“By highlighting the often-overlooked history of the Purépecha people, Eréndira provides readers with an insightful viewof Indigenous struggles, challenging the traditional emphasis on Mexica or Aztec historical narratives. Borunda’s narrative offers a powerful critique of how history is traditionally told from the perspective of the conquerors while excluding the voices of Indigenous communities. Modern-day Eréndira’s journey of discovery about the Indigenoushistory of Northern California echoes the book’s broader theme: the complexities of the pre-Hispanic world, wherealliances and conflicts among Indigenous groups defy the idea of a monolithic culture. Through its thoughtfulexploration of the past and present, while resonating with contemporary struggles for identity and voice, Eréndiraenriches readers’ understanding of the diverse and complex histories of Indigenous peoples.” —Brenda Romero, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Spanish, Graduate Coordinator, Spanish Program Department of World Languages and Literatures, California State University, Sacramento

“Eréndira, by Rose M. Borunda, is a powerful novel that resonates deeply, and provides a profound connection to Michoacán—the place of my birth and a place I call home—even though I never lived there long enough. My family migrated to California at an early age, but the story evoked in me the aspiration to fully reconnect and call it ‘home’ one day. In her novel, Borunda underscores the significance of storytelling as cultural preservation. As Naníta explains, ‘The final death is when we stop telling stories about the person.’ This profound reminder highlights the transformative power of narratives in keeping memory alive and connecting past and present. Ultimately, Eréndira is a compelling exploration of familial bonds, historical memory, and belonging. Borunda’s vivid storytelling makes it a must-read for those seeking narratives of healing and reclamation, regardless of the place one calls home.” —Nancy Huante-Tzintzun, PhD, Assistant Professor, Chicanx and Latinx Program Co-Director, Ethnic Studies, California State University, Sacramento

“A masterful socio-historical narrative that weaves together threads of resistance, survival, and Indigenous identity through the lens of Purépecha worldviews.” —Dr. Heidy Sarabia, CSU Sacramento

Praise for Eréndira, A Novel: