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Nuestras Vidas Son los Rios
Ambientado en la majestuosa geografía de los Andes, este libro apasionante cuenta la vida de Manuela Sáenz, quien ganó su lugar en la historia como el gran amor del libertador de Suramérica, Simón Bolívar. La vida de Manuela Sáenz en sí es fascinante. Abandonando su posición como una de las mujeres más ricas de Lima, Sáenz trabajó clandestinamente con conspiradores para derrocar los representantes corruptos del reino español. Este camino eventualmente la llevó a conocer a Bolívar en 1822, cuando ella tenía veinticinco años. La atracción fue inmediata y por ocho años fueron amantes, hasta la muerte de Bolívar. Durante esta época turbulenta, Manuela luchó en varias batallas, consiguiendo el rango de coronel, y fue eventualmente encarcelada, herida y por último desterrada de por vida de Colombia y Ecuador. Nuestras Vidas Son los Ríos dramatiza la lucha de Suramérica por su independencia no solo desde el punto de vista de Sáenz, si no también desde la mirada de otras dos mujeres Natán y Jonotás, las esclavas de Sáenz. Con este paso audaz, Manrique muestra diferentes (y a veces encontradas) versiones de Bolívar, de Manuela y de las consecuencias importantes del movimiento de independencia―no solo para los descendientes españoles, si no también para los esclavos y para la enorme población indígena de los Andes. Esta novela ejemplar de Manrique revela a Manuela Sáenz como una mujer única y brillante a quien lectores modernos encontrarán imposible de olvidar.
400 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2006
27 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Manrique
25 books39 followersJaime Manrique (16 June 1949 - ) Colombian American author, poet, and journalist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 9, 2011
Doña Manuela Sáenz was an illegitimate daughter of a Spanish nobleman who left her husband and became the lover and supporter of Simón Bolívar. She was very much involved in his struggle for independence from Spain, rode beside him in battle and earned the title of "Libertadora del Libertador" when she helped him to escape mutinous officers plotting his death. History tells us that Manuela Saenz lived an amazing life and accomplished great things, and her story has plenty of potential for a powerful novel. Unfortunately, this book fails to deliver that story, at least for this reader.
The narrative is in the first person, mainly from Manuela's POV, and interspersed with chapters from the POV of her two slaves, Jonotás and Natán. Unfortunately Manuela comes across as a bit too modern, extremely self-centered and spends much of the first third of the book stamping her feet in order to get her way and pouting that she'll only marry for *twu wuv* (that trope is so old).
I didn't get a good feel for the historical period/settings and if it weren't for the dates at the beginning of some chapters I might have thought I was reading about events in the early 20C instead of 19C. Too much of the first third of the book is spent on Manuela's early life and would have been better served beginning around the time of her first meetings with Bolívar and then fleshing out the back history. And be warned, if you are like me and not familiar with this period in history, prepare to spend some time reading up on it elsewhere and even then some historical events barely get the briefest of mentions in passing conversations. A map and a brief narrative at the beginning might have helped alleviate some of that, but still...I thought it was the author's job to show us. Oh well.
I really didn't pick up on much chemistry between Manuela and Bolívar (you would have expected them to sizzle off the pages), nor did I even care what happened between them. I had imagined Manuela a strong formidable woman and not the self-centered shrew she was here. And the Bolívar in this book was most definitely was not the stuff of which legends are made of - more of an aging, whiny boor. Meh. As for the writing itself, as a whole it was rather tepid and uninspiring but I'll let you be the judge,
"As the general lathered me in my most intimate parts, the lover in him returned and I would take his hardness and ride it like a mermaid at sea."
"His concern for me was touching. After I promised I would, he kissed my face, my neck, my hair, and roared as if he were a famished lion about to tear into my flesh."
What really sent the book flying though, was Manuela's narrative at the end which continues after her death (no I'm not spoiling, history tells us she died),
"I placed my hand over my heart. it had stopped beating-I was dead."
And yes, this after death narrative continued for several more pages so we can hear about the spirit exiting the body and such. In the end it's an OK sort of novel, not terribly bad, but not terribly great either - it just doesn't live up to its potential. I'd very much like to see someone else take on Manuela's story and run with it though.
The narrative is in the first person, mainly from Manuela's POV, and interspersed with chapters from the POV of her two slaves, Jonotás and Natán. Unfortunately Manuela comes across as a bit too modern, extremely self-centered and spends much of the first third of the book stamping her feet in order to get her way and pouting that she'll only marry for *twu wuv* (that trope is so old).
