About the Book: As a child in 1920s West Texas, Annarose sees life and intelligence in everything, but after she is exiled to Los Angeles at 13, she loses her connection to spirit, and finds herself searching for what she has lost through intellectual pursuits.
As she matures, her philosophical studies and supportive friendship with a gifted musician lead to an awakening and she travels to Mexico to become a writer. Her relationships with Artist Frida Kahlo and Crisanto, the man who becomes her lover, connect her to the beautiful, wild, free, and happy. She embraces all that they and their country represent and thus begins her transformation to writer-but before her transformation is complete, Annarose must return to the life she left as a child.
Haunting and evocative, this sweeping literary fiction will stay with readers long after the last page.
My Review: I was interested in reading this book because I knew little about this time period in Texas and California, let alone Mexico. I grew up in the mid-west but currently live in Southern California and have greater interest in that sort of history now. So I found that part of this book to be very interesting as well as the racism and struggles the Mexican immigrants faced. Additionally, the true to life character of Frida, which you may know from the Selma Heyack film, plays a role in this book. Strangely enough, having seen that film enabled me to have some prior context in my brain to imagine that part of this story.
The prose is very pretty in this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I also enjoyed Annarose’s journey, as she grew. I think I could identify with some of her feelings at various stages in her life as she sought to come to terms with her own identity. The characters are all very vivid and well drawn.My favorite part was when Annarose was in Mexico and this seems to be the central most important part of the book as well. This is a novel about finding oneself or finding wholeness and is also labeled as new age fiction. I do think that while I may not agree completely with the author’s philosophy, there is much inspiration to be found in this book.
You can learn more about Candis C. Coffee at her website. You can also check Mariposa out on Amazon.
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July 22nd, 2008 at 1:45 am
I would think that seeing a movie first would ruin a book for me. I’ve never tried that.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:56 am
Wow - most people only dream of having such a self-fulfilling, journey filled life. Definitely sounds like a great book, and one that’s likely to turn into a movie. Thanks for the review!
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:41 am
I too am unfamiliar with the history of Texas, California and Mexico in that time period so this sounds like it could be an interesting way to learn more.
Was there something specific about the author’s philosophy that you disagreed with or was it more the “new age” philosophy in general?
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:45 am
First I should point out that Frida is a movie about the artist Frida and not based at all on this book. But the Frida plays a role in this book.
Lisa, the answer to all of life being found within me is the sort of idea that I generally don’t agree with.
I do believe we need to come to peace with ourselves, though, and know who we are.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I was never really interested in history while in school. I’ve noticed that after having kids & starting to care about geneology, now I’m interested in history. I am starting to enjoy books that give glimpses of the past
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I turned down the chance to read this book because I thought it would be too “out there” for me. Now I could kick myself. Great review! Hopefully next time I’ll know better.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I only read one book that stayed with me for a long time after I finished it. This one sounds like it might too. Your review makes it sound very interesting.
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:49 am
Amy, I figured that was sort of what you meant. I’ve read books like that too where I don’t subscribe to all that they purport, but can still find them entertaining. Thanks for the review!
July 25th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Thanks for the review! I might have to check this one one, it sounds very good.
July 26th, 2008 at 5:43 am
This definately sounds like a good read, I like the bit of historical part to it too!