An Epic Tale Set Against the Panama Canal
‘The Great Divide’ by Cristina Henríquez is an intricately woven, polyvocal novel that delves into the massive and often overlooked human cost of building the Panama Canal. Set in 1907, the book captures the multifaceted lives of over a dozen characters, each deeply affected by this monumental engineering project. This narrative structure allows Henríquez to paint a vivid, layered portrait of a pivotal moment in the history of the Americas.
Diverse Lives Intertwined
Henríquez masterfully intertwines the stories of individuals from various backgrounds and countries. For example, Francisco, a Panamanian fisherman, is disgusted by the transformation of his homeland, while his son Omar, who works in the excavation zone, becomes a source of familial discord. Another poignant tale is that of Ada, a girl from Barbados who arrives in Panama to earn money for her ill sister, only to find herself working for an American couple battling malaria. The author skillfully navigates these personal narratives, shedding light on the numerous, often conflicting, human experiences surrounding the canal’s construction.
A Mosaic of Human Emotions
From laborers and foremen to fishmongers and aspiring photojournalists, ‘The Great Divide’ encapsulates a wide range of perspectives. This mosaic of voices reveals the myriad ways the canal disrupted lives—some directly, some tangentially. Readers witness the canal’s impact on diverse characters like Joaquin, whose life takes a political turn due to his wife’s protest movement, or the egotistical French doctor whose professional ambitions are intertwined with the canal’s progress.
The Power of Ordinary Lives
The true strength of ‘The Great Divide’ lies in its commitment to small, personal narratives. By focusing on the ‘ordinary, forgotten stories’ that underlie significant historical events, Henríquez emphasizes the value of every human life. This approach demands readers acknowledge the individual sacrifices and moments of resilience that form the foundation of history. ‘The Great Divide’ stands as a powerful epic that honors the human cost of progress.
