Description

Book Synopsis

A major rediscovery—the first novel by a Mexican American Woman

María Amparo Ruiz de Burton was the first Mexican American woman to write novels in English and the first nineteenth-century California writer to publish a novel in the aftermath of the Mexican-American War. Her first book, Who Would Have Thought It?, tells the story of Lola, a young, orphaned Mexican girl rescued from Indian captors by one Dr. Norval, who returns with Lola to his New England home. Though the townspeople initially shun the interloper, they become transfixed by Lola once word about the gold accompanying her gets out. Through the riveting personal story of a young girl’s coming-of-age, Who Would Have Thought It? offers a stunning portrayal of the clash of cultures and communities, and a fresh perspective on Civil War America.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more t

Who Would Have Thought It Penguin Classics

    Product form

    A Paperback by Maria Amparo Ruiz de Burton, Amelia Maria de la L Montes, Amelia Maria de la L Montes

    £16.87

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Sat 17 Oct 2026.

    15 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Who Would Have Thought It Penguin Classics by Maria Amparo Ruiz de Burton

      Book details

      Publisher Penguin Random House Group
      Imprint Penguin Classics
      Published 8/25/2009 12:00:00 AM
      ISBN-13 9780143105879
      978-0143105879
      ISBN-10 0143105876

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      A major rediscovery—the first novel by a Mexican American Woman

      María Amparo Ruiz de Burton was the first Mexican American woman to write novels in English and the first nineteenth-century California writer to publish a novel in the aftermath of the Mexican-American War. Her first book, Who Would Have Thought It?, tells the story of Lola, a young, orphaned Mexican girl rescued from Indian captors by one Dr. Norval, who returns with Lola to his New England home. Though the townspeople initially shun the interloper, they become transfixed by Lola once word about the gold accompanying her gets out. Through the riveting personal story of a young girl’s coming-of-age, Who Would Have Thought It? offers a stunning portrayal of the clash of cultures and communities, and a fresh perspective on Civil War America.

      For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more t

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account