Candelaria: A Novel

In the debut novel by the author of Dreaming of You, a fiery Guatemalan grandmother journeys through a post-apocalyptic world to reach her daughter, reflecting on past mistakes and striving to break historical trauma.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2023
Publisher: Astra Publishing House

In a debut novel that blends the genres of magical realism and apocalyptic fiction, Xochitl Gonzalez explores the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake that brings about the end of the world as we know it. The story follows the journey of Olga Dies Dreaming, a fiery Guatemalan grandmother, as she navigates the chaos and destruction that ensues after the earthquake.

The novel takes place in Massachusetts, which is left in ruins after the earthquake. Strange creatures emerge from the earth's broken surface and begin to wreak havoc, causing widespread panic and destruction. Candelaria Candy Garcia, the elderly Guatemalan grandmother, is determined to make her way to her estranged daughter, Lucia, who is twenty miles out of the city in the suburbs.

The story unfolds over the course of one day, as Candelaria reflects on her past mistakes and losses as she treks through the charred roads and highways to reach her family. Along the way, she encounters various characters who have been affected by the disaster, including a young girl named Maya who has lost her mother and is searching for her father.

Candelaria is a sweeping, mystical intergenerational novel that explores the far reaches of historical trauma, how myths of the past can pre-determine one's present, and how one can strive to break those cycles and define one's own futures despite the looming end of the world. The novel also delves into the themes of motherhood, daughters, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.

Through the character of Candelaria, Gonzalez offers a powerful portrayal of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. The grandmother's journey is filled with challenges and obstacles, but her determination to reach her family and protect them from harm is unwavering. She faces her fears and doubts, and ultimately finds her way to her destination, demonstrating the power of love and family to overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

The Inheritance of Orqu�dea Divina by Zoraida C�rdova is another novel that explores the aftermath of a catastrophic event. In this case, the event is a global apocalypse caused by a deadly virus that spreads rapidly and wipes out most of humanity. The story follows the journey of a young woman named Orqu�dea Divina, who is determined to find her missing father and save what remains of humanity.

The novel is set in a post-apocalyptic world where society has been completely transformed. The characters are forced to adapt to a new way of life, where survival is the primary concern. Orqu�dea is a strong and independent woman who is capable of navigating the challenges of the post-apocalyptic world. She is determined to find her father, who has gone missing during the outbreak of the virus, and to save what remains of humanity.

The novel also delves into the themes of loss, grief, and the importance of family and community. Orqu�dea is forced to confront her own feelings of loss and grief as she searches for her father and tries to rebuild her relationship with her mother. She also learns to rely on the support of her friends and community, who are also struggling to survive in the post-apocalyptic world.

Both novels offer unique perspectives on the aftermath of catastrophic events and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. They provide a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and the power of hope and determination in the face of impossible circumstances.

In conclusion, Xochitl Gonzalez's debut novel, Candelaria, and Zoraida C�rdova's The Inheritance of Orqu�dea Divina are two powerful and thought-provoking novels that explore the aftermath of catastrophic events. Through the characters of Candelaria and Orqu�dea, the novels offer a powerful portrayal of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. They provide a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and the power of hope and determination in the face of impossible circumstances.

Dimension: 210 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781662601804