Queen of America

A Novel

By: Luis Alberto Urrea

Narrated by: Luis Alberto Urrea

At turns heartbreaking, uplifting, fiercely romantic, and riotously funny,this novel from a Pulitzer Prize finalist tells the unforgettable story of a young woman coming of age and finding her place in a new world.

Beginning where Luis Alberto Urrea's bestselling The Hummingbird's Daughter left off, Queen of America finds young Teresita Urrea, beloved healer and "Saint of Cabora," with her father in 1892 Arizona. But, besieged by pilgrims in desperate need of her healing powers, and pursued by assassins, she has no choice but to flee the borderlands and embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of turn-of-the-century America.

Teresita's passage will take her to New York, San Francisco, and St. Louis, where she will encounter European royalty, Cuban poets, beauty queens, anxious immigrants and grand tycoons -- and, among them, a man who will force Teresita to finally ask herself the ultimate question: is a saint allowed to fall in love?

Critic reviews

Praise for QUEEN OF AMERICA:

"'Who is more of an outlaw than a saint?'" one of Luis Urrea's characters poses. The answer is this ferocious, ribald romance of the border. Jaunty, bawdy, gritty, sweet, Queen of America has a bottomless comic energy and a heart large enough to accept-even revel in-all of human folly."—Stewart O'Nan, author of Emily Alone and Songs for the Missing

"Captivating...With deft humor and a poetic lyricism that seamlessly folds one scene into another, Urrea unfolds the story of his real-life great-aunt Teresita, a teenage saint who was known for healing miracles... Each scene in Queen of America unfurls gracefully like delicate wisps of smoke. Whether Teresita is being held captive in Northern California by a band of profiteering medical professionals, or being feted like a queen in New York's social circles, this epic novel paints a portrait of America-and its inhabitants-with grace and style. It will spark fire in readers' hearts."—Megan Fishmann, Bookpage

"Urrea delights in the texture of things. Turn-of-the-century America, particularly New York, comes alive at his fingertips: He sees both the silk and the mud... In imagining the story of his great-aunt Teresita, Urrea might have chosen to make her a hero; that would have been easier. What we get is more complicated, more modern... Hers is the story of what it means to have a gift, and how a talent can also be a burden."—Carolyn Kellogg, Los Angeles Times

"Colorful [and] exuberant."—Sam Sacks, Wall Street Journal

"A magnificent work of literary alchemy, so masterfully infused with myth and history, you will feel these characters in your heart, your gut. You will grieve for their immortal souls."—Jamie Ford, author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

"A gritty, bold, and much-anticipated sequel to The Hummingbird's Daughter... Fiercely romantic and at times heart­breaking but also full of humor, Urrea's latest novel blends fairy tale, Western adventure, folk tale, and historical drama. Fans of Hummingbird and readers new to Urrea's work will surely enjoy this magnificent, epic novel."—Library Journal

A good sequel, but not fantastic

If you could sum up Queen of America in three words, what would they be?

Humility meets pompocity

What was one of the most memorable moments of Queen of America?

I can't say too much without giving anything away, but the scene where Teresita separates from her father.

What about Luis Alberto Urrea’s performance did you like?

Everything. Absolutely everything.

Who was the most memorable character of Queen of America and why?

El Patron. Tomas embodies everything in a Mexican man and father. Boisterous, secretly tender, threatening, protective, arrogant, gracious and more.

Any additional comments?

This book wasn't anything near the epic tale the first book was, but it was nice to have an end to tie up an overall amazing story.

Another Masterpiece by Luis Alberto Urrea

I recommend this book to everyone! Luis Alberto Urrea is a true artist with his words and storytelling. I read and reread his books, and they’re worth it!

BRILLIANT WRITING AND NARRATION!!!

I read a NYT review about Urrea’s most recent novel...House of Broken Angels...and decided to listen to the author read it. I LOVED IT!!! And the author’s superb narration swept me up
Into the story. After I finished it....the first I have ever read by this author...I had to have more. I listened to The Hummingbird’s daughter and was thoroughly entranced by it as well. I just finished The Queen of America, and wept when Huila arrived and led Tericita to her heaven.

Absolutely wonderful

I am 47 years old, and I have read all my life. I’ve always considered about 5 books my all-time favorites. And now QOA and The Hummingbirds Daughter are included on that very small list. I feel like I should have heard about these books a long time ago, but I am glad to know them now. FAVORITES❤️❤️

This is Best Way to Experience "Queen of America"

If you could sum up Queen of America in three words, what would they be?

Lyrical, passionate, transporting

What did you like best about this story?

The vividness and reality of what it would be like to be a saint or to live with one.

What does Luis Alberto Urrea bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The beautifully alive Spanish and the wry humor.

Who was the most memorable character of Queen of America and why?

Thomas, for his living life fully with all his flaws and his being a larger-than-life rogue that made me laugh, when I wasn't wanting to kick him.

Any additional comments?

No one in our book club made it through the entire book, read or audible.