At the end of last year, Kate Bohné of Mexico News Daily asked staff for reading suggestions. These are a few of their recommendations ……………..
The Murmur of Bees by Sofía Segovia
An enchanting and highly evocative story that unfolds in a small town in Mexico’s northeast. The story, told with the charm of magical realism, follows the lives of Simonopio and his adoptive family, the wealthy Morales, as they navigate the tumultuous times of the Mexican Revolution. Recommended by Gaby Solís, contributing writer
The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver
Born in the U.S. but raised in a series of fantastical situations in Mexico made believable by Kingsolver’s unique skill, Harrison Shepherd’s brushes with fame and history reveal the character of both countries. He is brutally caught up in governments’ nationalist fears and the even wilder judgments of public opinion. Recommended by Ann Marie Jackson, contributing writer
Instrucciones para vivir en México by Jorge Ibargüengoitia
I love Ibargüengoitia’s sense of humor: the way he talks about everyday issues with simplicity and intelligence. If you want to learn more about Mexican culture and way of thinking, this novel is for you. Recommended by Rosario Ruiz, editor
Salvar el Fuego by Guillermo Arriaga
Mexico City-born author and screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga’s novel is my personal favorite of the year. It’s got it all: love, lust, violence, beauty, shame, and deceit. Thanks to an intriguing cast of characters, I’ve learned more about social classism, politics, and modern Mexican culture than I have in my daily life here. Bonus: It has expanded my Spanish vocabulary tenfold. Recommended by Bethany Platanella, contributing writer
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