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Clara Levin Argentina
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Clara Levin was born in Buenos Aires in
1976. She studied literature at the University of Cambridge in England and
earned her masters degree at the same institution. She has worked in journalism
and education. Currently she translates and edits texts, works as an editor for
a specialized publishing house, reviews children's fiction and coordinates
literary activities for children.
Los siete nombres ("The Seven Names") relates the adventures
of Petalla from the Kingdom of the Seven Names, where respect and power are due
to those who can gather the most names. All harmony is shattered when the
advisor Hesat ascends to the throne and kills all the kingdom's children.
Petalla is one of the few who survive. For the resistance movement, a union
between her and the charismatic Adar would be a first glimmer of hope. Eidora,
the kingdom's Supreme Soothsayer, takes care of the wedding ceremony, but they
are attacked by Hesat's men and Petalla is separated from Adar. A long and
adventurous journey begins for Petalla and Eidora.
More than a
fantasy story for young readers, this is an all-age novel that accompanies its
heroine on her exciting journey to adulthood.
Like
Ursula K. LeGuin, Clara Levin perceives opposites in the same way as the Indios
or Orientals – in her opinion, they are not absolute.
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Clara
Levin's sequel La duna helada (“The
Frozen Dune”) continues Petalla's adventures in a land
dominated by icy water where people survive only with the help of the Sirens,
sacrificed children who are both sea hunters and prisoners. Together with her
protegé and his friend, Petalla sets out to free his Siren twin brother. But
the Sirens are well protected and disturbing them is a sacrilege…
Original editions:
Novels:
Los
siete nombres
Buenos Aires: Alfaguara 2010, 197 p.
La
duna helada (sequel)
Buenos Aires: Alfaguara, forthcoming