The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez

It is said that the canal will be the greatest feat of engineering in history. But first, it must be built. For Francisco, a local fisherman who resents the foreign powers clamoring for a slice of his country, nothing is more upsetting than the decision of his son, Omar, to work as a digger in the excavation zone. But for Omar, whose upbringing was quiet and lonely, this job offers a chance to finally find connection.

​"The Great Divide" is a historical novel by Cristina Henríquez, published in 2024. Set in 1907 Panama during the construction of the Panama Canal, the narrative weaves together the lives of various characters—including activists, laborers, journalists, and locals—highlighting their personal stories amid the monumental engineering project.

Henríquez's portrayal emphasizes the human cost and diverse perspectives surrounding the canal's construction, offering readers a nuanced understanding of this pivotal moment in history. ​

The novel has been praised for its rich character development and historical depth. Publishers Weekly awarded it a starred review, describing it as "a compassionate and insightful historical epic.

Published on by eBooks


Categories: Fiction Historical

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