Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Candlewick (2009), Hardcover, 304 pages
Description
In the golden city of Tenochtitilan, the people live in awe of Emperor Montezuma and in fear of blood-hungry gods. Under an ill-fated sky, a girl is born, facing a life of submission and domestic drudgery. But Itacate has a secret passion of goldwork, forbidden to women, and is forced to disguise her identity to protect herself and her family. When her city is shaken by Cortez's invasion, Itacate challenges fate, culture, and faith by crafting golden statues and pursuing the love of a man who should be her enemy.
User reviews
LibraryThing member rebecca191
Itacate was born in the great city of Tenochtitlán during the last years of the ill-fated Aztec empire. Her mother died giving birth to Itacate and her twin brother, and Itacate herself almost didn’t survive. As a result, she is considered from birth to be unlucky and destined to a terrible
First, Itacate’s twin brother, whom she believed would grow to be a great warrior, is instead chosen as a sacrifice to the gods. Then, Spanish Conquistadors arrive. Itacate catches the eye of one young Spaniard, Francisco. But when their secret love is discovered, it brings down upon them the wrath of her father and the disapproval of her people. And time is running out for Tenochtitlán and its people. What will become of Itacate, her family, and her beloved when the city falls?
The Goldsmith’s Daughter is a fascinating historical novel that brings to life the Aztec culture and the final days of the great city of Tenochtitlán and the beginning of the Spanish conquest of the Americas. Although the historical outcome is known, there is still suspense in wondering what will become of the fictional characters when the city inevitably is destroyed. Although the author does make a few modifications to the actual historical events for the sake of the story, overall she does a good job of introducing teen readers to the Aztec culture and to an era of history not often written about for young adults.
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future, while her brother is believed to be destined to greatness. She spends her childhood mostly ignored, until her father, a goldsmith, discovers her talents and makes her his secret apprentice. But the year Itacate turns fifteen, everything changes.First, Itacate’s twin brother, whom she believed would grow to be a great warrior, is instead chosen as a sacrifice to the gods. Then, Spanish Conquistadors arrive. Itacate catches the eye of one young Spaniard, Francisco. But when their secret love is discovered, it brings down upon them the wrath of her father and the disapproval of her people. And time is running out for Tenochtitlán and its people. What will become of Itacate, her family, and her beloved when the city falls?
The Goldsmith’s Daughter is a fascinating historical novel that brings to life the Aztec culture and the final days of the great city of Tenochtitlán and the beginning of the Spanish conquest of the Americas. Although the historical outcome is known, there is still suspense in wondering what will become of the fictional characters when the city inevitably is destroyed. Although the author does make a few modifications to the actual historical events for the sake of the story, overall she does a good job of introducing teen readers to the Aztec culture and to an era of history not often written about for young adults.
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LibraryThing member BugsyBoog
This is a historical fiction novel with an unusual setting: ancient Mexico during the time of Montezuma. The heroine, Itacate, and her twin brother lost their mother at birth. Growing up with a surly, distant father, Itacate slowly starts to grow apart from her brother, Mitotoiqui, as he is given
This was a very interesting book with known facts about Aztec life mixed with a girl’s reaction to the strange events in her world. It was a very tumultuous time for a people who had established customs and religion for a long time before the Spanish.
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the perks of a boy’s life: school and an apprenticeship with the father, while Itacate is chained to domestic chores all day. Eventually, the father realizes the real talent is not with his son, but with his daughter who was given an ill omen at birth. Itacate’s sculptures in gold catch the attention of emperor, and Montezuma solicits the father to create some sculptures. Itacate comes with him of course, but no one knows she is the real sculptor. But strange things begin happening in Tenochtitlan. Rumors of strangers with strange weapons and brutal ways, all in the name of their god, are on their way. When they arrive, Itacate’s life becomes intertwined with one of the Spanish soldiers, Francisco. She disguises herself as a boy to go to the palace to fulfill the request for a gold Virgin Mary, and she develops her relationship with Francisco.This was a very interesting book with known facts about Aztec life mixed with a girl’s reaction to the strange events in her world. It was a very tumultuous time for a people who had established customs and religion for a long time before the Spanish.
