LEFT COAST WRITERS(tm) BOOK LAUNCH PARTY SHOWCASING: TOM DeMOTT and
his new book, “Into the Hearts of the Amazons: In Search of a
Modern Matriarchy” (University of WI Press, May 2006)
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21 || MONTICELLO INN – SF || 5:30 – 6:45PM
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“Into the Hearts of the Amazon” is the story of a writer who
comes of age during the women’s revolution. Outwardly, he
sympathizes when the women he cares for blame corporate greed,
hunger and war on an oppressive patriarchy. But inside, he is
stung, and wonders: Would life be any better in a matriarchy? In
search of an answer to this question, TOM DEMOTT travels to a
remote corner of southern Mexico where, according to some, a
modern-day matriarchy still thrives.
“Into the Hearts of the Amazons” is part rousing travel adventure
through a little-known world and part popular ethnography,
exploring how Zapotec women earned their legendary status. To
satisfy his curiosity about this culture, Tom DeMott journeyed to
the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, where he discovered a thriving
modern-day matriarchy among the people of the Isthmus-a cultural
crossroads, breeding ground for rebels, and home to a
half-million Zapotecs. DeMott integrated himself into the culture
by joining in the rites of spring (where women pelt the men with
fruit); by interviewing the women who control the marketplace
where men are rarely seen; and by honoring the saints with drink
and dance at all-night ceremonies.
Tony Cohan, author of “On Mexican Time and Mexican Days” has
called the book, “an exceptional narrative that deconstructs the
cliches of a Mexican region and a people shrouded in romance and
myth. Acutely observed, richly experienced, “Into the Hearts of
the Amazons” exposes issues of matriarchy and culture through
intimate, often bizarre, and surreal yet indelibly moving close
encounters with the people of Juchit n and Tehuantepec.”
LEFT COAST WRITERS(tm) BOOK LAUNCH PARTY SHOWCASING: TOM DeMOTT and
his new book, “Into the Hearts of the Amazons: In Search of a
Modern Matriarchy” (University of WI Press, May 2006)
Wednesday June 21 5:30 – 6:45PM
Monticello Inn
121 Ellis Street (corner of Ellis & Powell)
San Francisco
For Info: mailto:leftcoastwriters@aol.com