Illencka is an indigenous girl living in the times of the Spanish conquest of Peru by Pizarro and Almagro. She meets Fernando Espárrago, a chronicler accompanying Pizarro during the conquest, on Puná Island. A friendship blooms between the two that goes beyond the chronicler’s need for an interpreter. Illencka shares the customs of her people, their mythology, and the names of the local flora and fauna with her new friend. The author’s account of the conquest and historical description of Peru, the Incas, their customs and mythology make this book an excellent means of learning about history while enjoying literature. This masterful novel also highlights the contrast resulting from the meeting of two different civilizations.
