Lorena Hughes' The Spanish Daughter offers a vivid historical narrative rich in cultural detail, set in early 20th century Ecuador. Readers praise its intricate plotting and well-developed characters, particularly Isa. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and certain subplots underdeveloped. Overall, it’s a compelling read for historical fiction enthusiasts.

A reader interested in The Spanish Daughter by Lorena Hughes likely enjoys historical fiction with rich cultural settings, complex family secrets, and strong female protagonists. Comparable to readers of Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits and Kate Morton’s The Forgotten Garden, they appreciate immersive storytelling and intricate plotlines.

In The Spanish Daughter by Lorena Hughes, Maria Purificación (Puri) travels from Spain to Ecuador to claim her inheritance, only to be embroiled in a deadly struggle after her husband is murdered en route. Disguised as her deceased spouse, Puri navigates family rivalries, uncovers dark secrets, and faces multiple threats, all while trying to solve the mystery of her husband's death. This novel includes depictions of gender-based violence and discussions of miscarriage.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Dark / Emotional / Romantic

- The Spanish Daughter is set in Ecuador during the early 1920s, providing readers with a glimpse into the historical cacao boom that significantly shaped the country's economy and culture.
- Lorena Hughes, the author of The Spanish Daughter, was born and raised in Ecuador, which adds an authentic perspective to the novel's setting and cultural nuances.
- The novel intricately weaves themes of identity and inheritance, drawing inspiration from the real-life complexities of family dynamics and legacies in early 20th-century Ecuador.

Lorena Hughes

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Spanish Daughter and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Spanish Daughter Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Spanish Daughter Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-11

The Spanish Daughter Chapters 1-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-19

The Spanish Daughter Chapters 12-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-31

The Spanish Daughter Chapters 20-31 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 32-Epilogue

The Spanish Daughter Chapter 32-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Spanish Daughter Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Spanish Daughter Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Spanish Daughter Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Spanish Daughter Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Spanish Daughter Essay Topics

The Spanish Daughter

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Spanish Daughter?

Reading Age

Book Details