I didn't get a good feel for the historical period/settings and if it weren't for the dates at the beginning of some chapters I might have thought I was reading about events in the early 20C instead of 19C. Too much of the first third of the book is spent on Manuela's early life and would have been better served beginning around the time of her first meetings with Bolívar and then fleshing out the back history. And be warned, if you are like me and not familiar with this period in history, prepare to spend some time reading up on it elsewhere and even then some historical events barely get the briefest of mentions in passing conversations. A map and a brief narrative at the beginning might have helped alleviate some of that, but still...I thought it was the author's job to show us. Oh well.
I really didn't pick up on much chemistry between Manuela and Bolívar (you would have expected them to sizzle off the pages), nor did I even care what happened between them. I had imagined Manuela a strong formidable woman and not the self-centered shrew she was here. And the Bolívar in this book was most definitely was not the stuff of which legends are made of - more of an aging, whiny boor. Meh. As for the writing itself, as a whole it was rather tepid and uninspiring but I'll let you be the judge,
"As the general lathered me in my most intimate parts, the lover in him returned and I would take his hardness and ride it like a mermaid at sea."
"His concern for me was touching. After I promised I would, he kissed my face, my neck, my hair, and roared as if he were a famished lion about to tear into my flesh."
What really sent the book flying though, was Manuela's narrative at the end which continues after her death (no I'm not spoiling, history tells us she died),
"I placed my hand over my heart. it had stopped beating-I was dead."
And yes, this after death narrative continued for several more pages so we can hear about the spirit exiting the body and such. In the end it's an OK sort of novel, not terribly bad, but not terribly great either - it just doesn't live up to its potential. I'd very much like to see someone else take on Manuela's story and run with it though.
January 2, 2017
Nicely written but way too long, this biography of Simon Bolivar's mistress is a nice addendum to the history of "El Libertador". Saenz's life is plainly not interesting enough to fill four hundred pages. Yes, she had her fifteen minutes of fame during the Latin American wars of independence from Spain. The author focuses on her passionate love for Bolivar to fill the rest of the book.
Unfortunately this love was not interesting enough to sustain a story for the entire length of the novel. Alas, a short story would have sufficed.
Unfortunately this love was not interesting enough to sustain a story for the entire length of the novel. Alas, a short story would have sufficed.
June 25, 2010
An illegitimate child of a well-to-do, unmarried woman from a respectable family, Manuela is an outcast of society. The strictures of her upbringing and her romantic, rebellious nature lead her to embrace the revolution and then the hero of the revolution himself, Simon Bolivar. The rest is history.
Told in the first person by Manuela and her two slave women, Natan and Jonotas, the narrative of the two slaves do more to address the reality of war and revolution than do Manuela's idealogical rhetoric and romantic escapades. Manuela, answering to a "higher" calling, is consumed by her passion for the revolution and for Bolivar. The lush prose and fast pace do not explore the revolution in depth, yet it touches on many issues of Spanish Colonial life in South America. For historical fiction, this is a good place to start. Unlike Allende's "Ines of My Soul", Manrique doesn't attempt to gloss over or excuse the brutalities of the Spaniards or the Criollos on the slave and indigenous populations, yet neither does he dwell on it.
In the end, I'm not sure I like Jaime Manrique's Manuela Saenz very much, but I admire her: courageous and a decorated soldier with the title of Colonel, she fought in battles, smoked, wore men's clothes, and thumbed her nose at convention. Her end is poignant, cast like detritus onto a plague-ridden port town to live out her days.
Told in the first person by Manuela and her two slave women, Natan and Jonotas, the narrative of the two slaves do more to address the reality of war and revolution than do Manuela's idealogical rhetoric and romantic escapades. Manuela, answering to a "higher" calling, is consumed by her passion for the revolution and for Bolivar. The lush prose and fast pace do not explore the revolution in depth, yet it touches on many issues of Spanish Colonial life in South America. For historical fiction, this is a good place to start. Unlike Allende's "Ines of My Soul", Manrique doesn't attempt to gloss over or excuse the brutalities of the Spaniards or the Criollos on the slave and indigenous populations, yet neither does he dwell on it.
In the end, I'm not sure I like Jaime Manrique's Manuela Saenz very much, but I admire her: courageous and a decorated soldier with the title of Colonel, she fought in battles, smoked, wore men's clothes, and thumbed her nose at convention. Her end is poignant, cast like detritus onto a plague-ridden port town to live out her days.
