Bilingual Review Press, 1992 D estiny is not a metaphysical confrontation with one’s self, rather, society has knit its pattern so tight that a confrontation with it is inevitable. —Ana Castillo Unconfirming. Unapologetic. Quixotic. Rebellious. Ana Castillo’s debut novel, THE MIXQUIAHUALA LETTERS, was “groundbreaking” and largely misunderstood. Mainly because the book was not a novel per se, instead the 138-page book is a collection of letters from Teresa to her friend Alicia, an artist. Readers are cautioned at the beginning of the book that they have three options on how to move forward – “for the conformist, the cynic and the quixotic.” Depending on which option the reader takes that would determine his journey and satisfaction at the end. The letters are only from Teresa’s point of view, but they contain enough substance to flesh out both women, and to highlight their adventures. Confronted with strict societal roles and rules ...