The Great Divide

A Novel

By: Cristina Henriquez

Narrated by: Robin Miles

A TODAY Show Read With Jenna Book Club Pick!

A powerful novel about the construction of the Panama Canal, casting light on the unsung people who lived, loved, and labored there

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.

Ada Bunting is a bold sixteen-year-old from Barbados who arrives in Panama as a stowaway alongside thousands of other West Indians seeking work. Alone and with no resources, she is determined to find a job that will earn enough money for her ailing sister’s surgery. When she sees a young man—Omar—who has collapsed after a grueling shift, she is the only one who rushes to his aid.

John Oswald has dedicated his life to scientific research and has journeyed to Panama in single-minded pursuit of one goal: eliminating malaria. But now, his wife, Marian, has fallen ill herself, and when he witnesses Ada’s bravery and compassion, he hires her on the spot as a caregiver. This fateful decision sets in motion a sweeping tale of ambition, loyalty, and sacrifice.

Searing and empathetic,The Great Divide explores the intersecting lives of activists, fishmongers, laborers, journalists, neighbors, doctors, and soothsayers—those rarely acknowledged by history even as they carved out its course.

Named a Most Anticipated Book By: Washington Post * Book Riot * Electric Literature * LitHub * ELLE * The Millions * Goodreads * Reader’s Digest

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

In the style of Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Entertaining story of ordinary people living in the extraordinary times of building the Panama Canal. Ms. Henriquez's style reminded me of 100 Years of Solitude - flowing, very descriptive and at time ethereal. Wonderful story, wonderfully written.

great period story, enjoyed multiple story lines, kind of anticlimactic

I really enjoyed the narrative and characters, some story lines felt incomplete but aren't if you pick the right "main characters" missed some opportunity for some poignant moments but it's okay with out them.

Great writing!

Liked the format and narrative very much! She brought the characters to life. So much history, also.
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it was a great story.

The story stopped weird. I want a the story to continue to bring the character stories to completion.

Okay

It was an enjoyable easy read. I do wish they had tied up some other loose ends though.