November 8, 2010
Overall, the author of this book took an interesting premise and an interesting real woman and turned them into a dreadful novel. I don't think I have rolled my eyes or yelled at a book this often in quite some time. The tone of the book felt too modern for a book supposedly set in the early 1800s. Manuela did not feel genuine to me. The times when the author tried to convey what Manuela may have been thinking felt forced and from a point of view of a man's belief of what a woman thinks.
The dialogue was poorly written and often unbelievable. The course of the book was severely aggravating as it never flowed, it was very stilted. The book moves in the general correct direction but the flashbacks can be confusing, especially when the author does not indicate when the flashback has truly ended. There was little elaboration, especially in scenes where there felt like there needed to be. I think the author left some scenes to our imagination just because he couldn't come up with anything himself. What elaboration there was included the author telling us rather than showing us what was going on.
The inclusion of Manuel's two slaves as additional narrators of the story was completely unnecessary. Their parts rarely added anything to the story. Often the point of view was also misplaced and off by a few years. The novel essentially felt like Manrique took facts of Manuela's life and wrote things around them and inserted paragraphs when he felt necessary. It was on the level of a boring term paper written in the first person narrative.
Also, while some of the scenes may have actually occurred Manrique wrote them in a very unbelievable style. **Spoiler** Such as when Manuela catches Bolivar in bed with another woman. She attacks the woman and Bolivar. But immediately after she treats Bolivar's wounds. The immediate next paragraph has Bolivar asking her to move in with her and everything is just peachy! Are you kidding me? No elaboration regarding Manuela's feelings? Her contemplations? Nada? Insane! *End of Spoiler*
In addition, one thing that annoyed me was the sex scenes, if you will call them that. There was little actual romance in the novel aside from Manuela's pining for Bolivar so when there was suddenly a sentence or two about them being intimate it felt out of the blue. The few sex scenes (well, sentences) there were felt out of place, laughable and quite frankly disturbing in the manner they were written. Want a laugh? See page 149 and 193. This entire novel did nothing but frustrate me!
The dialogue was poorly written and often unbelievable. The course of the book was severely aggravating as it never flowed, it was very stilted. The book moves in the general correct direction but the flashbacks can be confusing, especially when the author does not indicate when the flashback has truly ended. There was little elaboration, especially in scenes where there felt like there needed to be. I think the author left some scenes to our imagination just because he couldn't come up with anything himself. What elaboration there was included the author telling us rather than showing us what was going on.
The inclusion of Manuel's two slaves as additional narrators of the story was completely unnecessary. Their parts rarely added anything to the story. Often the point of view was also misplaced and off by a few years. The novel essentially felt like Manrique took facts of Manuela's life and wrote things around them and inserted paragraphs when he felt necessary. It was on the level of a boring term paper written in the first person narrative.
Also, while some of the scenes may have actually occurred Manrique wrote them in a very unbelievable style. **Spoiler** Such as when Manuela catches Bolivar in bed with another woman. She attacks the woman and Bolivar. But immediately after she treats Bolivar's wounds. The immediate next paragraph has Bolivar asking her to move in with her and everything is just peachy! Are you kidding me? No elaboration regarding Manuela's feelings? Her contemplations? Nada? Insane! *End of Spoiler*
In addition, one thing that annoyed me was the sex scenes, if you will call them that. There was little actual romance in the novel aside from Manuela's pining for Bolivar so when there was suddenly a sentence or two about them being intimate it felt out of the blue. The few sex scenes (well, sentences) there were felt out of place, laughable and quite frankly disturbing in the manner they were written. Want a laugh? See page 149 and 193. This entire novel did nothing but frustrate me!
January 6, 2015
I had never heard of Manuela Saenz before picking up this book. Her story is fascinating: The illegitimate daughter of a wealthy Peruvian mother and an already-married Spanish father, she survived convent school, social scandal, and a bad marriage to become the mistress of Simon Bolivar, the liberator of South America. Unfortunately, he predeceased her, she was cheated out of her inheritance, and Manuela ended her years in poverty and was buried anonymously in a mass grave for plague victims.
