THE MIRROR OF LIDA SAL

by Miguel Angel Asturias ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1997

Originally published in 1967 and previously untranslated into English, this collection of retellings of (mostly Mayan) myths followed the earlier Legends of Guatemala (1930), and with it comprises a superb introduction to the inviting work of that country's Nobel Prize-winning author. Asturias (1899-1974) uses vigorous metaphors, matter-of-fact anthropomorphism, and magical-realist shenanigans to enliven such droll fabulations as the eerie ""Legend of the Crustal Mask,"" the ingeniously plotted ""Juanantes Enchained,"" and especially the lovely title story, in which a maiden's employment of magic to capture the man she loves leads to her own death and transfiguration. An irresistible book.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1997

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 128

Publisher: Latin American Literary Review

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1997

Categories: FICTION