Nancy's Reviews > Conquistadora

The lives of 19th c. women in Spain were narrow and proscribed, especially for the upper classes. Women were expected to be pious, demure, to stay at home immersed in domestic affairs. Ana chaffed at the thought. Her ancestors were conquistadors who adventured across tumultuous seas to strange new lands. Ana wanted to act in the world, not retreat from it.

Teenaged best friends and lovers Ana and Elena hatched a plan. They would capture the hearts of the handsome Argoso twins, each marrying one of the brothers. This way, when the men tired of them and they were left alone, they would have each other for comfort and intimacy.

The twins were intertwined, inseparable, fulfilling each other’s every need. They were preparing for a boring life in Spain. When Ana learned that the family held a plantation in Puerto Rico, she saw her chance to fulfill her conquistador legacy. She wove dreams of wealth and success with the sugar plantation, entrapping the brothers into her fantasy. Five years, and they could return, set for life. Ana married one brother; when Elena came of age, she would marry the other.

The brothers, their parents, and Ana and Elena crossed the sea to the New World. Ana and her husband and his brother went inland to the plantation, leaving Elena with their parents in the city.

Ana was prepared for the depravations and hard work ahead. She steeled herself to being a slave owner. The men were unprepared for this harsh new life. Over the years, as Ana thrived, the twins succumbed to their worst natures, blaming Ana for bewitching them. Ana survives while the men folk succumb. Ana is willing to sacrifice anything and everything for the land that claims her heart and soul.

The novel brings to life the reality of life on the sugar plantations. The lives of the slaves, the cruel work, the heat and humidity are all described. A hurricane flattens the island, followed by cholera. Numerous slaves figure prominently in the story, their ranks filled with children sired by the Spanish men who owned them. These details give depth to this melodramatic family saga.

But now Ana didn’t want to examine her scruples. No, it was too late; a conscience at this stage in her life was too great a burden.
from Conquistadora by Esmeralda Santiago

Ana is an interesting character. She is not beautiful. She is small of stature. She knows what she wants and fights for it, first rebelling against her parents’ expectations and then insisting on playing an active role on the plantation. She ignores the bad actions of her husband and his brother, and the majordomo, because it suits her needs. She knows that their wealth depends on slavery, yet she is tender toward the slaves, ministering to the sick and protecting the weak. We may not like Ana, but must admit that she is extraordinary.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction, a strong female protagonist, and lots of drama will enjoy this one.

I received a book from Vintage Books. My review is fair and unbiased.