The Stone Maidens

An intriguing and heartbreaking debut, this novel covers six decades of personal and political upheaval in twentieth-century Argentina.

For years, the best that young girls from the backwater village of Alta Gracia could hope for was a position in the Big House, home of the immensely powerful and politically influential Goyena family. So, when Senorita Delia Lugghi--enigmatic teacher and devout Peronist--arrives from Buenos Aires to found a state school in the village, the future of Milagros Riquelme suddenly seems to be full of possibilities. But change rarely does come easily. Inspired by true events, this story charts a life of tragedy, love, and missed opportunity, as Milagros goes from girlhood to old age. all the while being forced to navigate the violent landscape of Argentina in the mid-twentieth century.

"Kolovou has written a novel full of grace, humour and loss. In THE STONE MAIDENS the political is personal, the personal is historic, and the storytelling moves with ease... a beautiful book."--Elizabeth Reeder

"Starting quietly as a coming of age tale in rural Patagonia, over six decades STONE MAIDENS builds towards shocking events in Argentina's Dirty War. It is a mastery of spare --yet sweeping--storytelling. This will remain with you."--Anne Pettigrew

Fiction.