From Library Journal
In a Latin American port city during colonial times, a young girl named Sierva Maria de Todos los Angeles?the only child of the ineffectual Marquis de Casalduero?is bitten by a rabid dog. Her father, who has shown no interest in the child, begins a crusade to save her life, eventually committing her to the Convent of Santa Clara when the bishop persuades him that his daughter is possessed by demons. In fact, Sierva Maria has shown no signs of being infected by rabies or by demons; she is simply being punished for being different. Having been raised by the family's slaves, she knows their languages and wears their Santeria necklaces; she is perceived by the effete European Americans around her as "not of this world." Only the priest who has reluctantly accepted the job as her exorcist believes she is neither sick nor possessed but terrified after being inexplicably "interred alive" among the superstitious nuns. Nobel Prize winner Garcia Marquez writes with his usual inventiveness, but over the years his prose style has crystallized and condensed. The result is a tale whose sharp social retort is made all the louder by the luminous, uncluttered telling. Highly recommended.

RELEASE NOTES:

New Year's RABCK winner! Going to oliviapoolside in Seattle, WA

Enjoy!

Arrived while we were away for my daughter's wedding. Thanks so much for sending it.

Curdled my stomach and stood my hair on end. Begs the question, who is mad or are we all? Put another brick in the wall of my fear and antipathy toward the Catholic Church. The only character I felt safe with was Abrenuncio. I am grieving Sierva Maria.

RELEASE NOTES:

Released at the bookcrossing meet-up

Caught at the meetup. I'm looking forward to reading in it.