That being said… this book left a lot to be desired. The writing was stilted and choppy, the dialogue was unbelievable, the “sex scenes” were laughable… oh my gosh I could list so many things. Mainly though, the problem was no emotional connection with Manuela. She just didn’t seem real. Neither did her slaves, Natan and Jonotas, whose chapters were narrated in exactly the same “voice” as Manuela, and seemed completely unnecessary. I want to learn more about Manuela Saenz and hope there is a better book about her out there.
That being said… this book left a lot to be desired. The writing was stilted and choppy, the dialogue was unbelievable, the “sex scenes” were laughable… oh my gosh I could list so many things. Mainly though, the problem was no emotional connection with Manuela. She just didn’t seem real. Neither did her slaves, Natan and Jonotas, whose chapters were narrated in exactly the same “voice” as Manuela, and seemed completely unnecessary. I want to learn more about Manuela Saenz and hope there is a better book about her out there.
February 27, 2011
Wow. A very good book. This is a historical novel about Simon Bolivar, the "Liberator" and the woman he loved, Manuela Saenz, "liberatadora del libertador," the liberator of the liberator. Bolivar was known as a dictator. His goal was to liberate South America from Spanish rule and unite the countries into one country: Gran Colombia.
The book begins with a young Manuela. She is a bastard and her deceased mother's family treats her as one. She is sent to a convent for schooling where her and her friend Rosita notice strange goings on and visitations at night. "Manuela, I'm not sure what they're doing in there, but I don't believe they're saying the rosary."
To read full review, please click on the link: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2011/...
The book begins with a young Manuela. She is a bastard and her deceased mother's family treats her as one. She is sent to a convent for schooling where her and her friend Rosita notice strange goings on and visitations at night. "Manuela, I'm not sure what they're doing in there, but I don't believe they're saying the rosary."
To read full review, please click on the link: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2011/...
October 5, 2012
Los libros históricos son mis favoritos... y sobre todos los libros que rinden honor o deshonor a las mujeres que, aunque no figuran en los libros de historia, sabemos que tuvieron un papel decisivo.
Como con cada libro histórico, me impresiona la crueldad con que los eres humanos se han tratado por conquistarse, destruírse o ganar el poder. Este libro no es excepción. La independencia de los países latineamericanos también fue una lucha cruel. Aunque no me gustó el papel de esta mujer en la historia, doy crédito a su valentía y convicción. Y también me recuerda la triste realidad que en algunas circunstancias, las mujeres pueden ser tan o más crueles hacia otras mujeres que los hombres.
Como con cada libro histórico, me impresiona la crueldad con que los eres humanos se han tratado por conquistarse, destruírse o ganar el poder. Este libro no es excepción. La independencia de los países latineamericanos también fue una lucha cruel. Aunque no me gustó el papel de esta mujer en la historia, doy crédito a su valentía y convicción. Y también me recuerda la triste realidad que en algunas circunstancias, las mujeres pueden ser tan o más crueles hacia otras mujeres que los hombres.
May 1, 2025
Un libro que lo tiene todo. Un entramado histórico de dos personajes famosos, un toque de dureza y reflexión personal en el final, buena prosa y la forma como aprovecha el hecho histórico para crear una excelente novela. Para repetirlo alguna vez en la vida.
January 30, 2012
This felt more like a novelistic retelling of history, than a "novel" per se. I enjoyed it but it didn't quite measure up as a story. I wished the narratives of Manuela's slaves had been filled out more - the narratives didn't really change much about how we saw the main character, and the strands of their stories were often dropped ()
August 1, 2008
The book was a fictionalized novel about Manuela Saenz, the famous mistress of Simon Bolivar, El Liberador of South America. I am fascinated with South America and found it very interesting to see the liberation from the perspective of women. The author definitely focuses much more on the love affair between Bolivar and Saenz than the actual liberation.
August 8, 2013
Jaime Manrique da al lector un punto de vista muy diferente a Simón Bolívar y Manuela Sáenz que existe en los libros de historia. Pero a pesar de todo, la narrativa falló en capturar la imaginación del lector. Se clasifica como una novela pero se leía a veces como un texto académico. Finalmente la traducción al español no es muy bien hecho.
May 25, 2024
3.75🌟
March 19, 2021
Reseña.
Nuestras vidas son los ríos.
Reto literario 2021.
Calificación: 5/5 (⭐)
instagram: @milmundos_depapel
Antes de comenzar de comenzar debo decir que este libro fue un obsequio de @ketty.florecita, con la que por supuesto me encuentro muy agradecida por haberme dado la oportunidad de leer una historia tan extraordinaria como lo es Nuestras vidas son los ríos.
