THE SPANISH BRIDE

by Walter O'Meara ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 29, 1954

The rich tapestry of the story of the Southwest is finding spokesmen and interpreters in varied fields. Here in fiction is one segment of the story of the mysterious Spanish woman mentioned in reports of the massacre of Rio Jesus Maria.... Josefina, so the story goes, was the favorite dancer of Madrid, her patron a beloved actress who had recognized a talent and brought Josefina, scarcely more than a child, from Avila, taught her, given her a chance, and then- jealous and accepting unfounded evidence as fact- turned on her and forced her to escape, first to southern Spain, then to New Spain with the deputy official of Santa Fe, as his mistress. The bulk of the tale takes place in Santa Fe and its environs. Josefina, while holding the form of lady-of-the-governor, has lost the substance- and falls in love with Don Pedro. Backgrounding their story is the seamy pattern of degeneration as the governor cheats and spies and finally thrusts Don Pedro out with a tiny force into a military venture which ended with disaster. Good tale-spinning combined with a vigorous picture of Spanish America in the throes of a final struggle to keep a foothold in the Southwest. Anyone who likes recreation of a colorful, dramatic period of our own history will enjoy it.

Pub Date: Oct. 29, 1954

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1954

Categories: FICTION