When Malinalli, a member of the tribe conquered by the Aztec warriors, first meets Cortes, she—like many—believes the conquistador is the reincarnated forefather god of her tribe.

Naturally, she assumes that her task is to help Cortes destroy the Aztec empire and free her people. The two fall passionately in love, but Malinalli gradually comes to realize that Cortes's thirst for conquest is all too human. He is willing to destroy anyone, even his own men, even their own love.

Throughout Mexican history, Molinalli has been reviled for betrayal of the Indian people. However, recent historical research has shown that her rote was much more complex; she was the mediator between two cultures, Hispanic and Native American, and two languages, Spanish and Nahuatl.

An extraordinary retelling of this passionate and tragic love affair, bursting with lyricism and vivid Imagery, Malinche finally unveils the truth behind the legend.

Laura Esquivel was born in Mexico City in 1950, Her first novel, Like Water for Chocolate , has sold more than four and a half million copies around the world and remained on the New York Times bestseller list for more than a year. She currently lives in Mexico.
 
Maria Conchita Alonso has appeared in more than 50 films. Some of her favorite credits include Material Girls with Anjelica Huston and Hilary Duff , Moscow on the Hudson with Robin Williams , English as a Second Language, El Muerto , and Caught , for which she won Best Actress at the Independent Spirit Awards . Favorite television credits include Desperate Housewives as Eva Longoria's mother Lucia.