We Are Green and Trembling

by Gabriela Cabezón Cámara
We Are Green and Trembling cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1138
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-09-27
  • ISBN: 9780811238625
  • Publisher: New Directions Publishing
  • Published: 2025-06-03
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Hardback • £18.99

Deep in the wilds of the New World, Antonio de Erauso, a trans conquistador, writes a letter to his aunt, reflecting on his monumental adventures as a mule driver, shopkeeper, soldier, and more. Caring for two Guaraní girls he rescued from enslavement and hounded by the army he deserted, Antonio contemplates a final transformation that could save the new world from extinction./n/nBased on the life of a real historical figure, this novel is a queer baroque satire and a historical fiction that blends elements of the picaresque with surreal storytelling. Its rich and imaginative language forms a searing criticism of conquest, colonialism, religious tyranny, and the treatment of women and indigenous people, offering a masterful subversion of Latin American history.

Reviews
Turn and Work · 2025-06-25
rewarding 3.75

The book is praised for its lyrical and spellbinding language, although it takes time to find its rhythm. It is considered a dense but rewarding read.

The reviewer notes that while the book is short, it is dense and takes a while to find its rhythm. They appreciate the lyrical and spellbinding language used throughout the narrative. Despite the initial slow pace, the reviewer finds the book to be a rewarding read, with rich imagery and complex themes that make it a memorable experience. The depth of the storytelling is highlighted as a key strength.

Quick quotes

    Cámara's language is lyrical, at times spellbinding.

    The novel takes a while to find its rhythm.

    A dense but rewarding read.

Chicago Review of Books · 2025-06-06
critical 4.00

The book offers a sharp critique of modernity's colonial echoes and the resurgence of far-right ideology. It highlights the importance of representation and cultural preservation.

The reviewer finds the book to be a searing critique of contemporary issues, particularly the echoes of colonialism and the rise of far-right ideologies. They appreciate how the novel delves into themes of cultural erasure and gender-based oppression, making it a relevant and thought-provoking read. The reviewer also highlights the significance of representation in the narrative, which adds depth and resonance to the story.

Quick quotes

    A searing critique of modernity's colonial echoes.

    Highlights the importance of representation and cultural preservation.

    A relevant and thought-provoking read.

ND Books · 2025-06-03
redemptive 4.50

The novel is described as hallucinatory, innocent, and redemptive, playing out like a confession or revelation. It is praised for its unique historical fiction style.

The reviewer describes the book as a hallucinatory and fanciful journey that feels like a confession or revelation. They appreciate the redemptive qualities of the narrative and the way it plays out. The reviewer finds the historical fiction elements to be particularly engaging, making it a unique and captivating read. The language and style are noted for their innocence and depth, adding to the overall impact of the story.

Quick quotes

    A hallucinatory, innocent, fanciful and redemptive book.

    Cabezón Cámara's historical fiction plays out like confession or revelation.

    A unique and captivating read.

Appears in Lists