It was a time of love and war, heroism and miracles - a time when men
and women still danced up the wild steps of heaven, driven by magic and
faith, enraptured by the joy of la vida. Against this spellbinding
backdrop, the critically acclaimed author of Rain of Gold creates a
powerful, moving portrait of his father's family - the Villasenors - who
in their courage and love of life represent the whole passionate history
of Mexico. In Wild Steps of Heaven, Victor Villasenor breathes life into
his father's family, and in particular, the Villasenor women. Mothers
and daughters, sisters and lovers - their faith transcends the madness
that surrounds them, and their love is all-powerful, life-giving, and
touched by the miraculous. Margarita is the indomitable Indian matriarch
who guards her family and conquers her enemies with the cutting edge of
unconditional love - and a touch of magic. As a young woman, she was
swept away by Juan Jesus Villasenor, who carried the blood of Spanish
royalty in his veins - and who, unarmed, once wrestled with the great
serpent that held his village hostage...and won. Together, Don Juan and
Dona Margarita would create a dynasty on the eve of the Mexican
Revolution. Their daughters...Emilia and Luisa, who find courage in
their mother's faith, and searing, explosive passion amid the turmoil of
war. Their sons...Jose, who becomes a legendary horseman and a hero of
the revolution. And Juan, the youngest, Victor Villasenor's father,
through whose eyes this brilliant, tumultuous saga unfolds. Rejected by
his own father, little Juan would learn from his mother how to live and
love con gusto y amor, and from his brother, Jose, how to be a man.
