Life in Mexico

"Life in Mexico" by Madame Calderón de la Barca is a captivating travelogue that recounts the author's two-year adventure in 19th-century Mexico. Through a series of personal letters to her family, the narrative vividly portrays Mexican society, culture, and politics from the perspective of the wife of the Spanish Minister, contrasting it with her life back home. The story begins with an emotional departure from New York on the ship "Norma", capturing the essence of her fellow passengers, the trials of sea travel, picturesque landscapes, and the captivating city of Havana, Cuba. These events introduce the reader to the author's observational and narrative style, setting the stage for a deep exploration of Mexican life and traditions.