Description
Way of the Cross
Book Summary
Way of the Cross is a historical novel that portrays the splendor and decline of Cuban coffee plantation owners through a family of immigrants. Set during the Ten Years' War (1868–1878), the work offers a deep look at the misfortunes of Cuban society from the Cry of Yara to the Pact of Zanjón. Written by Emilio Bacardí, a direct witness to that independence struggle, this second part of the saga combines the rigor of a historian with the subtlety of a novelist to dissect the moral and material situation of the island during one of its most tumultuous periods.
What is it about?
The work focuses on the evolution of a family of immigrants dedicated to coffee cultivation in Cuba, whose fate is intertwined with the major historical events of the second half of the 19th century. Through his characters, the author constructs nuanced portraits that reflect their personal and contextual conflicts, showing how the war for independence radically transforms their lives and social standing. The narrative moves forward with the precision of a chronicler, describing both the economic splendor of the coffee oligarchy and its subsequent fall, framed by the harshness of the armed conflict. Bacardí uses his firsthand knowledge of the reality in Santiago to offer a historical reading that goes beyond the facts, delving into the psychology of his protagonists and the contradictions of a society in crisis.
Main Themes
- The Ten Years' War in Cuba (1868–1878) as a historical backdrop.
- The rise and fall of the coffee industry and the landowning oligarchy.
- The conflict between Creole identity and immigrant heritage.
- The social and moral transformation of Cuba during the independence process.
- The psychological portrait of characters facing war and loss.
Who is it recommended for?
This work is aimed at readers interested in quality historical fiction, especially those passionate about the history of Cuba and the Caribbean. It will also be of great interest to those seeking a narrative that combines documentary rigor with polished literary prose, as well as scholars of the Cuban independence period and the figure of Emilio Bacardí as a chronicler of his time.
What this book offers
- A documented and vivid vision of the Ten Years' War from the perspective of coffee plantation owners.
- Complex, well-delineated characters that reflect the contradictions of a society at war.
- The testimony of an author who was a direct witness to the narrated events, which provides historical authenticity.
- A reading that combines the precision of a historian with the narrative ability of a novelist.
Technical Specifications
- Author: Bacardí, Emilio
- Publisher: Linkgua Ediciones
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Classic texts
- Collection: Narrative
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: May 2025
- Number of pages: 140
- Weight: 170 g
Editorial Review
Way of the Cross stands as a work of remarkable value for lovers of classic historical novels. The pen of Emilio Bacardí, imbued with a deep knowledge of 19th-century Cuban reality, manages to build a bridge between chronicle and fiction. His ability to portray the psychology of the characters in a context of crisis and his lucid view of historical processes make this reading an enriching experience. It is, without a doubt, a relevant title for understanding the roots of Cuban identity through literature.