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The Transformation of Juarez
Juarez is a fictional character portrayed in Ponce, invented as a counterpoint to Ponce de Leon. What forces brought Juarez from barefoot poverty on a Spanish seaside fishing community to a warrior in the New World and back to an appreciation and respect for peace and tranquility?
Juarez became aware that he held no equal status to the
Noble men, women, and children from the Spanish court. He watched them ride
horses and enjoy the comforts of a carriage ride. Their rich clothing intrigued
him. Jealousy and greed set him to want more. He left the peaceful seaside
village and learned to work with horses. Horses were his first passion. Not
only was he able to train them he became an expert rider. During that time, he
found it necessary to fight to take what he wanted. A fighter with riding
skills proved to be an asset in the New World. He took his abilities to the New
World and proved himself.
A minor noblewoman in Hispaniola showed interest in him but
refused his advances because he possessed no position or wealth. He thought
that fortune fell his way when Ponce de Leon offered him ten percent of the
gold they would find on an expedition to Florida. He sought that. He wanted
more. All he had to do was command the fighting force, and get the horses
trained. His future was assured.
Gold proved difficult to come by in Florida and when his
horses escaped and ran free, he became intense about securing the gold.
Meanwhile, Ponce de Leon became fixated on finding the Fountain of Youth.
Juarez knew better than to cause an insurrection, but he became frustrated. His
love life depended on him returning to Hispaniola with gold. He tried to ignore
his men walking barefoot on the beach and smelling the flowers. His frustration
grew when he saw a Native American woman riding his stallion.
For differing reason, Ponce de Leon and Juarez agreed to
make a major foray north. Juarez to find gold, Ponce de Leon to find the
Fountain of Youth. At various times, Juarez observed the riding ability of the
Native Americans, especially the woman, and he admired it. Ponce de Leon lost
his sense of reality in his quest. Juarez made every attempt to bring the
governor back to a normal sense of existence.
Juarez could maintain his equilibrium only by immersing himself in the natural beauty surrounding him. He dreamed of his childhood, and even wished he had been able to join his barefoot men on the beach. Juarez befriended the Natives who helped the Spaniards retreat to their ship. At the end of the book, Juarez completes his transformation.
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My husband would be very interested in this as he reads historical fiction and exploration themed books.
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