MALINALLI

Cynthia Farrell tackles the challenges of narrating the fictional biography of the divisive Malinalli, known as La Malinche in Mexico. Malinalli's peaceful and loving family life is shattered when her brother and father are murdered by the Aztec emperor Moctezuma. Malinalli then finds herself given to the conquistador Hernán Cortés and becomes his interpreter. Using her training as a priestess, Malinalli manipulates Cortés to make Moctezuma pay for his cruelty. As Malinalli leads a life of emotional turmoil, Farrell conveys anguish and sadness convincingly, evoking listeners' compassion. Farrell's strong, clear voice is ideal for portraying the smart, headstrong Malinalli who seeks revenge. Farrell narrates Spanish and Nahuatl words smoothly, adding authenticity. A.M. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2025]