You Dreamed of Empires: A Novel By Alvaro Enrigue

Álvaro Enrigue's "You Dreamed of Empires" is a mesmerizing journey into the collision of worlds during Hernán Cortés's conquest of Tenochtitlan. With vivid prose and biting humor, Enrigue plunges readers into the heart of this historic encounter, offering a hallucinatory exploration of power, culture, and destiny.

At the center of the narrative are Cortés and his entourage, including his translators, Friar Aguilar and Malinalli, an enslaved Nahua princess. As they navigate the labyrinthine palace of Tenochtitlan, they encounter the enigmatic Aztec princess Atotoxtli and the spiritually conflicted emperor Moctezuma. Through their eyes, Enrigue paints a portrait of a city at its height, pulsating with life and intrigue.

The novel brims with tension as Cortés and his men grapple with the enormity of their task and the uncertainties of the future. Jazmín Caldera, one of Cortés's captains, questions the ease of their reception and ponders the possibility of failure. Enrigue masterfully weaves together threads of history, mythology, and speculation to create a world that feels both familiar and surreal.

"You Dreamed of Empires" is a triumph of imagination, challenging readers to reconsider the narratives of conquest and domination. Enrigue's bold reimagining of Tenochtitlan's destiny transforms the moment of conquest into a moment of revolution, offering a potent critique of colonialism and empire.

With its electrifying prose and visionary storytelling, "You Dreamed of Empires" is a novel that resonates long after the final page. Enrigue invites readers to confront the complexities of history and to dream of new possibilities, making this a truly unforgettable literary experience. 📚❤️