Graciela Limón's Song of the Hummingbird offers a powerful exploration of Mexican history through the voice of an elderly Aztec woman recounting her past to a young priest. Readers praise the novel's rich cultural insights and deep emotional resonance, though some feel the pacing is uneven. Overall, it stands out for its vivid historical portrayal and compelling narrative.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a focus on indigenous voices and colonization would appreciate Graciela Limón's Song of the Hummingbird. Similar to Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits and Laura Esquivel’s Like Water for Chocolate, it’s perfect for those who relish rich storytelling blending history, culture, and personal narratives.

Song of the Hummingbird by Graciela Limón follows Huitzitzilin, a Mexica woman, as she recounts her traumatic experiences before, during, and after the Spanish conquest of Mexico to Father Benito, a Spanish priest. Through her vivid and emotional stories, Huitzitzilin challenges the Spanish narrative of the conquest, revealing the cruelty and complexity of colonial rule and its devastating impact on the Mexica people. The novel contains depictions of sexual assault, domestic violence, suicidal ideation, self-harm, violence in battle, murder, and executions.

Contemplative / Dark / Mysterious / Melancholic

**Huitzitzilin**  
A resilient Mexica noblewoman whose life unfolds through stories of love, loss, and survival in the face of Spanish colonization. She bears witness to her people's struggles and strives to preserve their history.

**Father Benito**  
A young priest grappling with his faith and biases as he listens to Huitzitzilin’s confessions. His encounters with her challenge his preconceived notions about morality and culture.

**Zintle**  
Huitzitzilin’s cousin and first love, with whom she shares a deep, forbidden bond. Their relationship represents an enduring connection that contrasts with the upheaval brought by external forces.

**Tetla**  
Huitzitzilin’s much older husband, representing the oppressive dynamics within their arranged marriage. His character is marked by cruelty and an imbalance of power.

**Baltazar Ovando**  
A Spanish captain involved with Huitzitzilin, whose initial appeal turns to betrayal. His actions and decisions have significant implications for her life and perspective.

Graciela Limón

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

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Chapters 1-8

Song of the Hummingbird Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-14

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Chapters 15-19

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Chapters 20-23

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