Six-year-old Antonio Márez grows up in a New Mexico village in the 1940s, in a household divided between his father's wandering family and his mother's farming one. An old curandera, Ultima, moves in with them, and she teaches him about herbs, healing and the spirit world. When a local man is killed and accusations of witchcraft arise, Antonio sees how faith, tradition and violence coexist, and has to decide who he will become.
It is a standard of Chicano literature, for readers who want a story that is gentle in tone but deals with serious choices. It suits those who like a child's viewpoint on adult conflicts.
Contemplative and thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Mindful Reader. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1972
- Language
- EN
