by Susan Orlean
First published 2001
Susan Orlean follows one woman's journey into the male-dominated world of bullfighting. Weaving between backstage moments and the thrill of the corrida, we see Conchita Cintrón confront the risks, prejudices, and personal sacrifices that come with being a female matador. From applying her red lipstick before a fight to facing down a charging bull, Orlean paints an intimate portrait of Conchita's unwavering passion and indomitable spirit.
Genres: biography, 20th-century, gender-studies, feminism, biography-memoir, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, overcoming-adversity, underdog
Setting: United States
Period: 20th century
336 pages · Paperback