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352
Novel • Fiction
Ecuador • 1920s
2021
Adult
18+ years
In The Spanish Daughter by Lorena Hughes, Maria Purificación (Puri) travels from Spain to Ecuador to claim her inheritance, only to be embroiled in a deadly struggle after her husband is murdered en route. Disguised as her deceased spouse, Puri navigates family rivalries, uncovers dark secrets, and faces multiple threats, all while trying to solve the mystery of her husband's death. This novel includes depictions of gender-based violence and discussions of miscarriage.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Dark
Emotional
Romantic
25,912 ratings
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Lorena Hughes' The Spanish Daughter offers a vivid historical narrative rich in cultural detail, set in early 20th century Ecuador. Readers praise its intricate plotting and well-developed characters, particularly Isa. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and certain subplots underdeveloped. Overall, it’s a compelling read for historical fiction enthusiasts.
A reader interested in The Spanish Daughter by Lorena Hughes likely enjoys historical fiction with rich cultural settings, complex family secrets, and strong female protagonists. Comparable to readers of Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits and Kate Morton’s The Forgotten Garden, they appreciate immersive storytelling and intricate plotlines.
25,912 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Angélica
A blonde woman frequently seen with a cockatoo named Ramona, she appears initially as an antagonist and shares a complex relationship with Puri.
Catalina
Angélica’s younger sister, known for her kind and gentle nature, who becomes a close friend of Puri and later shares a home with her.
Martin/Juan
The manager of a plantation and a love interest of both Angélica and Puri, representing tensions between local Ecuadorians and European influences.
Laurent
A Frenchman married to Angélica, whose European background complicates the social and racial hierarchies within the story.
Julia/Elisa
Initially a servant known as Julia, she is revealed to have a more complex past and connections to the narrative’s tensions around identity and heritage.
352
Novel • Fiction
Ecuador • 1920s
2021
Adult
18+ years
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