In the latest novel by Cristina Henriquez, The Great Divide, she takes readers to Panama and highlights the individuals who built the Panama Canal. Her novel is a testament to the power of literature as a tool to amplify untold stories, explore the complexities of identity, and teach history from diverse perspectives. Once you’re done reading The Great Divide, here are ten novels by Latinx authors that will have you hooked.
Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo
Readers love Elizabeth Acevedo’s young adult novels and her first adult novel was another favorite. Alternating between past and present as well as the U.S. and the Dominican Republic, Family Lore is a multigenerational drama exploring culture, religion, identity, and familial dynamics. Through lyrical prose, Acevedo invites readers to unpack the complexities of belonging, sacrifice, and love.
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Check out this list of books for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo >>
Dominicana by Angie Cruz
A poignant tale of love, resilience, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Set against the backdrop of 1960s New York City, Ana Cancion navigates the challenges of being an immigrant in America, finding her voice in a loveless marriage, and grappling with familial duty. Incorporating the political dynamics of New York City and the Dominican Republic, readers are exposed to the intersectionalities that influence how one moves through the world.
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Flores and Miss Paula by Melissa Rivero
A beautiful novel exploring the nuances of mother-daughter relationships and the complexities of identity, healing, and love. Both Flores and her mother, Paula, grapple with the ease of complacency, the demand for change and the self awareness to understand the difference. Adjusting to a new normal after the death of her father, Flores searches for a fuller life with meaning and while her mother searches for forgiveness.
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The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzalez James
An epic magical realism western alternating between 1895 and 1964 examining intergenerational trauma, the impacts of colonialism, and territory. In 1895, Antonio Sonoro is searching for gold and other riches. In 1964, Jaime Sonoro comes across a book recounting his family’s entire history. When Jaime encounters a mysterious figure he soon realizes there may be more to his family history and it is up to him to ascertain the truth of The Bullet Swallower.
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Cantoras by Carolina De Robertis
Readers are transported to 1970s Uruguay where five women forge an unbreakable bond amidst a ruthless dictatorship. Over the next thirty-five years, their friendship proves to withstand the most unforgiving circumstances and emphasizes the role of found family. Exploring forgotten history, queer love, and friendship, Cantoras is a must read.
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Violeta by Isabel Allende
A mesmerizing blend of history and magical realism, set in Chile and told through letters weaving together the memories of Violeta del Valle and the milestones that shaped her life. Embarking on a journey spanning 100 years, Violeta details the impact of political strife, hardships, and pandemics as well as the beauty of personal growth.
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Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez
Xóchitl González returns with another riveting novel exploring class dynamics, contributions of women, and finding your voice. In 1985, the death of rising art star Anita de Monte shocked New York City, but by 1998, her name is nearly forgotten. Yet Raquel, a first generation student at an IVY League institution, is yearning to discover where she belongs. As Raquel conducts her research on Anita’s story she soon begins questioning the similarities between her own life and the forgotten star.
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Familia by Lauren Rico
A captivating mystery filled with lies, betrayal, and the smallest ounce of hope. Gabby DiMarco is a fact checker waiting for the opportunity to demonstrate her potential at work. Isabella Ruiz is a young woman stuck in the moment her life changed for the worst. When Gabby DiMarco participates in a genealogy test she doesn’t expect anything out of the ordinary while Isabella has been desperately waiting to reconnect with her sister who was kidnapped as a baby. The journey that ensues forces its characters to reconsider everything they’ve known to be true.
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The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez
The one and only Julia Alvarez is back with an emotionally driven novel intertwining multiple perspectives and magical realism. As a writer, Alma Cruz has many stories circulating in her mind but not all are brought to life. In an effort to unburden herself and acknowledge these stories, she creates a cemetery to bury the manuscript drafts, revisions, and characters that haunt her.
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Like Happiness by Ursula Villarreal-Moura
Hitting shelves at the end of the month this debut novel explores the intersection of identity, success, sex, and power. Set in Chile in 2015, Tatum Vega wants nothing more than to forget her time spent in New York City and that disastrous relationship. Readers will enjoy Tatum’s self discovery as she learns what it means to be loved, how to find fullness from within, and reclaim joy after the storm.
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