It took a couple of chapters before I felt engaged with the story; however, I ended up really appreciating the book, which is in part based on historical figures. My husband & I are Civil War living historians and practice mid 19th Century wet plate photography. I’ve also been intrigued by Civil War Naval history....ironclads, CSS Hunley, and the blockades. I loved the detail of the blockade running and maritime issues such as the currents and coral shoals that needed to be avoided. The reference to the 6 toed cat was a wonderful tie in to Hemingway.
Part of me felt some compassion for Dona Cecilia. We 21st Century people rightly abhor the evils of slavery in the American past. However, I’ve given a great deal of thought to the necessity of humankind to put history into the context of the time, place, experience, upbringing of the people that lived at the time. Few women in particular were well educated. Many were sheltered from the real world. Indoctrination begins from childhood.
Dona Cecilia thought she was doing the right thing for her survival and what she thought was appropriate for Esperanza. That doesn’t make it right; but it does explain her actions.
Alternatively, I have nothing but antipathy for the Cubans & Spaniards that illegally perpetrated the buying & selling of people as chattel. These men knew the horrific conditions, knew they were breaking the law, and were willing to kill, lie, conspire, and act complicity for financial gain. I do believe these actions were based upon fact as explained in the notes at the conclusion of the book.