Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz
A 17th century Mexican nun, poet, scholar and playwright who was a child prodigy and one of the most acclaimed writers of the Spanish Golden Age. She entered a convent at age 19 and later faced persecution from the Inquisition for her writings and ideas. A significant portion of the novel focuses on her life story.

Beulah Limosneros
A brilliant but troubled modern-day graduate student obsessed with Sor Juana. She travels to Mexico to retrace Sor Juana's life but disappears under mysterious circumstances, ending up in a coma after a vicious attack.

Donald Gregory
Beulah's former professor and lover. After Beulah's attack, he comes into possession of her papers related to Sor Juana and tries to piece together what happened to her.

Other notable characters include Antonia, Sor Juana's friend and scribe, and Don Carlos, Sor Juana's friend and supporter at the Mexican court.

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Feminism and Gender Roles
Juana Inés de la Cruz was an early feminist voice who challenged patriarchal norms and advocated for women's rights to education and intellectual pursuits. The novel delves into her feminist ideals and critiques of misogyny prevalent in her era.

Religion and Spirituality
As a nun in New Spain (colonial Mexico), Juana's spiritual life and relationship with the Catholic Church are central themes. The novel explores the tensions between her religious vows and devotion with her intellectual curiosity and writings.

Love and Desire
Juana's poems and writings often grappled with themes of romantic love, desire, and sexuality from a female perspective, which was highly unconventional for the time.

Mexican/Colonial Identity
Set in 17th century New Spain, the novel examines Mexican cultural identity, indigenous influences, and the impacts of Spanish colonialism through Juana's life experiences.

Intellectual Freedom
Juana faced opposition and censorship from religious authorities for her scholarly pursuits as a woman. The novel highlights her advocacy for intellectual freedom and the right to knowledge.

By immersing readers in Juana Inés de la Cruz's world over its epic length, "Hunger's Brides" provides a comprehensive fictionalized portrayal of this pioneering Mexican writer, nun, and feminist thinker while exploring a range of profound themes.

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The novel received praise for its extensive research and the depth of its historical and cultural references. Critics appreciated Anderson's ability to weave a complex narrative that spans centuries and locations, offering a richly detailed depiction of Sor Juana's life and times.

The book's style, characterized by its intricate and elaborate prose, was both lauded and criticized. Some readers found the dense, almost baroque language compelling and fitting for the subject matter, while others considered it overly complex and challenging to navigate.

Scholars and those with a keen interest in Latin American literature and feminist studies found "Hunger's Brides" particularly compelling. The book's detailed portrayal of Sor Juana and the inclusion of extensive footnotes and references appealed to an academic audience.

General readers had mixed reactions. Some were captivated by the dual narrative and the intricate historical details, while others felt overwhelmed by the novel's complexity and length. The book's demanding nature meant it was better received by those with a specific interest in its themes and historical context.

In summary, "Hunger's Brides" is regarded as a monumental literary achievement with significant historical and intellectual value, though its challenging prose and considerable length make it a polarizing read. Its reception highlights the divide between critical acclaim and popular accessibility, with the novel finding a more appreciative audience among literary scholars and enthusiasts of Baroque literature.

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