Cristina Henríquez's The Great Divide captivates with its evocative prose and rich character development. Reviewers praise its insightful exploration of cultural and social themes. However, some critique the pacing as uneven and the multiple narrative threads as occasionally disjointed. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its emotional depth and thought-provoking content.

Readers who appreciated the narratives in The Book of Unknown Americans will find The Great Divide equally compelling. Ideal for those interested in immigrant experiences, cultural identity, and social justice, this book resonates with fans of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and Americanah.

The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez follows the intertwining lives of a group of Panamanians and outsiders during the construction of the Panama Canal, exploring themes of imperialism, racism, and resistance. Francisco, a local fisherman, and his son Omar, canal worker, struggle with opposing views. Ada, a Barbadian teenager, works in the Oswalds' conflicted household, while Valentina and Joaquín resist their village's relocation. The novel highlights the tension between colonizers and locals and the personal sacrifices entailed. The source text discusses racism, enslavement, and baby loss.

Cristina Henríquez

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The Great Divide Summary and Study Guide

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The Great Divide Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-8

The Great Divide Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-16

The Great Divide Chapters 9-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-24

The Great Divide Chapters 17-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-32

The Great Divide Chapters 25-32 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Great Divide Character Analysis

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Themes

The Great Divide Themes

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Important Quotes

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The Great Divide

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