The Hummingbird's Daughter

Title: The Hummingbird's Daughter

Author: Luis Alberto Urrea

Pages: 528

Genre: Historical Fiction

Grade: B+

Synopsis: Teresita was born in 1873 on a prosperous ranch near the Mexic0-Arizona border. She was raised in dire poverty by her aunt but showed promise while growing up. She ended up becoming an apprentice to the ranch's medicine woman and is eventually invited to live in the rancher's (Don Tomas Urrea's) own home. At age 16, Teresita is raped and lapses into a deep coma before appearing to pass away. At her wake she sits up in her coffin rejuvenated and not ready to face death. She now has the power to heal and blesses pilgrim's from all over Mexico who visit to see her.

My Review: This book is often compared to "One Hundred Years of Solitude" as they are both Latin American classics, but I enjoyed this book much more. The author is the grand-nephew of the real Teresita (who is also remembered as the Saint of Cabora). While many of the stories are obviously apocryphal, the book was an enjoyable read and enlightening into 19th century Mexico.