It takes place in Ecuador, a country and culture which I am fascinated by, and the reason I picked the book up in the first place. I didn't even look to see what it was about, I just opened it up and started reading... It is the story of Virginia, an indigenous girl who is taken from her village to serve a mestizo couple. She doesn't only leave behind her family, but her language and culture. Virginia is treated horribly, but is so spirited and determined. My heart went out for her and what she was going through, but this spunky character was also someone I cared deeply about and wanted to see triumph. It is a story about being caught between two cultures and a journey to self-discovery.
Laura Resau, author and cultural anthropologist, met María Virginia Farinango and the two wrote the book together, using Farinango's story, but fictionalizing it. (The two can be seen pictured, right.) The end result is nothing short of amazing. The Queen of Water is an absolutely beautiful book that I highly recommend.
With a recommendation like that, I will HAVE to pick that book up!!
ReplyDeleteI started this book the night before last, and am totally hooked! I was totally pulled into the main character's life; hurting for her, and with her, and rejoicing in her moments of happiness, perseverance, accomplishments, and search for unconditional love.
ReplyDeleteIt fits so well with a direction I want to bring my students next year, and am placing it high on my read-aloud list!