Ficción histórica, ese es el genero de esté libro y nunca imagine disfrutarlo tanto.
La historia de manuelita Sáenz empieza con la frase "Nací rica y bastarda y morí pobre y bastarda" una frase memorable a mi parecer.
En ocasiones olvidamos cuan afortunados somos de haber nacido libres, de cuanta sangre se derramo para que las generaciones que actualmente vivimos tengamos los derechos que hoy tenemos. Jaime Manrique nos brinda esa puerta para conocer la grandeza de está mujer, que defendió la libertad de américa con puños y dientes.
las escenas que describían su romance con el libertador y su compromiso con los ideales de Simón Bolívar se sentían genuinas, percibes en gran medida el desasosiego que sentía cuando el bienestar de su amado estaba en peligro.
Por otro lado es magnifico como no solo en el libro existe la perspectiva de Manuelita. Natán y Jonotas son las otras voces de la historia, dos negras esclavas de la libertadora que quería igual que unas hermanas. lo maravilloso de esto es que Manrique les dio "un lugar en la historia" a todos aquellos hombres y mujeres que en su posición de esclavos, contribuyeron a la libertad de un continente que los tenia relegados.
Le doy la calificación más alta porque fue una historia que me cautivo de principio a fin, no hubo ningún capitulo que no haya disfrutado. me maraville con el final de Manuelita, donde incluso después de la muerte continuo contando su historia. Me siento afortunada de haber leído un libro como esté.
Nuestras vidas son los ríos.
Reto literario 2021.
Calificación: 5/5 (⭐)
instagram: @milmundos_depapel
Antes de comenzar de comenzar debo decir que este libro fue un obsequio de @ketty.florecita, con la que por supuesto me encuentro muy agradecida por haberme dado la oportunidad de leer una historia tan extraordinaria como lo es Nuestras vidas son los ríos.
Ficción histórica, ese es el genero de esté libro y nunca imagine disfrutarlo tanto.
La historia de manuelita Sáenz empieza con la frase "Nací rica y bastarda y morí pobre y bastarda" una frase memorable a mi parecer.
En ocasiones olvidamos cuan afortunados somos de haber nacido libres, de cuanta sangre se derramo para que las generaciones que actualmente vivimos tengamos los derechos que hoy tenemos. Jaime Manrique nos brinda esa puerta para conocer la grandeza de está mujer, que defendió la libertad de américa con puños y dientes.
las escenas que describían su romance con el libertador y su compromiso con los ideales de Simón Bolívar se sentían genuinas, percibes en gran medida el desasosiego que sentía cuando el bienestar de su amado estaba en peligro.
Por otro lado es magnifico como no solo en el libro existe la perspectiva de Manuelita. Natán y Jonotas son las otras voces de la historia, dos negras esclavas de la libertadora que quería igual que unas hermanas. lo maravilloso de esto es que Manrique les dio "un lugar en la historia" a todos aquellos hombres y mujeres que en su posición de esclavos, contribuyeron a la libertad de un continente que los tenia relegados.
Le doy la calificación más alta porque fue una historia que me cautivo de principio a fin, no hubo ningún capitulo que no haya disfrutado. me maraville con el final de Manuelita, donde incluso después de la muerte continuo contando su historia. Me siento afortunada de haber leído un libro como esté.
May 4, 2023
https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers...
Kawili-wiling kwento tungkol sa buhay at panahon ni Manuela Saenz, isang rebolusyonaryong babae... tiwala, sundalo, pinagkakatiwalaang kaalyado, kaibigan at kasintahan ni Simon Bolivar sa mga digmaan para sa kalayaan mula sa Espanya. Sa halip diretso, ang mambabasa ay binibigyan ng makasaysayang pangkalahatang-ideya ng mga magulong, madugong taon na ito, pangunahin sa pagitan ng 1815-1840, sa karamihan ng South America. Nakikita natin ang lahi, relihiyoso, uri at aristokratikong paghihigpit at istruktura ng panahong iyon. Karamihan sa mga karakter ay sa halip ay isang dimensyon, maliban sa (at sa isang umiiral na) si Manuela mismo, bilang ang taong sa pamamagitan ng mga mata at tainga ay isinalaysay ang kuwento. Huwag magkamali, si Manuela ay isang napakatalino, madamdamin na tao ng intensity.
