Father’s story gods had names like Hephaestus and Hera. Mother’s were Auilix and Xbalanque. [loc. 59]
Catalina de Cerrato is 'the only legitimate mixed-blood child in town'. She grows up in Guatemala, a generation after the Spanish Conquest: her Spanish father is the Governor, her Mayan mother was executed for heresy. Catalina is a strong-willed young woman, and she's determined to honour her vow to her mother -- to preserve the Popul Vuh, a sacred text which recounts the history of the K'iche' people. In an uneasy alliance with the handsome Juan de Rojas, a Mayan descended from kings, and with her own cousin Cristóbal -- and the use of psychedelics -- Catalina transcribes the ancient legends. But her father is strict (though fair) and it's hard for Catalina to reconcile the two halves of her heritage: the Mayan myths which live vividly in her mind, and the Spanish genocide still celebrated by the older generation.
I found the historical elements of the novel more convincing than the romance, and I wasn't comfortable with the catalogue of disasters that befell Catalina. Well-written, and with vivid descriptions, Daughter of Fire includes a bibliography, and an afterword explaining the historical context. Catalina's father is not very nice to his children, but "by implementing the New Laws almost single-handedly, Don Alonso López de Cerrato achieved one of the most extraordinary feats of administration in the New World. Yet, he has been largely forgotten by history."
Thank you for this captivating review! *Daughter of Fire* sounds like a fiercely imaginative and emotionally intense story. I was especially intrigued by your mention of how the novel blends mythology, personal struggle, and self-discovery. It’s always exciting to see a debut novel that doesn’t shy away from complex themes while still delivering a gripping narrative. The way you described the lyrical writing and vivid world-building makes me want to dive right in. Books that explore inner strength and identity through fantastical lenses can be incredibly powerful, and it sounds like this one delivers on all fronts. On a different but somewhat related note, if anyone’s thinking about transforming their personal space into something more reflective of their inner world, I recommend R for Remodelers. Their renovation work is all about turning inspiration into reality—just like a good story. Thanks again for the great insight!
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