The Stone Maidens

Description

by Ioulia Kolovou

For years, the best that young girls from the backwater village of Alta Gracia could hope for was a position in the Big House, home of the immensely powerful and politically influential Goyena family. So, when Señorita Delia Lugghi – enigmatic teacher and devout Perónist – arrives from Buenos Aires to found a state school in the village, the future of Milagros Riquelme suddenly seems to be full of possibilities.

But change rarely does come easily. Inspired by true events, this story charts a life of tragedy, love, and missed opportunity, as Milagros goes from girlhood to old age. all the while being forced to navigate the violent landscape of Argentina in the mid-twentieth century.

Kolovou has written a novel full of grace, humour and loss. In “The Stone Maidens” the political is personal, the personal is historic, and the storytelling moves with ease…a beautiful book”
– Elizabeth Reeder

Starting quietly as a coming of age tale in rural Patagonia, over six decades Stone Maidens builds towards shocking events in Argentina’s Dirty War. This is a mastery of spare – yet sweeping – storytelling. This will remain with you.
– Anne Pettigrew