Kaunti lang ang nalalaman tungkol sa kasaysayan ng Timog Amerika, ang aklat ay madali, at para sa karamihan, kasiya-siyang basahin. Ang simple, prangka na paraan na ginawa para sa mas madaling pag-aaral at asimilasyon. Ang aklat ay nagbigay ng antas ng pananaw sa pagitan ng "pangitain" ni Bolivar at ng kanyang pangunahing karibal, si Santander. Sa pagtatapos nito, nagkaroon ako ng pakiramdam ng kaunting mas magandang "pakiramdam" para sa mga oras na iyon pati na rin para sa patuloy, walang tigil, tao, sa buong planeta, ebolusyonaryong proseso/pakikibaka. Malalim, kumbaga, ang libro ay hindi (ito ay halos antas ng kolehiyo); gayunpaman, ito ay malinaw, maigsi, lubos na nababasa... at nakita kong kahanga-hanga iyon. Salamat Mr. Manrique.
Kawili-wiling kwento tungkol sa buhay at panahon ni Manuela Saenz, isang rebolusyonaryong babae... tiwala, sundalo, pinagkakatiwalaang kaalyado, kaibigan at kasintahan ni Simon Bolivar sa mga digmaan para sa kalayaan mula sa Espanya. Sa halip diretso, ang mambabasa ay binibigyan ng makasaysayang pangkalahatang-ideya ng mga magulong, madugong taon na ito, pangunahin sa pagitan ng 1815-1840, sa karamihan ng South America. Nakikita natin ang lahi, relihiyoso, uri at aristokratikong paghihigpit at istruktura ng panahong iyon. Karamihan sa mga karakter ay sa halip ay isang dimensyon, maliban sa (at sa isang umiiral na) si Manuela mismo, bilang ang taong sa pamamagitan ng mga mata at tainga ay isinalaysay ang kuwento. Huwag magkamali, si Manuela ay isang napakatalino, madamdamin na tao ng intensity.
Kaunti lang ang nalalaman tungkol sa kasaysayan ng Timog Amerika, ang aklat ay madali, at para sa karamihan, kasiya-siyang basahin. Ang simple, prangka na paraan na ginawa para sa mas madaling pag-aaral at asimilasyon. Ang aklat ay nagbigay ng antas ng pananaw sa pagitan ng "pangitain" ni Bolivar at ng kanyang pangunahing karibal, si Santander. Sa pagtatapos nito, nagkaroon ako ng pakiramdam ng kaunting mas magandang "pakiramdam" para sa mga oras na iyon pati na rin para sa patuloy, walang tigil, tao, sa buong planeta, ebolusyonaryong proseso/pakikibaka. Malalim, kumbaga, ang libro ay hindi (ito ay halos antas ng kolehiyo); gayunpaman, ito ay malinaw, maigsi, lubos na nababasa... at nakita kong kahanga-hanga iyon. Salamat Mr. Manrique.
January 5, 2024
Nuestras Vidas son Los Rios--el título proviene de un verso de un poema de Jorge Manrique, posiblemente un antepasado del autor?--es una novela histórica sobre la amante de Simon Bolivar, "El Libertador." Había leído El general en su laberinto de García Márquez, que contiene una escena con Manuela Sáenz, así que esta novela aportó una perspectiva completamente diferente. Parece que Manrique hizo una investigación significativa para el libro, y los acontecimientos se sienten reales y conectados. La personalidad de Manuela Saenz, sin embargo, va un poco lejos a veces. Aunque pudo haber sido una mujer impresionante, también fue impulsiva y mostró mal juicio a veces.
Otros comentaristas han dicho que sintieron que la relación entre Bolívar y Saenz carecía de sizzle. Es cierto que mucho de eso pudo haber estado en su cabeza mientras él estaba más enfocado en su gran sueño de una América del Sur unida. Sin embargo, después de haber leído la novela en la versión traducida en español, sin ser mi lengua materna, me pareció relativamente fácil leerla, llena de descripciones del terreno, las ciudades de la época, la ropa y, por supuesto, las batallas.
Otros comentaristas han dicho que sintieron que la relación entre Bolívar y Saenz carecía de sizzle. Es cierto que mucho de eso pudo haber estado en su cabeza mientras él estaba más enfocado en su gran sueño de una América del Sur unida. Sin embargo, después de haber leído la novela en la versión traducida en español, sin ser mi lengua materna, me pareció relativamente fácil leerla, llena de descripciones del terreno, las ciudades de la época, la ropa y, por supuesto, las batallas.
