James, a Hispanic Studies scholar, presents a psychobiography of the short, surreal life of Uruguayan poet Delmira Agustini. He studies much of Agustini's poetry along with articles she wrote on women in history and her personal correspondence in search of the roots of the dichotomy of her life. Most of her experience was as a pampered child, dependent on and obedient to her parents, particularly her mother. However, her writing shows another side, independent and sexually bold. Both sides are reflected in her two-month marriage and its aftermath in which her ex-husband murdered her and then himself. James wonders if she was courting death as her last work shows a strong fascination with it. There are many mysteries inherent in the two natures of Agustini. This study gives a key to solving them. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)