Author Rosa Martha Villarreal's THE STILLNESS OF LOVE AND EXILE is at once a glimpse into the Mexican culture of yesterday and today, and also the story of people and emotions that transcend culture, time, and place. There were times during my reading experience of this book that I could almost feel the hot, dry winds of the many settings or picture the bustling, squalid city to which Lilia was taken by her husband, or became relaxed in one of the small towns and family homes of the characters. 

  Lilia Cantu is a most unusual woman whose serene demeanor and appearance belie a passionate soul. Despite her parents best efforts to protect her innocence, Lilia is sexually violated at a young age. Lilia's shame at her violation takes her far from home to a world that she learns to endure outwardly, but inwardly she protects herself by practicing selective memory. 

   When her violator, now her husband, arranges to sell her to the highest bidder, Lilia's usual composure leaves her and she runs far from the violent man to whom she is married. Hiding in plain sight in the village where her grandfather lives, Lilia is quickly befriended by many of the townspeople. Little by little, the young woman learns to trust again, but the hopes she held before her rape of finding love have vanished. 

  To tell more would spoil the unfolding of the rest of this gripping story. THE STILLNESS OF LOVE AND EXILE deserves to be read in its entirety to fully enjoy the reading experience it offers. It is a book to be enjoyed by men and women alike.  

  The book offers it own reading group guide page as well as a glossary for the Spanish terms used throughout the book, a map of the village where Lilia lives, and a cast of characters. Ms. Villarreal has penned a quality novel; it's time for me to find and read her two previous books, Doctor Magdalena and Chronicles of Air and Dreams.