"The Spanish Daughter": A Captivating Book Club Read & Story!

Is a gripping historical mystery, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Ecuador, really a journey worth taking? "The Spanish Daughter" by Lorena Hughes offers readers a tantalizing blend of historical intrigue, cultural immersion, and a protagonist who defies expectations, making it an irresistible choice for book clubs and individual readers alike.

Published by Lake Union Publishing, "The Spanish Daughter" has garnered significant acclaim, earning recognition as an Amazon Editors Pick, an Amazon Unforgettable Reads Book Club selection, and a Reading Group Choices Most Popular Book of the Year in 2022. This recognition underscores the novel's compelling narrative and widespread appeal. The story unfolds in 1920, painting a vivid picture of a world grappling with the aftermath of World War I, particularly the devastation that had struck Spain. The author, Lorena Hughes, has expertly crafted a historical drama that transports readers to a time of significant social and economic change. Her latest novel, "The Night We Became Strangers," is set to be released in the fall of 2025, promising another captivating exploration of the past.

The novel centers on Mara Purificacin Delafont, known as Puri, a resourceful young chocolatier from Seville, Spain. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she learns that her estranged father has left her a cacao plantation in Ecuador. Seeking a fresh start and the inheritance, Puri, along with her novelist husband, Cristbal de Balboa, embarks on a journey from their home in Seville to the lush, tropical landscapes of Ecuador, specifically the coastal city of Vinces. This move highlights the profound impact of inheritance and the allure of new beginnings. The story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as Puri must navigate the challenges of a new land while confronting secrets and dangers that threaten her very survival.

The narrative is enriched by the author's deep understanding of the setting. As in her debut novel, "The Sisters of Alameda Street" (2017), Lorena Hughes masterfully recreates the vibrancy of her native Ecuador, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era. The authors meticulous research provides authentic details and context, giving the story depth and resonance. Reviewers like Ginger, writing for the book, have given it four stars. The story is perfect for a book club. Puri is a chocolatier and the main character, who sells her chocolate shop in Seville, Spain, to move to Vinces, Ecuador with her husband, Cristbal de Balboa, when she learns her father has left her a cacao plantation there.

A significant part of the plot involves Puri's need to impersonate a man to survive, which brings to light the novels exploration of gender roles and the performance of identity. In a time when women faced significant limitations, Puri dons her husband's clothing and attempts to pass as a man, navigating a world that offers vastly different opportunities based on gender. This element of disguise allows her to explore themes of masculinity and the societal expectations that shape individual lives, echoing the proverb, "clothing makes the man."

The storyline also provides opportunities for an analysis of various themes like sibling rivalry and betrayal. The author does not fail to emphasize the link between gender and performance, as Puri dons her husbands clothes and tries to pass as a man. Puri is joined by her husband, Cristobal, in the move to Ecuador from Spain. The move comes after Puri learns about her inheritance. The plantation, left to her by her father, Don Armand, comes with secrets and dangers, but also a chance for a new life. The Spanish Daughter is a historical mystery set in 1920s Ecuador. The Spanish Daughter focuses on female characters but carves out space to consider and critique masculinity. Puri's disguise creates a male identity that allows her the freedom to investigate. Puri travels with her husband from Spain to Guayaquil, Ecuador, in 1920.

The story emphasizes the link between gender and performance, as Puri dons her husband's clothes and tries to pass as a man. She uncovers secrets and dangers in this #ownvoices novel inspired by true history. The main character is Maria Purificacion delafont or puri, who sells her chocolate shop in seville, spain to move to vinces, ecuador with her husband cristbal de balboa when she learns her father has left her a cacao plantation there.

The book offers the perfect opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of the Spanish language. The words "hija" and "hijita," meaning "daughter," are just the beginning. Readers are encouraged to delve into the vocabulary. Resources like WordHippo.com provide a gateway to understanding and appreciating the beauty of the language. Explore the rich tapestry of Spanish by learning various ways to say daughter in this beautiful language. Discover common, poetic, and affectionate terms that will enrich your Spanish vocabulary and deepen your appreciation for the culture.

The novel's setting in Ecuador is not merely a backdrop but an integral part of the narrative, infusing the story with vibrant imagery and a deep sense of place. A lush Ecuadorian cacao plantation provides the stage for the imaginative historical drama filled with sibling rivalry and betrayals.

For those seeking a deeper dive, a full analysis and study guide is available, offering character analysis and explained quotes to uncover the complexities and beauty of "The Spanish Daughter."

The Spanish Daughter is not only a captivating read, but also an ideal selection for book clubs seeking to stimulate lively discussions. This historical mystery is the perfect read for those interested in history, culture, and a compelling story. The novel is based on historical events so the details the author brought in were both interesting and great to learn about. Lorena Hughes has masterfully crafted a story that will stay with readers long after they finish the last page. It is an engaging journey that highlights the enduring power of resilience, resourcefulness, and the pursuit of ones destiny.

Get ready to explore "The Spanish Daughter" and its meaning. The story focuses on female characters but carves out space to consider and critique masculinity. The novel stresses the link between gender and performance, as Puri dons her husbands clothes and tries to pass as a man. Gesturing to the proverb clothing makes the man, Puris disguise creates a male identity that allows her to investigate.

The Spanish Daughter is a historical mystery set in 1920s Ecuador by Ecuadorian author Lorena Hughes. The main character is maria purificacion delafont or puri, who sells her chocolate shop in seville, spain to move to vinces, ecuador with her husband cristbal de balboa when she learns her father has left her a cacao plantation there.

The Spanish Daughter is a seaside book buzz selection. Peri travels with her husband from Spain to Guayaquil, Ecuador, in 1920. Her daddy, don armand, has died and left a cocoa estate to his children.

Feature Details
Title The Spanish Daughter
Author Lorena Hughes
Year of Publication 2022
Genre Historical Mystery
Setting 1920s Ecuador and Spain
Main Character Mara Purificacin Delafont (Puri)
Publisher Lake Union Publishing
Key Themes Gender Roles, Identity, Inheritance, Family Secrets, Cultural Immersion
Awards & Recognition Amazon Editors Pick, Amazon Unforgettable Reads Book Club Selection, Reading Group Choices Most Popular Book of the Year (2022)
Related Website Amazon.com
Happy Hispanic Mother Daughter Park Stock Photo 32165089 Shutterstock
Happy Hispanic Mother Daughter Park Stock Photo 32165089 Shutterstock
The Spanish Daughter by Lorena Hughes Penguin Books Australia
The Spanish Daughter by Lorena Hughes Penguin Books Australia
Premium Photo Blonde mother with spanish daughter outdoor in city
Premium Photo Blonde mother with spanish daughter outdoor in city

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