LITERARY LOCAL | Cristina Henríquez, Author of The Great Divide

A TODAY Show Read with Jenna Book Club Pick! Cristina Henríquez, Author of The Great Divide

A powerful novel about the construction of the Panama Canal, casting light on the unsung people who lived, loved, and labored there

CHICAGO–Cristina Henríquez has made a name for herself as one of the most compassionate and insightful voices in contemporary literature. The daughter of a Panamanian father and an American mother, Henríquez often draws on her heritage to craft stories that bridge cultural divides. Her previous works, such as The Book of Unknown Americans, earned her critical acclaim for their empathetic portrayal of immigrant experiences. Known for her masterful prose and vividly drawn characters, Henríquez delivers a unique blend of historical depth and raw humanity in her novels.

Her latest work, The Great Divide, once again demonstrates her storytelling prowess. A TODAY Show Read With Jenna Book Club Pick, the novel takes readers to the early 20th century, amid the monumental yet grueling construction of the Panama Canal. Henríquez casts light on those history often overlooks—the laborers, families, and communities whose lives were reshaped by this global engineering feat.

The story follows three central characters whose lives intersect in profound ways. Omar, a young Panamanian seeking purpose, takes a perilous job at the excavation zone, straining his relationship with his fisherman father, Francisco. Ada, a daring teenager from Barbados, journeys to Panama in search of work to fund her sister’s surgery, ending up at Omar’s side after a harrowing event. John Oswald, a malaria researcher, hires Ada after witnessing her courage, intertwining their stories further. The novel explores themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Praised as “a sweeping epic” by The New York Times and others, The Great Divide captivates readers, offering a poignant reflection on forgotten histories and the cost of progress. Through her evocative storytelling, Cristina Henríquez, Author of The Great Divide, cements her place as a literary force, giving voice to those left in history’s shadow.

Purchase The Great Divide today HERE.