The Great Divide

A Novel

By: Cristina Henriquez

Narrated by: Robin Miles

Length: 13 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

A TODAY Show Read With Jenna Book Club Pick!

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

It is said that the canal will be the greatest feat of engineering in history. But first, it must be built. For Francisco, a local fisherman who resents the foreign powers clamoring for a slice of his country, nothing is more upsetting than the decision of his son, Omar, to work as a digger in the excavation zone. But for Omar, whose upbringing was quiet and lonely, this job offers a chance to finally find connection.

Ada Bunting is a bold sixteen-year-old from Barbados who arrives in Panama as a stowaway alongside thousands of other West Indians seeking work. Alone and with no resources, she is determined to find a job that will earn enough money for her ailing sister’s surgery. When she sees a young man—Omar—who has collapsed after a grueling shift, she is the only one who rushes to his aid.

John Oswald has dedicated his life to scientific research and has journeyed to Panama in single-minded pursuit of one goal: eliminating malaria. But now, his wife, Marian, has fallen ill herself, and when he witnesses Ada’s bravery and compassion, he hires her on the spot as a caregiver. This fateful decision sets in motion a sweeping tale of ambition, loyalty, and sacrifice.

Searing and empathetic, The Great Divide explores the intersecting lives of activists, fishmongers, laborers, journalists, neighbors, doctors, and soothsayers—those rarely acknowledged by history even as they carved out its course.

Named a Most Anticipated Book By: Washington Post * Book Riot * Electric Literature * LitHub * ELLE * The Millions * Goodreads * Reader’s Digest

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Cristina Henriquez (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

great period story, enjoyed multiple story lines, kind of anticlimactic

I really enjoyed the narrative and characters, some story lines felt incomplete but aren't if you pick the right "main characters" missed some opportunity for some poignant moments but it's okay with out them.

it was a great story.

The story stopped weird. I want a the story to continue to bring the character stories to completion.

Details of that time period

The details of everyday life and difficulties were amazing. The building of canal with almost all manual labor along with the diseases worker faced left me in awe of this accomplishment. The author intermixed cultural differences along with the diversities of races in Panama in such an entertaining way. The reader was so skilled with accents that every character seemed very real. Great book.

Informative.

I enjoyed the story and history lesson. The narrator's voice and delivery style was fun.

Well thought out and developed story

I enjoyed The Great Divide. It was great to see the point of view of the citizens of Panama and how the canal affected their lives. We only learned about the history and importance of the Panama Canal. The characters were well developed and I like to hearing how their lives turned out after their time in Panama.

How Americans are always trying to change the world to their ways

Really good book! Love history in a story. Sad the way everyone was treated by the whites in those days. It makes me mad

The many characters and backgrounds

I enjoyed this story very much. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their stories. I also appreciate the voices done by the narrator. I recommend this book.

Just WOW

The Great Divide is such a beautiful book.

I can’t even begin to express all of the emotions it carried me through. Just listening to different perspectives of all of the characters - the migrants, the Panamanians even the role of the Americans.

Praying that these characters are able to fulfill their goals and achievements. Hearing about their pain, triumphs and for some their demise.

The Great Divide touched a very special place in my heart. It gave me a vibrant depiction of what the migrants could have dealt with when they migrated to Panama to work. My great great grandfather migrated to Panama for work. He worked and helped build the Panama Canal. Instead of going back home, he stayed in Panama and lived in Rio Abajo with his family.


There was so much richness in this book. I would definitely read it and recommend it to anyone.

Story went nowhere

The story was full of character development that went nowhere. I kept waiting for the rising action and climax but… nothing.

Lots of Mini Stories

There’s too much narration (lots of tell and less show). There are many mini stories that don’t connect with each other.