Catalina
by Markus Orths; translated by Helen Atkins
Published by The Toby Press
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Reviewed by Julie Failla Earhart
German author Markus Orths makes his English language debut with his version of the true story of Catalina.
Catalina d'Erauso is born in San Sebastian, Spain, on April 17, 1585. She shows unusual devotion to her decade-older brother, Miguel, who delivered her. She worshiped the ground Miguel walked on and was devastated when he was sent to the New World to seek the family's wealth in the silver mines. As an American, the term "new world" threw me off. I had trouble keeping it straight that the "new world" of that time was South America and not the United States.
But back to the story. In her despair, Catalina joins the convent. She realizes that by an education, not afforded women of her class, would be the only true way to follow Miguel. Once Catalina feels that she has enough knowledge, she decides to strike out for the New World.
However, given passive role women must play in that time, Catalina is forced to disguise herself as a man. Only then can she move freely. Once she cuts her head, dresses the part, and learns to lower her voice, there is no turning back. Catalina chooses the name Francisco and begins to live, love, act, and think like a man. It's a role she learns to feel comfortable with and learns to enjoy. She is able to fool everyone, including the lovers she takes along the way.
Once Catalina/Francisco reaches the town of Potosi, where Miguel was sent, she begins her exploration of the area in search of her brother. But it's during this search, that Catalina/Francisco discovers that her quest is not merely for her brother, it is a quest to feel comfortable in her skin and the life she has chosen.
Catalina/Francisco must decided who she will ultimately be: Catalina or Francisco.
Orths' narrative is thought provoking and does an superb job of weaving myth and reality. The story is straightforward and linear, but the tightness of the sentence structure and the plot line leaves little to fault. Readers will turn the last page, wondering, "Who am I?"
Armchair Interviews says: This is a 5-star read.