La piel del cielo (Spanish Edition) - Hardcover

In this Premio Alfaguara award-winning novel, feminist journalist and writer Poniatowska tackles the mysteries of the universe, love, and earthly reality. The story centers on the rebellious and indefatigable Lorenzo de la Tena's inquisitive passion for truth. Devotees of Poniatowska's previous novels, including Tinisima (ERA, 1992) and Hasta no verte Jesus mio (ERA, 1992; Here's to You, Jesusa!, Farrar, 2001), will be swept up by this tornado of swift scenarios, driven by Lorenzo's insatiable inquiry. Narrated in a linear, omniscient voice, the novel begins in 1920s Mexico, where Dona Florencia and her five children live on a farm in Coyoac n. Lorenzo (the eldest son) has an endless imagination, ignited by conversations with his mother, who imparts her wisdom of the earth and sky when faced with a flurry of questions from her son: Does the world end at the horizon? What is reality? What are dreams? Unexpectedly, Florencia dies, and the children's idyllic life abruptly ends. Years later, Harvard University awards Lorenzo a scholarship to study astronomy. He returns to Mexico as a certified astronomer and continues to confront social injustice, poverty, and corrupt government bureaucracy. There he finds the strong, spiritual Fausta Rosales. As Poniatowska tells a tale of a universe that reveals life's meaning, she also gives voice to Mexico's undervalued scientists. The novel's clarity makes it easily accessible for all readers of Spanish; highly recommended for all libraries and bookstores. [For more on Poniatowska, See "Elena Poniatowska Wins Esteemed Alfaguara Prize," Criticas, Summer 2001. Ed.] Marta Lucia, New Yor.
- Marta Lucia, New York
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.