Malinalli
Mythology, magic, sisterhood, and conquest are the main ingredients in Veronica Chapa’s debut, Malinalli. An interpreter, warrior-priestess, twin sister, and a daughter born on an inauspicious day, Malinalli’s re-imagined life is nestled within a vibrantly detailed Aztec culture. While learning about her magical powers, she is captured by slave traders and sold as a concubine. Later, at 18, she is given as a prize to Hernán Cortés, who takes advantage of her linguistic skills as his troops march through the lands searching for gold, leaving devastation in their wake. Approaching the capital city of Tenochtitlan, Malinalli nurtures dreams of revenge. Ever since Moctezuma had her father and brother murdered, her heart has burned with vengeance. But she soon learns her anger pales in comparison to the greed of both Cortés and Moctezuma.
The real-life Malinalli has long been portrayed as a betrayer of her culture, but being enslaved to Cortés, it is difficult to imagine she had a choice. Chapa empathically narrates a complex series of events that drive Malinalli toward her destiny. The mythological elements and the wondrous cities brought to life are enchanting. The connection between Malinalli and her brother is a lovely element. I also enjoyed the moments of revelation as Malinalli developed her powers. However, while captivated by the mythology manifesting through the characters, unfortunately, these powers have no bearing on the Aztecs’ brutal, cataclysmic ending at the hands of Spanish invaders. Creating a means to overcome mere mortal strength through godlike powers that have no impact on the overarching story felt like a surrender, resulting in an anticlimactic closure and an epilogue that was sadly brief. While I’m grateful to have learned about Malinalli, the story is not as rich and impactful as similar books, like Aliette de Bodard’s breathtaking Servant of the Underworld or Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s exceptional Gods of Jade and Shadow.
