Listen to this epic journey of love, self-discovery, and daring exploits brought to you by the talented Esmeralda Santiago, author of the renowned memoir When I Was Puerto Rican. Immerse yourself in the captivating story of Ana Larragoity Cubillas, a young Spanish girl who feels an irresistible pull towards Puerto Rico after stumbling upon her ancestor's diaries chronicling his adventures with Ponce de León. Uniting her desires and attracting the attention of the charming twin brothers, Ramón and Inocente, Ana embarks on a thrilling journey to the island she has come to cherish.
In a leap of courage, Ana marries Ramón at the tender age of eighteen and boards a ship to an isolated sugar plantation in 1844 that the brothers have inherited. In this far-flung land, Ana confronts unyielding heat, the harsh realities of disease and isolation, and the perils of the untamed countryside. Nevertheless, her spirit soars as she embraces the challenges of managing Hacienda los Gemelos. However, when the American Civil War erupts across the ocean, Ana's very livelihood, and quite possibly her life, are imperiled by those whose backs have borne the foundation of her wealth— the slaves who share their poignant stories entwined with her own.
As Ana's heart opens to the possibility of a forbidden love, she must make agonizing sacrifices to preserve the land that has become her true sanctuary. Brace yourself for a tale of passion and darkness, set against the backdrop of Puerto Rico, where the depths of human emotion and brutality intersect. Prepare to be swept away by the enigmatic history that has never before been so vibrantly and indelibly brought to life.
