Antes: Stories from the Past, Rural Cuba, New Mexico, 1769-1949

Author Cordova May, who has Masters in Folklore, developed an interest in the abrupt evolution of her culture from an agrarian pre-industrial one to the modern world. Many isolated New Mexican villages like Cuba remained virtually unchanged until World War II sent all the able-bodied men overseas. Hispano traditions, arts and survival strategies faded away when the men returned. Horses and wagons gave way to cars, and corridas de gallo (horse racing) to mud-bogging. Cordova May, who wrote a column for the Cuba News, interviewed relatives, friends and neighbors who recalled with nostalgia the days of antes (before the war) – stories of gypsy raids, curanderas (herbal healers) who swaddled premature babies in bags of warm cornmeal. She writes of strong, independent women who donned trousers to perform men’s work or galloped to town to run errands. Some widows were tricked out of their land and left destitute, but those who pestered male relatives to tutor them were able to keep up with the family finances and made sound decisions. Compelling and well written, this is an important piece of New Mexican history.(This review was originally published by Enchantment Magazine.)

Very well written. Truly depicted life back then.

Bought the book for my husband and uncle who were born and raised in Cuba, NM they are loving it. Even knew someof the people featured in the book.

Priceless description of the lives of Spanish colonials who were marooned for centuries in the New World.

A well-written book about a family and history in Nacimiento which is now Cuba, Sandoval County, New Mexico.

Can't wait to read this book. Very reasonably priced, too.

Reading "Antes" was like opening a drawer filled with family letters and photographs. Bygone but not completely forgotten, Cordova May brings to life individuals, customs, rituals and hardships from a not-so distant past yet one that was vastly different from today's world. Every minute I spent reading about those olden days was a joy. It was a pleasure to be reminded of just how little we humans need to not only survive but thrive. Family, selflessness, hard work, grit and goodwill fill the pages of this wonderful historical narrative.