Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs

Solimar’s shoes reflect the personal changes she undergoes on her journey as she comes of age. Solimar starts the novel in her trusty hiking boots, which reflect her outdoorsy, down-to-earth nature and dislike of ostentation. She is unwilling to give them up for the silver-heeled shoes that will mark her transition to womanhood. The silver heels feel “wobbly,” and it seems “like a lot of work” to learn to walk in them (75). These sentiments mirror Solimar’s feelings about her “over-the-top” quinceañera and about becoming a powerless royal figurehead. Solimar’s plan to change back into her familiar hiking shoes after the symbolic father-daughter dance shows her reluctance to accept her new tradition-bound adult role.

When Solimar gives up her beloved boots for the river sandals, she shows her commitment to her quest. The “practical, if not fashionable” sandals reflect her growing girl power: They are made “for sloshing in water, hiking, and rock climbing,” activities that Solimar must courageously perform on her dangerous journey (113, 112).

Solimar leaves behind her royal persona to fulfil a heavy responsibility. The handmade, rustic sandals represent a 180-degree change from the impractical, expensive silver princess shoes. Berto recognizes this when he comments: “I bet the last time you had a pair of new shoes they weren’t like these” (113). The sandals, with the danger, change, and pressures they represent, also help Solimar gain a new perspective on her quinceañera. She recognizes that the tradition is significant, and that her life is more complex. She faces more adult challenges and decisions. Her comment that now she would “be happy to wear the silver shoes” shows a wistful wish that things could be simple again (113).

Solimar switches from the sandals into male boots as part of her disguise in Puerto Rivera, marking another moment of self-growth. Although the boots are too big for her, Solimar wears them and proves she is as brave and resourceful as any male hero. She tamps down her fears, finds her family, and devises a plot to save the kingdom.

Solimar incorporates her newfound confidence and sense of self into her quinceañera with a final shoe change. Instead of the impractical heels, she changes into a wedge-heeled “all-terrain sandal” that embodies all aspects of her life: her courage, independence, and royal status (187). Solimar’s footwear mirrors her coming of age journey.