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

Graciela Limón

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Song of the Hummingbird reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Song of the Hummingbird | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Song of the Hummingbird Summary and Study Guide

Background

Song of the Hummingbird Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-8

Song of the Hummingbird Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-14

Song of the Hummingbird Chapters 9-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-19

Song of the Hummingbird Chapters 15-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-23

Song of the Hummingbird Chapters 20-23 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Song of the Hummingbird Character Analysis

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Themes

Song of the Hummingbird Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Song of the Hummingbird Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Song of the Hummingbird Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Song of the Hummingbird Essay Topics

Song of the Hummingbird

Before You Read

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Book Details