Anita Mason - The Right Hand of The Sun

The Right Hand of The Sun

The novel deals with Hernan Cortés’ conquest of Mexico in 1519-21, and is partly narrated by Cortes’ interpreter, a Spaniard named Gerónimo de Aguilar, who had been shipwrecked in the area a decade earlier, and had lived for years as a member of an indigeous tribe.

The novel begins at the point where Geronimo decides to leave his village and joins Hernan Cortés' expedition as a translator. As he becomes aware of the true motives of the expedition, he becomes increasingly ambivalent about his decision. Cortés is revealed as a ruthless and cunning opportunist who persuades his men to travel inland in order to conquer the city of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the wealthy empire of the Meshica people and their ruler, Moctezuma. As the expedition nears its goal, the narrative returns to the tale of Geronimo's shipwreck and his life in the winic village of Chanek.

This section of the novel, entitled Maize, is available at .

The narrative then continues with the story of the expedition's arrival in Tenochtitlan, where it meets with a peaceful reception. After some time, however, the Meshica become angry at the behaviour of Cortés and his men and, after the death of Moctezuma, drive them from the city. Accompanied by members of other tribes, Cortés returns to carry out a bloody siege.

An alternative account of the novel is given at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Right-Hand-Sun-Anita-Mason/dp/071952122X