A native of New Orleans, Mary Helen Lagasse was born in the U.S. of Latino heritage and has taught English and Spanish at private schools. Her stories and articles have appeared in numerous publications, including the New Orleans Times Picayune, Gambit, and New Orleans Magazine.

"We share in the struggle of Mercedes Vasconcelos—of Jesse and Manuela, as well—who leave their birthplace in search of another life. This is a must read—a journey of self-knowledge and heroism told in lyrical prose."

—Shirley Ann Grau, author of Keepers of the House (1993 Pulitzer Prize winner)

"Mary Helen Lagasse has woven a tapestry of many colors in her novel about Mercedes, the Mexican girl whose life is like a blood-red thread that weaves its way through the intricate design representing an early twentieth century Mexican-American experience . . . From her determination to not merely exist, allowing herself to be carried by the currents of El Destino, but to live fully, and to create a home for her family out of the meager resources in her environment, Mercedes is a trooper, a proto-feminist. Her journey is the hero's journey—the path to enlightenment, with each hurdle she encounters increasing her self-knowledge and strength of character."

—Judith Orttiz Cofer, judge for the 2004 Mármol Prize