Anderson, Paul: *1956

Hunger's Brides, 2004 - Information about the Book

  • General Information
    • The novel deals with the life of the 17th century Mexican scholar and poet Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, interwoven with a modern narrative.
    • Anderson’s interest in Sor Juana’s story stems from the mystery and intrigue surrounding her life, which has captivated other writers such as Robert Graves and Octavio Paz. The novel took twelve years to complete, reflecting the depth of research and dedication Anderson invested in bringing Sor Juana’s story to life.
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    • Information from Wikipedia
  • Facts
    • Awards: The book won the top prize for literary fiction in the 2005 Alberta Book Awards

    • 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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  • Author
    • Paul Anderson talks about Hunger's Brides. SwissEduc. Zurich. Host: Hans Fischer; October 17, 2005
      part 1
      part 2
      • Excerpted from the above interview:
      • talks about Juana's story
        ,
        talks about Beulah's story
      • reads from Horus, Chapter Ascent, 2 P.M.

        and explains it
      • says what the novel is about
      • talks about the two mysteries
      • talks about historical facts and imagination
      • why Juana entered a convent

        and why she may have entered a strict convent first
      • talks about the conflict between the Church and reason
      • says Juana is the proto feminist
    • Paul Anderson talks about Sor Juana. SwissEduc, Zurich; host: Katrin Eckert; October 17, 2005
      part 1
      part 2
  • Commentary
    • Paul Anderson’s "Hunger’s Brides" is an ambitious, sprawling novel that intertwines three narrative strands: the life of 17th-century Mexican poet and nun Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, the journals of Beulah Limosneros (a troubled modern graduate student obsessed with Sor Juana), and the commentary of her former professor and lover, Donald Gregory. The novel explores themes of gender, power, and intellectual pursuit through its layered storytelling and postmodern structure, blending historical fiction with psychological drama and academic critique.

      At nearly 1,400 pages, the book is both challenging and rewarding. Anderson’s meticulous research shines through, but his characters—particularly Gregory and Beulah—are deeply flawed, embodying tensions between rationality and emotion, intellect and obsession. Sor Juana’s feminist legacy serves as a backdrop for examining modern struggles with misogyny and academic elitism. Despite its occasional lack of editorial discipline, the novel’s complexity and literary ambition make it a unique exploration of history and human frailty.

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  • Reviews
    • Critique: "The author has managed to present us with not one, not two, but three gripping narratives." July 22, 2015
    • Review: "One of the biggest gambles in recent Canadian publishing is one of the most remarkable books in recent memory." Quill & Quire
  • Explanations