by Anita Mason
First published 2008
Geronimo washes ashore on the Mexican coast, one of just two survivors when his Spanish galleon sinks. The winic Indians take him in, and over ten years he sheds his European ways to embrace their customs and tongue. Then a stranger arrives with a pouch of brilliant gems, purchasing Geronimo's liberty from his Indian master. Hernan Cortés has summoned him back from the wilderness to join his waiting expedition. The cunning conquistador recognizes Geronimo's worth immediately. Here is a translator who can bridge two worlds, advancing Cortés's ambitions for gold, converts, and dominion over these lands. Geronimo realizes his terrible position when it becomes too late to resist. He must now turn against the people who rescued him and revealed the richness of their way of life. Mason weaves a dual narrative of political scheming and devastation, of fierce desire and the collapse of a mighty civilization.
Genres: literary-fiction, historical, historical-fiction, adventure
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, reluctant-hero
Setting: Mexico, Spanish Galleon
Period: 16th Century
512 pages · Hardcover · John Murray
Content warnings: colonialism, violence