Santa Evita is about the fascinating and somewhat macabre journey of the embalmed body of Eva Perón, the beloved first lady of Argentina, after her death. From the perspectives of various characters, it delves into the political intrigue, idolatry, and the impact of Eva Perón on the nation. The story showcases the manipulation of her legacy for political gain and the surreal events surrounding her preserved body.
Table of Content
Santa Evita Book Summary
The death of the iconic Eva Perón sends Argentina into a tailspin of grief and confusion. Her body is embalmed by Dr. Pedro Ara, who performs a miraculous preservation, and Colonel Moori Koenig takes charge of the corpse.
The body becomes a political pawn, shifting from one location to another as different factions vie for control over the legacy of 'Santa Evita.'
General Arellano, seeking favor with the new government, orders the body's destruction. However, Koenig secretly foils this plan, ensuring Eva's body remains intact.
The public's fascination with Eva Perón persists, and her body is put on display. The crowds flock to see her, demonstrating the enduring power of her myth.
Argentino Vargas, a journalist, investigates the whereabouts of the body and uncovers the complex web of deceptions surrounding it. His efforts reveal the extent to which Eva's legacy has been manipulated for political gain.
Juan Duarte, Eva's father, is implicated in the story, hinting at his involvement in the ongoing saga of his daughter's remains.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ara is haunted by his role in the embalming process. He grapples with the ethical implications of preserving a body that has become more symbol than person.
As the body changes hands, it is used to sway public opinion and solidify political positions. The cult of 'Santa Evita' takes on a life of its own, transcending the woman it represents.
The story culminates with the revelation that Eva's body has been secretly moved to Italy, where it remains in limbo, a poignant metaphor for the unresolved issues of her legacy.
The book ends with a reflection on the impact of Eva Perón, not just as a historical figure, but as a representation of the complexities of power, idolatry, and manipulation.
The saga of 'Santa Evita' is a powerful and surreal narrative that delves into the darker aspects of politics and public adulation. It offers a thought-provoking look at the intersection of death, memory, and the construction of a national identity.
This story is not just about a woman's body, but about the body politic, and the ways in which it can be both revered and exploited.
Santa Evita Quotes
- The past is what we are not now.
- The body was dead, but the myth was only beginning.
- What is the point of a shrine for someone who is not there?
- I don't want to be a saint. I just want to be remembered.
- I am a mix of the Soler and the Duarte, the past and the present, and I have a feeling that the future will be just as confusing.
Santa Evita Ending Explained
At the end of Santa Evita, the fate of Eva Perón's embalmed body is revealed to have been moved to Italy, shrouded in secrecy.
Her body, an enduring symbol of power and adoration, is paradoxically absent from the country that mourned her so deeply.
Argentina's love affair with 'Santa Evita' continues, reflecting the unresolved legacy of a woman who transcended mortality to become a national myth.
Characters in book Santa Evita
- Eva Perón: The iconic First Lady of Argentina, known as Evita, whose embalmed body becomes the central focus of the story.
- Colonel Moori Koenig: A sinister and calculating figure who oversees the preservation and display of Eva Perón's body.
- Dr. Pedro Ara: The skilled embalmer responsible for the remarkable preservation of Eva Perón's body.
- Juan Duarte: Eva's father, a shadowy figure whose influence and connections are felt throughout the story.
- María Maggi: Eva's loyal nurse and confidante, who plays a significant role in Eva's life and death.
- General Arellano: A military man who is entangled in the political machinations surrounding Eva's body.
- Argentino Vargas: A dedicated journalist who becomes obsessed with the fate of Eva Perón's body.
Key Lessons
- Legacies are Complex: The impact of one's actions can be multifaceted and may lead to a legacy that is both revered and contested.
- Memory is Selective: People remember what they want to remember, often shaping historical narratives to fit personal or political agendas.
- Idolatry is Dangerous: The deification of a person can lead to manipulation and exploitation, both during their life and after their death.
- Power Transcends Death: The influence of powerful individuals can extend far beyond their physical presence, shaping events and decisions long after they are gone.
- Politics Taints Everything: Political motives can corrupt even the most personal or sacred elements of life, distorting them for public spectacle and manipulation.
My Personal Opinion
Is Santa Evita worth Reading? Absolutely! I found the narrative deeply thought-provoking and the exploration of Eva Perón's legacy to be both haunting and impactful.
I was struck by the skillful blend of historical fact and surreal fiction, which created a vivid and compelling tapestry of intrigue. At times, the story's dark humor felt a bit jarring against its serious backdrop, but it added depth and nuance to the portrayal of a complex political landscape.
I would recommend this book to readers with an interest in history, politics, or the human fascination with celebrity. It offers a unique perspective on the cult of personality and its enduring effects on a nation's soul.