Sor Juana: Or, the Traps of Faith

Excellent examination of what is known about this fabulous Mexican poet whose works still resonate 300 years after her death. As one of Mexico’s greatest intellectuals and literary figures, Paz provides analysis and insight into her writing as well.Most important, though, is the author’s explanation of Sor Juana’s predicament living as a creative genius and proto feminist in a place and time in which women had few options and little power. Once you know about the world of Nueva España in the Baroque era you can better appreciate her courage and cleverness in surviving and, for a long time, flourishing in the restricted authoritarian environment.The only problem for the general reader is that Paz is sometimes abstruse and often assumes the reader will understand quotes in French, German or other languages. He probably wrote this for other scholars and wanted to impress them. He also spends a lot of time on one very specific issue and then moves quickly over others. But, overall, this is a book that any reasonably educated person should be able to read and enjoy.

Paz treats the task of biography with Sor Juana by viewing her ideas, way of life, and identify as a woman in a constrictive time. His work is comparable, for me anyway, of an Impressionistic painting of a complex person, who became an icon of the liberation of the feminine mystique. This work "grabs" me with its brilliant, imaginative biography of an incredible woman in history.

She winds up caught up in the "Traps of Faith" as Paz refers to the traps sprung by her time and lifetime which doomed her to a shortened life-span and an end to her excellant writings from poetry to prose to drama along with an end to her library filled with books and tomes from her time. Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz is inspirational as a poetess in particular and Paz salutes this woman with his hefty biography filling in the blanks as to the influences that surrounded and imbued Sor Juana with her colourful figures and joyous sufferings that inspired her to dig for gold in the mines of the baroque affectations of her time. For SorJuanistas a must have-- and you know who you are-- for those unaquainted with Sor Juana Ines de La Cruz-- you'll find out how much you are missing.

This is a solid, honest book by a very talented and brilliant author. It takes patience to read but it is written so well it reads like eating a delicious cake. I learned so much from this book, not only about Sor Juana but also about Mexico and Europe of the time. I think there is a need for more authors like this one. There is no hint of being in a hurry in this book. The feeling that we get is that the love for Sor Juana was with the author for decades.I suspect there must be some new material that has been discovered since the publication of this book but this book will be THE Sor Juana classic for many decades. It asks the right questions.

This lady is honored on Mexican money, is a Saint and people need to know about her life and work. She was brilliant and entertained Europeans and irritated the catholic church. Deprived of all things she counted precious - books, equipment and eventually writing tools, ink and paper - what we have of her life and work are truly inspiring.

Copy was stamped all over with Chicago Library stamp and envelope glued in. I gave it away, actually found I had a good clean copy in my own library,

I really liked that what the sellar explained about product was true. thank you

Octavio and Sor Juana--Mexico's two greatest poets. What more can be said? Brilliant 20th century modern writer explores the mind and heart of a genius from the 17th century.