Monday, April 16, 2012

The Queen of Water by Laura Resau and Maria Virginia Farinango - ESSENTIAL

Resau, Laura and Maria Virginia Farinango The Queen of Water 368 pgs. Delacorte Press, 2011. $17

Language: PG; Sexual Content: PG; Violence: PG-13

MS, HS- ESSENTIAL

In this poignant, heart gripping story, author Laura Resau collaborates with Maria Virginia Farinango to tell the story of Farinango's life growing up in Ecuador. Virginia was born in a small Andean village where she worked in the fields, even as a small child. When she was 7 years old, she was taken from her indigenous village to work as a servant for a mestizo couple. Never realizing the hardships that would be hers in the years to come, Virginia grows accustomed to the luxuries of mestizo life. But as the promises fade and the hardships continue, Virginia is forced to choose what her destiny will be. Her story is one of heartache and hope and is the ultimate journey to self-discovery.

I was hooked the second I started this book. Although there are sensitive topics discussed (child abuse, eating disorders, racism, sexuality) the author portrays them in a real way without going into too much detail and without discrediting what Virginia went through. Readers will laugh and cry and be greatly touched as they read Virginia's story. Recommended for all libraries.

Whitney, Library-Teacher.

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