Pierced by the Sun

After choosing this as my monthly Kindle First book, I let time lapse and did not read the synopsis before I read the book. The format was a pleasant change from the norm and the subject matter certainly provocative and critical of our neighboring country by a citizen of same. I quite enjoyed this quick read.

This book gives an unusual look at corruption in Mexico through the eyes of an alcoholic female lower level policewoman's eyes. Esquivel throws in historic tidbits interwoven in the mystery of her story as well as indigenous struggles in modern Mexico.

Esquivel's new novel follows the inner struggle of an alcoholic policewoman trying to straighten out her life. In spite of her self destructive behavior she works on investigating the murder of a local politician and in the process begins to heal herself.

I found the folklore and mythology interesting. The protagonist was out of my realm of experience, which doesn't usually phase me, but the overall movement of the book was just too edgy for me. Disappointing.

This story is written with a startling rawness that completely drew me into a world both modern, desperately poor, desperately corrupt, and deeply deeply spiritual. I learned as much about myself along the journey, as I did about Lupita and her story. I highly recommend this exquisitely crafted work of art.

Her writing was wonderful, intelligent, heartfelt and in depth. I particularly liked learning about the history and customs of some of the areas where the story was set. The main character lived very differently than I, or what I have known about. Yet, I could grasp and feel for her character. A sympathy was created without being apologetic of the character's choices and experiences. I've recommended this book to my book-reading-loving friends! Thank you very much Laura Esquivel.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Laura Esquivel's books. This is a wonderful story of addiction, grief, and transformation-an unlikely heroine's journey to wholeness. A pillar of hope in a world gone mad. Thank you Laura Esquivel.

Disjointed, pedantic and trite. Most unenjoyable - the theme seems to be that "natural" hallucinogenic drugs are better than lab-manufactured drugs. But the story line jumps all around, centered on one damaged woman, with no development of any other character. And the author seemed to have been under the influence of more than one hallucinogen while writing.

It helps to be familiar with Mexico. Yet even those who are not , should find meaning in the struggles of the main character. The addiction and pain the main character suffers should be recognized by many.

It's a very well written book.

Perhaps it lost something in translation...? I did like the explanations of Aztec customs and gods, and I appreciated the cultural references. The characters were shallow and not likeable. I was disappointed because I loved LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE!

A very delicate fabric is built by the author, providing a cosmological meaning to the Aztec race, the women's movement and the tragIc narco - situation that Mexicans are facing daily in our days. At the same rate, it shows the quantum leap taken by those poor "campesinos" in order to defend theirselves, their community and eventually the entire Mexico. Love is the glue of the universe.

Whoever translated this book into English should be arrested. Please don't tell me the author, and a respectable one at that, would have written such awkward prose. Weird plot, sudden ending, and unlike able protagonist made for a very unsatisfying read.

Perhaps it lost something in translation...? I did like the explanations of Aztec customs and gods, and I appreciated the cultural references. The characters were shallow and not likeable. I was disappointed because I loved LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE!

A very delicate fabric is built by the author, providing a cosmological meaning to the Aztec race, the women's movement and the tragIc narco - situation that Mexicans are facing daily in our days. At the same rate, it shows the quantum leap taken by those poor "campesinos" in order to defend theirselves, their community and eventually the entire Mexico. Love is the glue of the universe.

A wonderful story which brings light to some of the struggles that faces some Mexican citizens and the rich culture they must fight for. I think this book was very touching and it was nice to see an author who obviously loves her country very much and wants to see its society whole and well. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who really wants to understand Mexican culture on another level.

Whoever translated this book into English should be arrested. Please don't tell me the author, and a respectable one at that, would have written such awkward prose. Weird plot, sudden ending, and unlike able protagonist made for a very unsatisfying read.

The author portrayed how many people get off track via Lupita. Corruption, addictions and narcissism were intermingled with a crime scene, confused human being and an awakening to self and life. Very uniquely written.

Found the story difficult to get into, the cadence of the conversation felt off, may be translation? Violence, corruption and the difficulties of being a female in law enforcement in Mexico. Good story development, interesting with inclusion of indigenous natives culture and ceremonies.

LUPITA's darkness, pain, inflicted by others and by her own actions, is not unlike what many women experience. Sometimes a mere flicker of light provides hope and the strength to carry on. This is a wonderfully woven story that includes Mexican folklore. Thank you, Laura. PLEASE PUBLISH MORE

It was intriguing! The start pulls you in and though there are times you just want things to make sense, you stay hopeful. All threads are connected in the end. I liked it but didn't 'love' it. I guess the holistic, kumbaya factor felt a tad contrived.

Good book, rather predictable events, I enjoyed the chapter structures, each introducing a different quirk in Lupita's personality. I would recommend for someone looking for a quick read, who can appreciate an imperfect female lead character.

I honestly expected something different and was surprised by the acceptance of drug use in this book. The references to historical and mythological events were interesting but the plot was just so so.

Lupita is a sympathetic character from the start. This book creates an intimate relationship with the protagonist and the reader and interweaves her life choices in the context of her socio-political and cultural environment and her shamanistic heritage.

Enjoyable read. I picked it up as a Kindle first, and was pleasantly surprised. I loved Like Water for Chocolate, and wanted to read another book by the same author. This was enjoyable, but not the same.

Read it & share this book. Wow It really brought together the meaning of world wide connection. Drugs continue to disconnect us from life. I highly recommend reading this book. We don't need stuff or drugs to live!

When this novel, I wanted to know more about Lupita. The purification ceremony was fine, but how did her life actually change? This is a story of personal growth that seems to have ended before it should have.

The main character was pathetic; I didn't like her. However, I did appreciate the story and think that it probably reads better in Spanish. Some of the phrasing was a bit clumsy in my opinion, and I attribute it to how it was translated.

Laura Esquivel writes songs to the Mexican people, capturing the essence of an ancient culture assimilating itself to modern times. As with Like Water for Chocolate, her female central character suffers but ultimately triumphs. This is a must-read for all Esquivel fans.

This was a great book, well written, interesting characters, good story then boom end. No conclusion, just end of a chapter, then nothing. I can only surmise the deadline for a book was up and so she sent it in unfinished.

Interesting read, I loved the movie for Like Water for Chocolate. There was a decent plot, but some parts of it felt forced when describing the character's background in reference to the current plot and feelings.

This is such an amazing story. Lara Esquivel is inside of Lupita's mind and gives the reader insight to what it is like for so many people in Mexico. I found the notes explaining the ancient history of the native Mexicans not only helpful, but very interesting.

The story seems disjointed to me. Lupita likes to iron...Lupita likes to dance...Lupita likes to run... Somewhere in between these revelations someone gets murdered. I felt like the plot and the main character are not in the same story.

Good read. Not what I expected but pleasantly surprised with the outcome. There's a lesson to be learned by everyone who reads this book if they too look through their darkness to return to the light!

While I absolutely loved Laura Esquivel's 'Like Water for Chocolate', this book is not close. Felt it was more like a soft pedaled personal rant. Only unread story I had with me while traveling so I finished it.

Laura Esquivel has created a masterpiece - knitting together Mexico's past and present into a promise of new hope for Mexico's future. Lupita is a rich character, defined by both her flaws and her struggles to overcome them. All this is woven into a murder mystery clouded by political intrigue. A highly enjoyable and thought provoking read.