The Hummingbird's Daughter

A Novel

By: Luis Alberto Urrea

Narrated by: Luis Alberto Urrea

Length: 18 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

It is 1889, and civil war is brewing in Mexico. A 16-year-old girl, Teresita, the illegitimate but beloved daughter of the wealthy and powerful rancher Don Tomas Urrea, wakes from the strangest dream, a dream that she has died. Only it was not a dream. This passionate and rebellious young woman has arisen from death with the power to heal, but it will take all her faith to endure the trials that await her and her family now that she has become the "Saint of Cabora".

The Hummingbird's Daughter is a vast, hugely satisfying novel of love and loss, joy and pain. Two decades in the writing, this is the masterpiece that Luis Alberto Urrea has been building up to.

©2006 Luis Alberto Urrea (P)2006 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Epic." (The New Yorker)

"Urrea meticulously captures day-to-day life among the poor farmers and their populist beliefs in their saint." (Bookmarks Magazine)

"[The Hummingbird's Daughter] is wildly romantic, sweeping in its effect, employing the techniques of Catholic hagiography, Western fairy tale, Indian legend and everyday family folklore against the gritty historical realities of war, poverty, prejudice, lawlessness, torture and genocide. Urrea effortlessly links Teresita's supernatural calling to the turmoil of the times, concealing substantial intellectual content behind effervescent storytelling and considerable humor." (Publishers Weekly)

Worth a second start

I got about 1/5 of the way through this book and realized that I was not really following the story well. I went on YouTube and watched some interviews and speeches the author gave (the speech at the Carter Center was especially helpful). Once I realized that Teresita, the main character, was a real person and was part of the family lore of the author, the book made sense. I started listening back at the beginning with new understanding and appreciation. The book appears to be in the genre of magic realism, but many of the supernatural parts are considered truthful.

I often don’t like an author’s narration, but this one is just right.

Amazing!

A beautifully written, well conceived and pain painstakingly researched novel. The author reads the story as only he could, with a passion and understanding of the characters and of their emotions that is remarkable.

Gotta read

I love this book. It is beautiful adventure some descriptive spiritual. Having it narrated by the author with the inclusion of Spanish idioms is terrific

a moving epic

This story touched me in many ways. The authors ability to weave research, legend and a darn good story carried me away as if in a dream. I loved this book.

a must hear for all Mexicans

this book is written beautifully. although, I have to admit that at some parts I struggled to keep interest has it seemed to drag some things for too long. I did however cherish this book, and will continue to urge people to read it.

Wonderful and full of wonder.

I was drawn into the story immediately. The narration by the author was a bonus. I might have given different nuances if I had been reading the book. I know I will listen to this book
again.

Splendid! Marvelous! I’ll listen to this again.

What a fabulous book! Most times, in my opinion, when an author reads his or her own book it can fall flat. Not in this case. Luis Alberto Urrea does a exceptional job reading his own work. Funny at times, sad at others, his voice really adds depth to the story.

Listen to this...you will not be disappointed.

Into the depths of a belief

I learned as much as I enjoyed from it. I was put in my place as a man and a non-believer in many instances. And this was only facilitated by the authors narration where at times he made me laugh, others reflect and many other ways relax. A master.

Stunning story of the Saint of Cabora

In a style that resembles Marquez magical realism, Urrea paints a vivid picture of Sonoran Mexico at the turn of the 20th Century. Rich characters and sparking dialogue throughout.

Unbelievable

This book, although tough at times is one of the top on my list. It is clear that the author poured his heart and soul into this story, Fiction laced with history is always one of my favorites. I live in Mexico, so the story was completely alive to me. Harshness combined with just enough humor kept me going. The narrator was great. Give this on a try when you have time to really listen.