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LibraryThing member BookConcierge
2.5**
A novel set in the 15th century city of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec empire ruled by Montezuma. Fifteen-year-old Itacate has lived under a cloud of darkness since she was born and the priests predicted she would bring ruin to her family. Her mother died in childbirth, but her father
I had such high hopes for this story. I definitely enjoyed the information on the culture and society that was the Aztec empire. I liked how Landman revealed the differences in the religious beliefs of the Spanish conquistadors and the Aztec people. I wasn’t particularly bothered by the historical inaccuracies (Landman explains in a note at the end that she combined elements of histories of Peru and the Caribbean to make the story work). I thought the “Romeo & Juliet” side story was unnecessary and predictable, but appropriate for the target audience. In total, it was a quick read and held my interest. So why only 2.5 stars?
I was sorely disappointed with the constant message that all the bad things that happened were the fault of Itacate and her defiance of the restrictions placed on women of that society. Really? Cortez invaded the city because she began to apprentice to her father? Yes, she eventually comes to the conclusion that this is poppycock, but the repeated message before that realization really made my teeth hurt. I certainly wouldn’t want my daughter or son reading (and absorbing) this kind of message.
A novel set in the 15th century city of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec empire ruled by Montezuma. Fifteen-year-old Itacate has lived under a cloud of darkness since she was born and the priests predicted she would bring ruin to her family. Her mother died in childbirth, but her father
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has cared for her and her twin brother Mitotiqui. As they leave childhood behind their paths diverge – Mitotiqui begins formal schooling, while Itacate, like other girls her age, begins to learn household skills such as cooking, cleaning and weaving. But when her father discovers Itacate’s natural talent for designing and crafting fine jewelry he defies convention to make her his apprentice (though only in secret).I had such high hopes for this story. I definitely enjoyed the information on the culture and society that was the Aztec empire. I liked how Landman revealed the differences in the religious beliefs of the Spanish conquistadors and the Aztec people. I wasn’t particularly bothered by the historical inaccuracies (Landman explains in a note at the end that she combined elements of histories of Peru and the Caribbean to make the story work). I thought the “Romeo & Juliet” side story was unnecessary and predictable, but appropriate for the target audience. In total, it was a quick read and held my interest. So why only 2.5 stars?
I was sorely disappointed with the constant message that all the bad things that happened were the fault of Itacate and her defiance of the restrictions placed on women of that society. Really? Cortez invaded the city because she began to apprentice to her father? Yes, she eventually comes to the conclusion that this is poppycock, but the repeated message before that realization really made my teeth hurt. I certainly wouldn’t want my daughter or son reading (and absorbing) this kind of message.
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LibraryThing member Salsabrarian
Upon her birth, which caused her mother's death, Itacate was declared by Aztec priests to be a curse, that she would bring ruin to those around her. As she grows up, her twin brother Mitotiqui enjoys the freedom and education allowed boys while she feels hemmed in by domestic duties. What saves her
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is her natural talent working with gold; her father secretly allows her to help in his workshop. But the violent arrival of Cortes and the Spaniards turns life in Tenochititlan, and the population's long-held beliefs, upside-down. Some graphic scenes of sacrifice and violence, and an implied sex scene. This story of a misfit teen seeing her beliefs and culture shaken to the core makes compelling reading. Show Less
LibraryThing member HeatherLINC
This is a nice introduction to the Aztec culture and it's demise under the Spanish invasion of the Americas. Lots of action, some romance and interesting facts about the Aztec's religion, I found this book an interesting read.
Awards
Guardian Children's Fiction Prize (Longlist — 2008)
Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing (Nominee — 2009)
Historical Novel Society Editors' Choice (Children/Young Adult)
Original publication date
2009
Physical description
304 p.; 5.41 inches
ISBN
0763642193 / 9780763642198