January 29, 2020
I came across this book while researching the life of Manuela Saenz. While I fell in love with Manuela, this book was such a disappointment.
First, it seemed like it was written by a ten-year old, and then a 21st century feminist. Although Manuela has become a feminist icon, writing her that way seemed too unbelievable.
Second, Bolívar seemed like such an unlikable character in this book. He was portrayed as arrogant and annoying, and taking advantage of Manuela.
The writing at times made me cringe, and it felt like the book just went on and on, when it could have been made much more interesting. I would love to read another fictional account of Manuelita’a life that is better written than that.
First, it seemed like it was written by a ten-year old, and then a 21st century feminist. Although Manuela has become a feminist icon, writing her that way seemed too unbelievable.
Second, Bolívar seemed like such an unlikable character in this book. He was portrayed as arrogant and annoying, and taking advantage of Manuela.
The writing at times made me cringe, and it felt like the book just went on and on, when it could have been made much more interesting. I would love to read another fictional account of Manuelita’a life that is better written than that.
September 20, 2020
Creo, que a pesar de no ser una lectora frecuente de escritores Latinoamericanos Jaime logra apropiado la voz de Manuelita, Nathan y Jonatás, dándole vida a cada una de una manera precisa y distinta, relatando la historia de tres mujeres que desde su propia esencia estaban avanzadas para su época. No tenía muchas nociones de la vida de Manuela a pesar de saber de ella, y era para su época una mujer "adelantada", aunque es mejor decir exquisita, y desde esta novela se puede entrever como ella desde sus pequeñas contribuciones jugó un papel importante y que en ocasiones por ser mujer queda desdibujado de la historia como ha pasado con otras tantas heroinas andinas o mejor mujeres inteligentes, capaces y bellas de la historia andina.
August 5, 2021
El trabajo del autor es impecable. Me creí el amor que Manuela Sáenz le profesaba a Simón Bolívar. Comprendí su devoción a la causa libertadora y la pasión que sintió por el general. Pero sobre todo, sentí una conexión íntima con el personaje, sus impulsos, rencores, amores, lealtades… siento que Manuela me hablo al oído.
En esta novela también se da voz a las dos esclavas que acompañaron a Manuela desde que tenía tres años. Natán y Jonotás no fueron esclavas, fueron sus hermanas, sus amigas más fieles. Sobre todo, Jonotás que la acompañó hasta la muerte.
Jaime Manrique reivindica a Manuelita, le da el lugar que le pertenece. Ella no fue la amante de Bolívar, fue la Libertadora del Libertador.
En esta novela también se da voz a las dos esclavas que acompañaron a Manuela desde que tenía tres años. Natán y Jonotás no fueron esclavas, fueron sus hermanas, sus amigas más fieles. Sobre todo, Jonotás que la acompañó hasta la muerte.
Jaime Manrique reivindica a Manuelita, le da el lugar que le pertenece. Ella no fue la amante de Bolívar, fue la Libertadora del Libertador.
July 8, 2022
Mi reseña completa en https://www.instagram.com/p/CfwFC2fOv...
👩🏻 Esta es la historia de Manuelita Sáenz, la Libertadora del Libertador, una mujer cuyos ideales la llevaron de la riqueza a la pobreza y de la gloria al olvido.
🇪🇨El autor nos transporta desde su infancia en Ecuador, nacida de una relación clandestina, pasando por su infeliz matrimonio, hasta llegar al momento que marcaría su vida para siempre: el encuentro con Bolívar.
⚔️Deslumbrada por este hombre, Manuelita se involucra en las luchas por la independencia y la consecución del sueño bolivariano: la Gran Colombia.
🇨🇴Sin embargo, este amor le traería también dolor y soledad porque como hace reflexionar Manrique a su protagonista "Bolívar nunca me iba a pertenecer del todo. El vivía y respiraba tan sólo por la causa de la independencia".
👩🏾🦱Agradezco especialmente el rescate de las voces de las dos esclavas de Manuelita ya que de esa forma tenemos una versión diferente a la de la protagonista que a veces se ve enceguecida por su fervor patriótico y por esta pasión tanto por el hombre como por el proyecto.
👩🏻 Esta es la historia de Manuelita Sáenz, la Libertadora del Libertador, una mujer cuyos ideales la llevaron de la riqueza a la pobreza y de la gloria al olvido.
