47 pages • 1 hour read
Cristina HenríquezThe Great Divide
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2024A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
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.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read The Great Divide?
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.