The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez

This book, a celebration of the author’s memory of Panama, as well as a story about the various types of people that were brought together during the creation of the canal, resonated as a history I have not often seen represented. Set during the construction of the Panama Canal, one of the most ambitious engineering projects in modern history, the novel shines a light on the lives forever changed by its creation. Rather than focusing solely on the canal itself, Henríquez centers on the experiences of laborers, families, doctors, activists, and community members whose hopes, sacrifices, and resilience shaped this pivotal moment in history. Her compassionate storytelling highlights the richness of Panamanian history and the enduring strength of the communities that helped build one of the world’s most significant landmarks.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its ability to balance historical detail with deeply personal storytelling. Even readers (like me) who don’t typically gravitate toward historical fiction will be captivated by the memorable cast of characters and the emotional connections that develop throughout the novel.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, The Great Divide offers an opportunity to explore an important chapter of Latin American history through the work of an acclaimed Latina author. It’s a thoughtful, immersive read that celebrates the resilience of ordinary people and reminds us that every great achievement is built upon countless individual stories.

The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez is available in print, large print, and e-audiobook.

Other Titles for Hispanic Heritage Month

Starside by Alex Aster
In the realm of magic and immortals, swords wield magic and power is claimed, not inherited. Starside is where mortals fight for scraps of that magic, though one mortal, Aris, isn’t after the gods’ magic — she’s going to kill them.

Now I Surrender by Álvaro Enrigue
Part epic, part alt-Western, Now I Surrender is Enrigue’s most expansive and impassioned novel yet. It weaves past and present, myth and history into a searing elegy for a way of life that was an incarnation of true liberty.

The Fair Weather Friend by Jessie Garcia
Popular meteorologist Faith Richards is found dead, and long-buried secrets are uncovered. Little does anyone know that only the deepest secrets will expose the truth.

Muñeca by Cynthia Gómez
In this vivid, surreal Gothic, a queer, Latine, working class witch sets out to rescue a bespelled heiress, but she loses control of her powers and her heart in the process. Gómez’s novel is filled with moments that chill your bones and warm your heart, a razor-sharp examination of deep-rooted issues that will haunt readers long after the last page is turned.

Last Night in Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez
This captivating novel tells a story about a young woman whose life becomes ensnared in her glamorous neighbor’s secret past. It explores the dark compromise of the American Dream for people of color living, unknowingly, in the twilight of a cultural moment.

The Starter Ex by Mia Sosa
Vanessa Cordero used to run a profitable side gig: for a reasonable fee, she’d date your crush and make his life miserable. Vanessa’s younger sister has her eye on Jason and convinces Vanessa to come out of retirement, but nothing’s going according to plan. The longer they’re around each other, the more neither of them wants to be apart.

Sahana is the Communications Strategist at HCLS. They enjoy adding books to their “want to read” list despite having a mountain of books waiting for them already.