🇪🇨El autor nos transporta desde su infancia en Ecuador, nacida de una relación clandestina, pasando por su infeliz matrimonio, hasta llegar al momento que marcaría su vida para siempre: el encuentro con Bolívar.
⚔️Deslumbrada por este hombre, Manuelita se involucra en las luchas por la independencia y la consecución del sueño bolivariano: la Gran Colombia.
🇨🇴Sin embargo, este amor le traería también dolor y soledad porque como hace reflexionar Manrique a su protagonista "Bolívar nunca me iba a pertenecer del todo. El vivía y respiraba tan sólo por la causa de la independencia".
👩🏾🦱Agradezco especialmente el rescate de las voces de las dos esclavas de Manuelita ya que de esa forma tenemos una versión diferente a la de la protagonista que a veces se ve enceguecida por su fervor patriótico y por esta pasión tanto por el hombre como por el proyecto.
December 17, 2023
Jaime Manrique escribió una obra sumamente difícil, ya que es una biografía de una verdadera persona conocida.
Adicionalmente, Jaime Manrique tuvo el pensamiento crítico, la empatía y la propiedad de darle voces a gente a quienes la historia escrita por los victoriosos, siempre borra. Incluir a Jonotas y a Natan en este libro fue una de las mejores decisiones literarias que tiene.
Jaime fue “woke” antes de que ser woke tuviera un apodo.
Entre la historia y el amor y la injusticia, encontramos misoginísimo, racismo, discriminación, avaricia, egocentrismo y esperanza.
Esta ha sido una obra maestra.
Adicionalmente, Jaime Manrique tuvo el pensamiento crítico, la empatía y la propiedad de darle voces a gente a quienes la historia escrita por los victoriosos, siempre borra. Incluir a Jonotas y a Natan en este libro fue una de las mejores decisiones literarias que tiene.
Jaime fue “woke” antes de que ser woke tuviera un apodo.
Entre la historia y el amor y la injusticia, encontramos misoginísimo, racismo, discriminación, avaricia, egocentrismo y esperanza.
Esta ha sido una obra maestra.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2024
read this book for spanish . it was pretty good tbh! i am usually a hater when i have to read a book in spanish but it was interesting and provided perspective on bolivar that is usually not shared ! wish there was more from the perspective of natan and jonotas and not SO much so manuela. i also didn't like how distraught manuela was every time bolivar left ! girl led a whole army of men into battle,,, get over it! 3.5 stars but im being kind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 8, 2021Great novel based on Manuela Saenz - la Libertadora del Libertador.
I read it in Spanish and found the story very engaging. It was a good way to revisit the history of Bolivar and the important role that women (included the slaves that took care of Manuelita) played during the fight for independence in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela.
I read it in Spanish and found the story very engaging. It was a good way to revisit the history of Bolivar and the important role that women (included the slaves that took care of Manuelita) played during the fight for independence in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela.
August 22, 2024
La visión distorsionada y poco realista de lo que significó Manuela Sáenz para la historia es contada en este gran libro de manera. Una mujer con un coraje y una valentía indescriptible, que fue mucho más que solo la amante de Bolivar, una mujer única y a la que la historia le debe tanto. Increíble este libro de Manrique.
August 13, 2018
Definitivamente ,el primer libro que leí del género de ficción histórica basada en la vida de Manuela Saenz y el libertador.Me encantó la historia , y me incitó a leer más libros de este mismo género y de literatura hispanoamericana.
August 7, 2020
Interesting story, loosely based on fact, but not very stylishly told. It's a bit of: this happened, then that happened, then that happened. This, that and that are all interesting, but for some reason I kept skipping pages.
January 31, 2023
“Nuestras vidas son los ríos / que van a dar en la mar, / que es el morir / allí van los señoríos / derechos a se acabar / e consumir; / allí los ríos caudales / allí los otros medianos /e más chicos, / que allegados, son iguales / los que viven por sus manos / que los ricos”.
Jorge Manrique
Jorge Manrique
December 8, 2019
Emocionante conocer una Manuela Sáenz, enamorada y fuerte de carácter. Un texto que enamora de la historia, donde las mujeres no han sido muy reconocidas.
January 6, 2024
It’s a woman’s story told by a man. Need I say more?
June 3, 2024
pretty good story, made me cry, highly recommend if you're interested in south American history.
February 1, 2022
La historia de vida de Manuelita Saenz y su amor por Bolivar te deja pensando sobre los hechos historicos actuales y pensando que muchas cosas siguen igual.
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