My wonderful agent, Rachel Brooks, for her perseverance and drive—not even a pandemic could stop her from finding a home for this novel.
To Norma Pérez-Hernández, an editor whose vision and enthusiasm for my work made not only this book possible, but also a sequel to explore Puri’s further adventures.
To Susie Salom for her astute eye which helped me pinpoint what wasn’t working with the book—I believe your guidance and energy were pivotal to this story.
To María Elena Venant for always rushing to clarify my many historical and fashion doubts, and for lending an ear when I need one.
To Marriah Nissen for her ruthless line editing and historical accuracy.
To Shea Berkley, a kindred spirit who’s always there to bounce ideas off and do anything artsy I propose.
To my early readers: the talented Robyn Arrington and the amazing Jill Orr, your excitement and encouragement pushed me to continue to pursue this project.
To the equally talented Brenda Drake for helping me polish that very important first chapter.
To Father Emmanuel Delfin for his trust in me and for sharing his wonderful story of heartbreak and transformation.
To Jackie Padilla for her assistance in chocolate-making, her recipes, and for giving me Puri’s secret ingredient.
To all the readers who reached out to me and kept asking when the next novel was coming out, especially Ana Gracia and Beatriz. Well, here it is and I hope you enjoy it!
To my mom for continuing to feed my imagination with her memories, and my dad for teaching me about hereditary law.
To my family in Ecuador and in the US for their unconditional support, especially to Mónica and Alfredo, who are nothing like Puri’s siblings.
And last, but definitely not least, my gratitude and love for Danny, Andy, and Natalie, who have the perpetual task of correcting my ESL and hearing all about my imaginary worlds.
A READING GROUP GUIDE
THE SPANISH
DAUGHTER
Lorena Hughes
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
These suggested questions are to spark conversation and enhance your reading of The Spanish Daughter.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. It’s not until after the death of her father that Puri learns he had three children in Ecuador – her half-brother and sisters. Are there any stories about discovering unknown family members in your own family history? If so, did that discovery change your relationships or your feelings toward certain family members?
2. Do you think Puri was justified in deceiving her family? Why or why not?
3. Have you heard true stories of women in real life who had to disguise themselves as men as a means of self-protection or to gain access to rights not available to women? What about other examples of people “passing” as an identity group other than their own, such as a different race, ethnicity, social class, or status? What are some reasons why a person would want or need to pass as a different race, gender, or other status?
4. Puri’s experiences while passing as a man transform her in ways beyond just how she looks. What are some things she learns about herself and the opposite sex? How do her preconceptions regarding men and women change by the end of the novel?
5. What were your first impressions of Puri’s half-sisters, Angélica and Catalina de Lafont? How did your opinions about them change over the course of reading the novel?
6. The story repeatedly mentions how each sisters’ physical appearance greatly impacts how they are perceived （and received） within society. How do you think the dynamics within the story would change if each sister looked differently?
7. As a dynamic adventurer and business owner, the character of Puri can be seen as a feminist of her time. But dressed as a man in Ecuador she is able to closely examine, as an outsider, the strong social hierarchy among women. How might a contemporary interpretation of intersectional feminism have changed Puri’s relationship with the women she interacted with every day – Angélica, Catalina, and Julia? Might considerations of class and race impacted some of the decisions Puri made?
8. How did you feel about the relationship between Catalina and Franco? Do you think Catalina was ever truly in love with him?
9. Martin tells Puri that his relationship with Angélica is complicated. Do you think they loved each other or were they just accustomed to one another? Do you think Puri is better-suited for Martin? Why or why not? Do you see a future for them together?
10. Despite his transgression, do you think Alberto had a true religious calling? What are your thoughts regarding the Catholic Church’s expectations for young men who enter priesthood?