The Hacienda by Isabel Canas
Book Club Discussion Questions
Espooky Book Club readers, we did it! We finally finished the Hacienda by Isabel Canas. We all loved the book so much and hope you did too! Here are the discussion questions we are using for the book club episode, feel free to comment/reply with some answers and we’ll include them in the episode!
Discussion
1. In the beginning of the novel, Beatriz chooses to marry against her mother’s wishes. If you were in her position, what decision would you have made?
2. Which character did you relate to the most, and why?
3. Do you think that Juana or Ana Luisa were sympathetic characters? Why or why not?
4. Did you trust Andrés when he was first introduced? Why or why not?
5. What did you think of the novel’s portrayal of religion?
6. Was Rodolfo a villain or a victim?
7. The Mexican War of Independence is a subject rarely taught in American high schools and universities. Did the novel’s historical themes (class, land ownership, and race, among others) change your perception of Mexican history? How so?
8. Beatriz, Juana, and Paloma experience the world of Mexico in 1823 and the hacienda in different ways. What did you think of the novel’s portrayal of female autonomy in this historical period?
Loved it!! Was hoping for a slightly more romantic ending, but that was just for me LOL. I loved everything about it.
What did you think of the novel’s portrayal of religion?
The narrative highlights the limitations of religious morality while also showing how other forms of spirituality have their value. Andres uses his abilities as a witch--abilities gained and learned from his ancestors and family members--to heal and help people. The whole time, he is sneaking around trying to do it in secret because if he were caught, he would be removed from the church or worse. To me, this really highlighted the beauty of indigenous spirituality, and the sadness of how an imposed religion can sometimes do more harm than good.