Mystical Moments & Magical Encounters
Carmen Baca
When you purchase a book through our site, we earn an affiliate commission and support Latino Book Review.
|
In Mystical Moments & Magical Encounters, Carmen Baca weaves a rich tapestry of prose and poetry that invites readers into a deeply spiritual and culturally resonant journey. Baca’s collection is a bridge between the ethereal and the tangible, a reflection on faith, family, and the cultural legacy of New Mexico’s Norteños. Baca’s prose is as rooted in the land as the ancient trees she describes, each story and poem embodying a unique interplay of spirituality and history. The anthology opens with themes of divine intervention and ancestral connection, setting the tone for a work that blurs the boundaries between the physical world and the supernatural. In "Guardian Spirit," Baca captures a moment of otherworldly grace, presenting the reader with an angel who not only guides but also reveals the inevitability of mortality. The prose pieces are a heartfelt homage to the author’s heritage. In works like “The Visitation,” Baca personifies Lent and Santa Muerte with a poetic intimacy that transforms religious rituals into deeply personal narratives. These reflections are not mere historical accounts but meditations on the perseverance of cultural identity in the face of change and loss. Baca’s poetic voice shines bright in pieces such as "La Curandera" and "Sana Sana," where she draws on the folklore of her community to evoke a mystical healing power. Her ability to capture the rhythm of oral storytelling gives the verses a timeless quality, as though they could be recited under the stars or whispered by a fire. The collection’s exploration of the Hermano Penitentes and their rituals—infused with solemnity and sacrifice—provides a window into a vanishing world. Baca's sensitivity in handling these traditions, while making them accessible to a broader audience, is a testament to her narrative skill. |
One of the most poignant threads running through the anthology is the author's meditative reflection on the devastating wildfires that ravaged her beloved New Mexico. These passages are suffused with grief and resilience, capturing the duality of nature's destruction and regeneration.
At its heart, Mystical Moments & Magical Encounters is a book about connection—between people, the land, and the divine. Baca’s writing is imbued with a reverence for the unseen forces that guide us, offering readers a gentle reminder of the magic hidden in the everyday.
This collection stands as a literary monument to a rich cultural legacy, offering both a celebration of life’s mysteries and an invitation to contemplate the sacred in the ordinary. In an era of fragmentation, Baca’s work is a balm, reminding us of the enduring ties that bind us to our history and each other. Mystical Moments & Magical Encounters is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the spiritual and cultural roots of New Mexico and beyond.
Carmen Baca is the author of El Hermano, published in 2017 which was selected as historical fiction finalist in the NM-AZ Co-op Book Awards program. Her 3rd book, Cuentos del Cañón, received first place in short story anthology category from the NM-AZ Co-op Book Awards program. She has published dozens. of short stories, poems, essays, CNF, and articles in literary magazines, journals, and anthologies between books.
At its heart, Mystical Moments & Magical Encounters is a book about connection—between people, the land, and the divine. Baca’s writing is imbued with a reverence for the unseen forces that guide us, offering readers a gentle reminder of the magic hidden in the everyday.
This collection stands as a literary monument to a rich cultural legacy, offering both a celebration of life’s mysteries and an invitation to contemplate the sacred in the ordinary. In an era of fragmentation, Baca’s work is a balm, reminding us of the enduring ties that bind us to our history and each other. Mystical Moments & Magical Encounters is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the spiritual and cultural roots of New Mexico and beyond.
Carmen Baca is the author of El Hermano, published in 2017 which was selected as historical fiction finalist in the NM-AZ Co-op Book Awards program. Her 3rd book, Cuentos del Cañón, received first place in short story anthology category from the NM-AZ Co-op Book Awards program. She has published dozens. of short stories, poems, essays, CNF, and articles in literary magazines, journals, and anthologies between books.
Comment Box is loading comments...
|
|