Additional information
by Maryann Shank (Author)
Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, the astonishingly brilliant 17th century poet and dramatist, this nun, flew through Mexico City on wings of inspiration. Having no dowry, she chose the life of a nun so that she might learn, so that she might write, so that she might meet the most fascinating people of the western world. She accomplished all of that. Then one day a woman with violet eyes, eyes the color of passion flowers, entered her life. It was the new Vicereine, Maria Luisa. As the two most powerful women in Mexico City, the bond between them crossed politics and wound them in pure ecstasy, a romance that neither had anticipated. When Maria Luisa returned to Spain, she took some of Sor Juana's writings with her, and had them published. Mexico City fell at Sor Juana's feet in adoration; the demonic Archbishop wanted her head, forcing her to answer for her crimes in front of the Inquisition.There is a great deal that we do not know about this historical poet/dramatist. There is also a lot that whispers to us over the centuries. She lived through a colonial period of Mexican history bursting with creativity, followed by a period of mass massacres and desolation. She knew the Virgin of Guadalupe intimately, and met with gypsies, poor native Aztecs, nuns and a bishop who all touched her heart. Her works are still studied, and justifiably so, especially her poem, "First Dream." With this novel we look to her heart, and rejoice.
