Could a girl born in seventeenth century Spain ever become anything other than what is expected of her? Could she become, of all things, a man? One extraordinary woman could, and did.
Catalina is the true story of Catalina d’Erauso, born in San Sebastian on a glorious day of sun and rain. Her brother Miguel, ten years her senior and fiercely loved, is sent to the New World to see to the family’s fortunes. When Miguel takes his leave from his family forever and sets out for the silver mines of Potosi, the richest town in South America, Catalina has only one wish: to follow him. As a girl, she is separated from him forever. As a girl, she must accept her fate passively – but she does not. She begins her obsessive quest by pretending religious devotion so as to earn her education as a nun. And then, one day, she leaves the convent. She cuts her hair. She dresses in men’s clothing. She deepens her voice. She becomes Francisco. And her new identity, crafted in darkness and determination, is internalized so much that she convinces not only everyone around her—including her lovers—but eventually even herself. Her path leads her from San Sebastian to New Spain, Chile and Peru and is the breathtaking and extraordinary true story of a despairing quest for the other – and for one's self.
Translated from the original German by Helen Atkins.
About the Author
 Markus Orths was born in 1969. He studied philosophy and French and English literature, and now lives and writes in Karlsruhe. He has received various awards for his novels and short stories, including the Limburg Award (2003), the North Rhine-Westphalia Award (2003), the Marburg Literature Award (2002), the Moerser Literature Award (2000), and the Floriana Award. His novel Lehrerzimmer (Staff Room) became a bestseller. In 2000 he won the Berlin open mike, which is one of the most prestigious and important literary contests for young writers in Germany.
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The Critics Praise:
“A fascinating subject and fine storytelling…” Kirkus, Starred Review
“A fast-paced and fascinating exploration of gender and historical fiction…” Library Journal
"A literary biography based on stunning yet authentic facts. A true page-turner, supremely well-written, weaving history and fiction, legend and fantasy into an unforgettable reading experience." Bücher
"Gripping, fast-paced and knowledgeable. Markus Oths' narrative force and style are reminiscent of Isabel Allende, creating a literary world that has us hooked until the very last page." Buchkultur
"Orths knows how to fuse narrative talent with intellectual depth. What more to expect of a novel?" Badische Neueste Nachrichten
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