¿Eres tú?
A History of Lonquimay
by
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In the first several chapters, the book describes the passage of a small tribe of people from Siberia who cross the Beringian Land Bridge about 14,000 years ago and their subsequent migration southward into what is now south-central Chile. Several chapters then describe their growth and survival during the last three centuries in that region and how they coped with the Spanish invasion of their lands. Specific individuals began to develop, especially the machis who are women who focus on the power of medicinal plants to help hold their group together. When Robert returns to Chile after he was severely wounded in Vietnam, he learns that he has a daughter. Her mother is Rosa, the daughter of a widely respected machi. The major portion of the book then focuses on how Robert and Rosa help their daughter to grow up during the time of the Pinochet military coup and also become a respected machi and scientist.
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About the Book
¿Eres tú? – Are you the one? – Just before 1973, a young Robert, from Montana, travels to Chile to collect medicinal plants. He meets Rosa, the daughter of a shaman, or machi, who has much knowledge of the powers of medicinal plants. But, Robert must leave for Vietnam and can only return several years after the military coup to learn that he has a daughter. This novel takes place in the Araucarian region of south-central Chile. Not only is it a story of love, it also presents a history of the region, its native people, their folklore music, and their plants with medicinal powers.
About the Author
Frank Tainter is an emeritus professor of forest pathology from Clemson University and has published more than 150 scientific articles. He describes his Peace Corps in Chile as the most significant experience of his life.