On a holiday so you’re able to Ponce to visit a refreshing cousin’s marriage, Vicente match the latest lovely younger Valentina
Vera’s swinging book — their own next after If i Bring you Flowers — explores the brand new forces one contributed you to definitely family to leave their dear homeland and look for a unique begin in an unknown and you may unwelcoming homes
Marisel Vera stands out a white towards the a little-understood element of U.S. records on the Taste Of Sugar. From the change of 20th century, millions of people regarding has just gotten area from Puerto Rico journeyed halfway all over the world to the office to the sugarcane ranches during the Their state.
To know why Vicente Vega, their spouse Valentina and you will Vicente’s 50 % of-sis Raulito result in the demanding go to Their state, Vera (that is out of Puerto Rican traditions) earliest converts the newest clock back again to this new middle-nineteenth century, in the event that Foreign language however governed along side Caribbean isle. Thraldom stays judge (it could perhaps not avoid until 1873), and significant poverty try systemic. Even after abolition, many on the area are no much better than serfs, life style “la vida de perro.” (Foreign-language is actually interwoven on text.) Having said that, Vicente’s parent is actually a moderately better-regarding owner regarding a coffees plantation from the mountainous area for Utuado. Nevertheless family members’ fortunes refuse typically. By the point Vicente develops so you’re able to manhood, they are simple growers, even in the event he is better off versus peones who “was fortunate when they eat daily.”
The smitten girl “prepared getting love and you can adventure” offers up their particular close dreams of Paris to a good de- casa” to the farm is nothing such becoming a housewife when you look at the Ponce. Nevertheless, she vows so you can “put in by herself to help you their own family members and put away the childish aspirations,” once the she produces from inside the a page to help you their cousin Elena once their own wedding. (more…)