Could a girl born in seventeenth century Spain ever become anything other than what is expected of her? Could she become, of all things, a man? One extraordinary woman could, and did.

Catalina is the true story of Catalina d’Erauso, born in San Sebastian on a glorious day of sun and rain. Her brother Miguel, ten years her senior and fiercely loved, is sent to the New World to see to the family’s fortunes. When Miguel takes his leave from his family forever and sets out for the silver mines of Potosi, the richest town in South America, Catalina has only one wish: to follow him. As a girl, she is separated from him forever. As a girl, she must accept her fate passively – but she does not. She begins her obsessive quest by pretending religious devotion so as to earn her education as a nun. And then, one day, she leaves the convent. She cuts her hair. She dresses in men’s clothing. She deepens her voice. She becomes Francisco. And her new identity, crafted in darkness and determination, is internalized so much that she convinces not only everyone around her—including her lovers—but eventually even herself. Her path leads her from San Sebastian to New Spain, Chile and Peru and is the breathtaking and extraordinary true story of a despairing quest for the other – and for one's self.