R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 6/3/2023 + 1438 more book reviews

Close to death, Ines Suarez tells her life story to her daughter in this historical novel of the sixteenth century. It begins as Ines searches for her husband in the Americas believing that he has left Spain. Then she meets Pedro de Valdivia, a war war hero and field marshal for Francisco Pizarro, who wants to conquer new territories. He focuses on Chile, which has eluded other Spanish soldiers. And, the lovers do conquer Chile but they encounter obstacle after obstacle yet finally succeed, managing also to create the city of Santiago.

In short, the book depicts the colonization of Chile by the Spaniards as led by Valdivia. His fiery romance with Ines is portrayed with their very human ambitions, faults, and passions adding another dimension to this historical undertaking.

The story is emotional ride. It describes the difficult early years when Ines lived in Spain followed by her search for her first husband in Peru and Chile. Later meeting Valdivia, the lovers found Santiago but her affair with Valdivia gradually fades. Life in Santiago goes on finding her with other lovers. A passionate tale, it written with historical and lavish detail about the country and its natives. It's a fascinating read

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