes and little sub plots, I really miss the book world and wish that she'd get back there (in this book she's lost the ability to read herself into books).
So, as I say, I'd like to see Thursday and Landon pensioned off, and if Fforde insists in writing some more 'Next' books perhaps he should think about focusing on Friday (their son) as a Chronoguard, or Tuesday (their daughter) as a mad scientist.....or even Jenny?
Bought at Waterstones
August 2012
However, I'm sorry to say that I think Fforde should actually retire Thursday Next. In this book she's sort of in retirement anyway, and an interesting plot device is used to give her the energy and speed she needs to fight Goliath (and Jack Schitt) again.
Although partly set in a library, and with some really clever (as usual) in jokes and little sub plots, I really miss the book world and wish that she'd get back there (in this book she's lost the ability to read herself into books).
So, as I say, I'd like to see Thursday and Landon pensioned off, and if Fforde insists in writing some more 'Next' books perhaps he should think about focusing on Friday (their son) as a Chronoguard, or Tuesday (their daughter) as a mad scientist.....or even Jenny?
Bought at Waterstones
August 2012
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