On the first day of the millennium, a small town gathers to witness a miracle and unravel its portents for the century: the mysterious reappearance of a lost infant, Pajarita. Later, as a young woman in the capital city — Montevideo, brimming with growth and promise — Pajarita begins a lineage of fiercely independent women. Her daughter, Eva, survives a brutal childhood to pursue her dreams as a rebellious poet and along the hazardous precipices of erotic love. Eva’s daughter, Salomé, driven by an unrelenting idealism, commits clandestine acts that will end in tragedy as unrest sweeps Uruguay. But what saves them all is the fierce fortifying connection between mother and daughter that will bring them together to face the future. From Perón’s glittering Buenos Aires to the rustic hills of Rio de Janeiro, from the haven of a corner butchershop to U.S. embassy halls, the Firielli family traverses a changing South America and the uncharted terrain of their relationships with one another.
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"Spanning the bulk of the 20th century, this debut novel tells the story of Pajarita, a miracle child of the turn of the century, her daughter Eva and Eva's daughter Salome. Weaving the history of Uruguay into the family history of these three women, we see the strength of these characters as they search for love, making sacrifices for the love of their family. Bleak and horrific events are told in such a lyrical voice that the reader often doesn't realize right away how ugly the events actually are. As the century progresses, so does the complexity of the lives of the characters. Although full of both symbolism and magic realism, the author deftly wove these into the story without losing the pace of the narrative. A powerful first novel, well worth reading."
— Cheryl (4 out of 5 stars)
" Brilliant debut novel. "
— Coco, 2/20/2014" A good story that flows along, despite a language a bit too florid at times. "
— Anne, 2/18/2014" Spectacular. Sweeping. Touching and unforgettable characters. I can't wait for her second book. "
— Marceline, 2/10/2014" Set in Uraguay, this is this story of 3 generations of strong women who express themselves through poetry, and political revolution. The writer has a way with words that I've never found before. Each sentence is like a painting, with many colors, accents, and layers. I listened to it on CD and enjoyed ever minute. "
— Melvago, 2/7/2014" Who new that Uruguay was so interesting...? I loved this book. "
— Barbara, 1/30/2014" Having read a few other reviews, I expected to like this book. I was not prepared for the depth and power of its impact. This beautifully written tale reminds me of early books by Isabel Allende. It's easily read and understood, setting it apart from some literary fiction. Yet the prose is so gorgeous that it's like reading music. Every page is loaded with unexpected and scintillating analogies and descriptions. The characters ARE unforgettable, men and women of legends. I heartily recommend this beautiful work. "
— Sandy, 1/28/2014" a great little book of 3 generations of women...the longing for a trip to argentina begins again... "
— Jess, 1/28/2014" This could be such a wet and heavy world. It could flood a normal night with ruthless rain...could seep into your secret soil, even when you wish you wish you wish you could stay dry (p. 60-61). "
— stillme, 1/17/2014" Since I love to read family sagas I mostly enjoyed the book and felt I learned a lot about South America's tumultuous politics of the 1960s, 1970 & early 1980s. I only gave it three stars due to a needlessly dragged out story in the book and its' rather melancholy ending. "
— Diana, 1/17/2014" I thought this book was deeply insightful into the relationships between mothers and daughters. It was truly an emotional book:) "
— Sabrina, 1/12/2014" Story of three generations of women in Uruguay...since I'm totally ignorant of Uruguayan culture and history, I found it fascinating. Great writing and subtle secrets that slowly leak throughout the story. "
— Laurel, 1/10/2014" Interesting stories of several generations of women and their daughters among political unrest in Uruguay. "
— Marcia, 12/9/2013" Didn't want to finish it. "
— Heather, 11/4/2013" Two REAL good ones in a row--BINGO!! This debut novel was beautifully written--narrated by three generations of women living in Uruguay. Although a fictional offering, the history and culture of the country is factual and a great learning experience. I highly recommend this book! "
— Marylin, 7/17/2013" Adored this book! Three generations of women, living in very different times in Uraguay's dark political past. Carolina is reminiscent of Isabel Allende's earlier books, without Allende's humour, but with beautiful and lyrical prose. "
— Nadine, 6/17/2013" Good read - read it over a weekend "
— Marianne, 6/11/2012" Yet another poet dips into novel-writing with great success. Lush, poetic language and images. "
— Sal, 4/24/2012" I found this to be an interminable slog. The women seemed cliched and never fully came alive, and I doubt I would have read as much as I did if I wasn't reading it for a bookclub. Uruguay also didn't materialize in the way I'd hoped. "
— Kasa, 2/29/2012" Heartbreaking and lovely. "
— Sarah, 1/30/2012" Three generations of independent South American women begin with Pajarita (little bird) & her flight from a tree & include another who survives years of imprisonment. Their men are there too, one being a boat builder from Italy & his predecessors. Excellent. "
— Mary, 9/3/2011" delicious South American lit, but in English, so I can read it without a dictionary in my lap. :) LOVE! "
— Katrina, 8/24/2011" Uneven, with some under-developed plot lines, allusions, and references (including the mysticism reference). The last third of the book (about Salome) was the most engaging for me. "
— doug, 6/2/2011" Perfect beach reading. A story of three generations of women in Argentina and Uruguay. "
— Jessie, 3/24/2011" The writing is lyrical, drenched in poetry and dreams. "
— Pat, 3/14/2011" beautiful prose! very lyrical and dreamy, I loved the imagery! "
— Linda, 2/28/2011" Really enjoyed this novel of 3 generations of women living in south america and you feel the atmosphere and passions of the characters in Robertis novel from rio, buenos aires to montevideo and with at times with the background of polticial dictatorships "
— Stephen, 2/20/2011" this book is so beautiful and showcased such powerful women. i couldn't put it down. "
— Brianne, 2/14/2011" Really great!! It was a little slow getting started, and I had some difficulty with the writing style, but am I ever glad I stuck with it. "
— Audrey, 2/8/2011" Once again, the setting, Uruguay, drew me to this book. This family saga of three generations of women makes it a somewhat typical Latin tale, but the fact that the story is based on the author's family gives it strength. A fine debut. "
— Barbara, 1/12/2011" Good book - follows the lives of three women, Mom, Daughter and Grandaughter in Uraguay from 1900 - 2000. I enjoyed the characters and while some awful stuff happens, it is a great family saga. "
— Laura, 1/10/2011" Interesting stories of several generations of women and their daughters among political unrest in Uruguay. "
— Marcia, 12/29/2010" An interesting book about three generations of a family and life in Uruguay. At times it seemed a bit like a soap opera, lots of drama and tragedy...but, still a very good historical fiction. "
— Linda, 12/10/2010Carolina de Robertis is the author of five novels, including Cantoras, winner of a Stonewall Book Award and a Reading Women Award and a finalist for the Kirkus Prize and a Lambda Literary Award; it was also selected as a New York Times Editors’ Choice. Her work has been translated into seventeen languages and she has received a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, Italy’s Rhegium Julii Prize, and numerous other honors. An author of Uruguayan origins, she teaches at San Francisco State University.
Christine Avila is an actress, known for her film roles in Liar Liar, Innerspace, and Shallow Ground, as well as numerous roles in television series