“The Other Moctezuma Girls” by Sofia Robleda
In 16th-century Mexico, Isabel Cano, daughter of the last Aztec empress, embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets her mother kept in order to survive the Spanish conquest. In this episode of Narratives & Nightcaps, author Sofia Robleda shares more on her personal exploration of her heritage, the initial spark for this story, and the cultural significance embedded in her work.
The narrative: about The Other Moctezuma Girls
Thirty years after the Spanish conquest, the last Aztec empress, Tecuichpoch, has passed away. As her children gather to hear her last will and testament, surprising revelations are shared, and one daughter, expects there’s more to her mother’s story. Isabel, along with a few others, set out to follow the clues and piece together Tecuichpoch’s true past, the pieces she kept hidden to survive, and ultimately reveal her resilient legacy.
The nightcap
As a toast to the culture, Sofia recommends a Mezcal-based beverage to sip while you read. Drink it neat or swap tequila for mezcal in a traditional margarita to mirror the themes in this story; a perfect blend of smoky and sweet.
In the episode
Get to know Sofia in our episode of Narratives & Nightcaps. We talk about:
How Sofia learned about Tecuichpoch (the last Aztec empress) and how she was so impacted by this true story, it stayed with her for years and year
Sofia’s author journey — a passion for fantasy stories that evolved into exploring her ancestral roots
Blending history with storytelling, the creative process and the “fun” facts Sofia learned along the way
Sofia Robleda’s The Other Moctezuma Girls is more than a historical fiction adventure; it’s a tribute to the strength and resilience of women in history. It’s a love letter to Mexico that reminds readers of the historical events and secrets that shape us, and the legacy of women whose stories weren’t always recorded.
Listen or watch to the full author interview on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts
Purchase your copy here.