Product Description

A powerful, complex novel from the author of So Far From God. In the mythological land of Sapogonia--a metaphorical country where all mestizos (those of mixed European/Native Central or South American blood) come from--Maximo Madrigal becomes obsessed with a woman he can never control. Author reading tour.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1229075 in Books
• Published on: 1994-01-01
• Released on: 1994-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

Review
"A complex, engaging novel...Sapogonia will establish Castillo as one of our finest Chicana novelists." --Rudolfo Anaya

"A writer with enormous integrity, [Castillo is blessed with common sense and lyric sense, the very rarest of gifts." --Clarissa Pinkola Est -- Review

Review
"A complex, engaging novel...Sapogonia will establish Castillo as one of our finest Chicana novelists." --Rudolfo Anaya

"A writer with enormous integrity, [Castillo is blessed with common sense and lyric sense, the very rarest of gifts." --Clarissa Pinkola Est

From the Publisher
In her second novel, Castillo (the author of The Mixquiahuala Letters ) examines the obsessive struggle between a man and a woman, two natives of the metaphorical country of Sapogonia. In their battle for control over each other, the author subtly defines the struggle of all mestizos--the conflict of a mixed heritage of Conquistador and Conquered--which can never be resolved.

Customer Reviews

more than just a romance
Without a doubt, Ana Castillo is one of America's top women fiction writers...Sapagonia is a wild fantasy fluctuating between a make-believe country and Chicago. Romance, prejudice and women-hood explode in this 'social' self-exploration during a young man's maturation.

Intriguing look at the assertive mujer and the macho.
Wonderful book that explores the fantasies and realities of being connected to another place, and people. Castillo intertwines the Mestizo's search of self between Sapogonia, US and Spain. Gives the strong Latina and Macho view of romance and obsession.

Lyrical novel at its best
Sapogonia by Ana Castillo is a fantastical and romantic novel. It may take some readers a bit of time to get used to the style of the novel, but once you do, you will be taken on various trips between the lives of Pastora and Maximo Madrigal. The characters share their lives both together and separately to create a well-rounded story. There's also a bit of magical realism that hints of what's to come from Castillo as an author. While I wouldn't say this is one of her best works, I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in finding something new to read; especially if it was works from a Latina author.

This book would also make for a great edition to a literature class. I think the benefits of a knowledgeable teacher would really flesh out the themes of this novel.