Tawi

About the Book

Tawi is the sixth and unwanted daughter in her family. But that’s not all – Tawi is different. Though she doesn’t know it yet, her fate is tied to the Andean gods. As her family faces countless struggles in the shadow of the Peruvian mountains, Tawi finds strength in mother nature. Until, at last, her powers are revealed and she learns that being the black sheep of the family is both a blessing – and a curse. Set in historical Peru and told in the magical style of Isabel Allende, Tawi is the story of three generations who set in motion her journey to becoming a shaman. As the spunky sixth daughter, Tawi isn’t your average little girl. Since birth, she’s been marked by the Andean gods – though she doesn’t know it yet. Frightened by her uncanny visions, Tawi finds solace in mother nature. Until tragedy strikes and Tawi can no longer hide from the truth of her powers. An ode to the Peruvian wild, women’s lives and indigenous culture, Tawi is a collection of intertwined family stories. Every chapter offers a new glimpse into each generation – their trials, triumphs and misfortunes – and illuminates Tawi’s journey to becoming a shaman.

About the Author

Teresa Ghiglino is a Peruvian writer and painter known for her vast imagination. She has a Master's degree in Fine Arts from American University and currently works as a visual arts teacher for high school students in Washington DC. Tawi: The Secret of Three Generations isn’t just Teresa’s debut novel – it’s also a retelling of her own family tree. Set during the building of Peru’s first hydroelectric plant, Tawi reimagines this historical era through the lens of Andean cosmology. Tawi’s story hits close to home, as Teresa’s father, the engineer Luis Ghiglino, worked on the plant’s construction. What’s more, the renowned engineer, physicist and scientist Santiago Antúnez De Mayolo – Teresa's great-uncle – created the original plans for it. In addition to writing, Teresa has exhibited her artwork in several cities across the United States. However, after the death of her parents in 2003 and 2007, the author temporarily set down her brushes to focus on recreating her family history. Ultimately, Tawi is a multi-generational story that pays homage to Teresa’s own roots.