A rich historical novel - part love story and part tragedy - about the Irish courtesan Eliza Lynch, and how she became mistress to one of South America's first, and most extravagant, dictators.
1854. In Paris, Francisco Solano - the future dictator of Paraguay - picks up a blue feather fallen from the hat of a beautiful woman. With this small gesture begins his pursuit of the remarkable Irish courtesan Eliza Lynch.
Captivated by a unique courtship involving a poncho and a Paraguayan band, Eliza follows Francisco to Paraguay where she reigns as his mistress. Isolated and estranged in this new world, she embraces her lover's ill-fated imperial dream - one fuelled by a heedless arrogance that will devestate all of Paraguay, and throw this European woman into a world of unprecedented privilege, ruthless exploitation and even revolution...
With the urgency of the narrative, the rich romantic detail, and a wealth of skillfully layered characters, `The News from Paraguay' recalls the vibrant colour of Isabel Allende and the epic sweep of Mario Vargas Llosa.
- ISBN10 0060934867
- ISBN13 9780060934866
- Publish Date 30 November 2004 (first published 4 May 2004)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Publisher HarperCollins Publishers Inc
- Imprint HarperPerennial
- Format Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
- Pages 272
- Language English
- URL http://harpercollins.com.au/9780060934866