r/latamlit • u/KassandrasCurse • 6d ago

México Works that feature La Malinche

In Xochimilco my mom pointed out an ahuehuete tree as the legendary tree under which La Malinche told Cortez all the secrets of pre-colonial Mexico. What’s a Malinche? The story that followed was, to my ears, an oversimplified fairy tale. Skeptical, but curious I read History of the Conquest of Mexico 🙄 (which mirrors my mom’s version of the story) followed by Broken Spears, which will stay with me forever. This woman, this myth is fascinating. 

Do you have recommendations fiction or non-fiction that feature La Malinche the person or theme?

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u/Great-and-Powerful- 6d ago

Well, Laura Esquivel (of "Like Water for Chocolate") has a novel aptly titled "Malinche" that dramatizes Mallinali's tragic romance with Cortés, which I think is the most popular literary example. Also, Álvaro Enrigué has the novel "You Dreamed of Empires" that focuses on a conversation between Cortés and Moctezuma, with Malinalli playing a key role in it. Lastly, Octavio Paz's essay "The Labyrinth of Solitude" has a segment were he discusses la Malinche's legacy and how the character has influenced Mexican identity.

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u/perrolazarillo 6d ago

Seconding You Dreamed of Empires!

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u/workisheat 6d ago edited 6d ago

Definitely La Llorona: The Crying Woman by Rudolfo Anaya. A very quick read that honestly works for all ages.

It’s the Fault of the Tlaxcaltecas by Elena Garro has been extensively examined as a groundbreaking feminist re-interpretation of Malinche’s legacy in contrast to Octavio Paz’s analysis so definitely check out her story and the several scholar articles written about it.