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GUEST: Laura Esquivel, author of “Like Water for Chocolate,” and “Malinche.”

Acclaimed author Laura Esquivel returns to the literary world with “Malinche,” her first new novel in five years. Through years of research, Esquivel’s novel reinterprets the historical relationship between Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes, and his indigenous mistress and interpreter Malinalli. Long reviled as a traitor in Mexico for the role she played during the Conquest of the Mexica Empire, “La Malinche,” as Malinalli came to be known, is an important figure in the Mexican subconscious. To this day, the term, “Malinchismo,” is still used to denounce those who reject their own roots and favor the culture of foreigners. In the novel, Esquivel has chosen to portray a more nuanced view of Malinche than that of a mere traitor. Laura Esquivel is perhaps best known for her first novel, “Like Water for Chocolate,” which sold more than 4 and a half million copies in 33 languages worldwide. The film adaptation of the book was one of the most successful foreign films released in the United States. Laura Esquivel joins us in studio this morning.

Laura Esquivel will be reading from her book, Malinche on Thursday May 11th at 7 pm, at Libreria Martinez Books and Art Gallery, 1110 N. Main Street in Santa Ana. For more information, visit www.latinobooks.com, or call 714-973-7900.