In the sweltering jungles of Panama at the turn of the 20th century, a gargantuan feat of engineering was about to reshape the world. But while history remembers the grand ambitions and technical marvels, Cristina Henríquez’s sweeping new novel “The Great Divide” illuminates the human lives caught in the churning wake of progress. With lyrical prose and keen psychological insight, Henríquez crafts an expansive yet intimate portrait of a nation and its people on the cusp of irrevocable change.
A Tapestry of Intersecting Lives
At the heart of the story are three central characters whose fates become inextricably intertwined:
Omar, a young Panamanian man who takes a job as a canal digger, much to the dismay of his fisherman father Francisco. Omar’s quiet, lonely upbringing leaves him yearning for connection, which he finds in the camaraderie of his fellow workers and an unexpected friendship.
Ada Bunting, a plucky 16-year-old girl who stows away on a ship from Barbados, desperate to earn money for her sick sister’s medical treatment. Her bravery and compassion catch the eye of…
John Oswald, an American doctor obsessed with eradicating malaria, who hires Ada as a caregiver for his ailing wife Marian.
Around this central trio, Henríquez weaves a rich tapestry of supporting characters – activists, merchants, laborers, and more—creating a vibrant cross-section of Panamanian society. Each character feels fully realized, with their own hopes, fears, and contradictions.
A Land in Flux
Henríquez vividly evokes Panama during this tumultuous period of its history. We see a nation grappling with its identity as foreign powers (primarily the United States) exert increasing influence. The juxtaposition of the Americans’ technological might against the traditional Panamanian way of life creates palpable tension throughout.
The author doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of the canal’s construction—the brutal working conditions, rampant disease, and the displacement of local communities. Yet she also captures moments of wonder, pride, and possibility as this monumental project takes shape.
Themes of Connection and Division
True to its title, “The Great Divide” explores the many schisms running through Panamanian society of the era:
- The gulf between Panamanians and Americans
- Generational divides, as embodied by Omar and Francisco
- Class divisions between laborers and elites
- Racial tensions among the diverse workforce
Yet Henríquez is equally interested in the bridges that form between people. Omar and Ada’s friendship blossoms across cultural lines. John Oswald finds himself increasingly invested in the well-being of the local population. Even Francisco, initially resentful of the American presence, forges unexpected connections.
Masterful Storytelling
Henríquez’s prose is a joy to read – lyrical without being flowery, observant without being clinical. She has a gift for evocative sensory details that transport the reader:
“The smell of the salt water and the rain and the mud and the lemon trees was a heady mixture. Doña Ruiz paused for a moment to take it in. She took a deep breath, wondering why she had never come here before and grateful for the reminder that, truly, wonder was everywhere.”
The novel’s structure is ambitious, following multiple storylines that gradually converge. Henríquez handles the shifting perspectives deftly, maintaining narrative momentum while allowing each character room to breathe and develop.
Pacing and Plot
If there’s a critique to be made, it’s that the pacing occasionally lags in the middle sections. A few subplots feel slightly underdeveloped or could have been trimmed for a tighter narrative. However, the richness of the world Henríquez creates and the depth of her character work more than compensate for any minor structural quibbles.
The climax brings the various threads together in a satisfying way, though some readers may find the resolution a touch too neat given the complex issues at play. Personally, I appreciated that Henríquez allows for moments of hope and human connection amidst the upheaval, without glossing over the lasting impacts of colonialism and “progress” at any cost.
Historical Fiction at its Finest
“The Great Divide” exemplifies historical fiction at its best. Henríquez’s meticulous research is evident, but never overpowers the narrative. Instead, historical details are woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story, bringing the era to vivid life.
The novel shines a light on perspectives often overlooked in the historical record. We see the canal’s construction through the eyes of indigenous Panamanians, West Indian immigrants, women of various social classes, and more. This approach adds nuance and humanity to a story too often told solely through the lens of American ambition.
Resonance for Today
While firmly rooted in its early 20th-century setting, “The Great Divide” explores themes that feel strikingly relevant to our current moment:
- The human cost of “progress”
- Tensions between nationalism and globalization
- The exploitation of labor
- Environmental concerns
- Cultural clashes and the challenges of integration
Henríquez doesn’t draw heavy-handed parallels, but allows the reader to find modern echoes in this historical tale.
A Personal Touch
As a reader of Panamanian descent, I found myself deeply moved by Henríquez’s portrayal of my ancestors’ homeland. She captures the beauty, complexity, and contradictions of Panama with such authenticity. The novel sparked conversations with my own family about our history and identity.
I suspect many readers, regardless of background, will find similar moments of connection. Henríquez has a knack for making the specific feel universal, tapping into fundamental human experiences of love, loss, ambition, and belonging.
The Verdict
“The Great Divide” is a triumph of historical fiction and a profound meditation on the human spirit. Cristina Henríquez has crafted a story as monumental as the Panama Canal itself, yet never loses sight of the individuals whose lives shaped and were shaped by this world-changing event.
Rich in detail, deeply researched, and told with compassion and nuance, this novel deserves a place alongside other great works of historical fiction that illuminate overlooked corners of our shared past. It’s a book that will linger in your mind long after you turn the final page, inviting reflection on the costs and benefits of “progress,” the resilience of the human spirit, and the connections that bind us all.
Cristina Henríquez has solidified her place as one of our most insightful and empathetic chroniclers of the immigrant experience and the complex tapestry of American identity. “The Great Divide” is not to be missed.
Who Should Read It:
- Fans of sweeping historical epics like “Pachinko” or “The Poisonwood Bible”
- Readers interested in Latin American history and culture
- Anyone who enjoys character-driven literary fiction with a strong sense of place
- Those looking for fresh perspectives on familiar historical events
Who Might Want to Skip:
- Readers who prefer fast-paced plots with minimal description
- Those looking for a straightforward historical account of the Panama Canal’s construction
- Anyone sensitive to depictions of illness or harsh working conditions (though these elements aren’t gratuitous)
Final Thoughts
“The Great Divide” is a remarkable achievement, blending meticulous historical detail with profound emotional resonance. Cristina Henríquez has given voice to the unsung heroes and forgotten lives that shaped one of the modern world’s great marvels. In doing so, she reminds us that behind every grand historical narrative lie countless individual stories of struggle, sacrifice, and unexpected grace.
This is a novel to savor, to discuss, and to return to. It expands our understanding not just of a pivotal moment in history, but of the enduring human capacity for resilience, connection, and hope in the face of monumental change. Highly recommended.
