"Delightful romantic fantasy"
Like the aging healer Lucila, Maria was abandoned as a
baby. Lucila found her and raised her as her own, teaching
her "daughter" how to use herbs to heal the nearby
villagers in spite of being outcasts, undesirables and even
physically abused for not knowing their lineage. Lucila
also knows that her ward has power as the MOON CHILD. Maria befriends all the spirits, flora and fauna of her
forestry home, but is uncomfortable with humans except for
her "mother". The barrio Captain Arturo falls in love with
Maria, but she initially shies away from him until he
persuades her that they belong together and he would never
purposely hurt her. They move into a home together not
realizing buried beneath is the grave of Maya, a forest
mortal maltreated by the villagers whom she cursed before
dying. Additionally, Pacita, who loves Arturo, plans to
destroy his relationship with Maria. At about the same
time, Juanito comes to the forest playing the flute like a
God as he hypnotizes all the women in a search for a soul.
He may have found his soul when he falls in love with
Maria. This delightful romantic fantasy that in some ways feels
like A Midsummer Night's Dream focuses on the need for
belonging through nurturing and love. Several key
protagonists behave even spitefully due to loving someone
else though in some cases it is unrequited. The fantasy
elements enhance the basic need to have someone love you.
Though clearly Maria's tale, the support cast, (whether
magical or human, kind or enviously desperate) enchant the
audience in search of the "elusive butterfly of love". Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 10, 2005
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted January 24, 2007
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