Reina del duende
Maria Estevez & Hector Dona. Barcelona: Roca, 2012.302pp. $18.96. ISBN 978-8-499184-97-5.
This nonfiction biography reads like a novel and is just as enjoyable. It is the very well documented and researched story of Pastora Imperio, one of the most famous Spanish flamenco dancers and singers during the last century. She was a pioneer; being one of the first women to obtain a divorce in Spain and helping women get the vote in her country. She was a proud single mother during a time when it was frowned upon.
She was well loved and inspired many, from commoners to kings, significant writers and composers like Jacinto Benavente and Manuel de Falla whose famous piece “El amor brujo” was inspired by Pastora. This is a delightful, easy-to- read story that makes the reader fall in love with a person who lives on in the memory and heart of the Spanish people.
Maria Estevez is a recognized journalist and a descendant of Pastora’s ex-husband’s family; Hector Dona is Pastora’s great-grandson.
She was well loved and inspired many, from commoners to kings, significant writers and composers like Jacinto Benavente and Manuel de Falla whose famous piece “El amor brujo” was inspired by Pastora. This is a delightful, easy-to- read story that makes the reader fall in love with a person who lives on in the memory and heart of the Spanish people.
Maria Estevez is a recognized journalist and a descendant of Pastora’s ex-husband’s family; Hector Dona is Pastora’s great-grandson.
Recommended for public and academic libraries.