This compelling historical novel skillfully blends medical mystery with the tumultuous backdrop of the Spanish-American War and the fraught geopolitics of the era, specifically in Puerto Rico, where the U.S. is beginning its occupation after years of neglectful Spanish rule—and many citizens of that island nation are daring to expect “that the United States will grant us self-rule, as they have promised Cuba.” Set in 1898, the story follows Bailey Ashford, a young medical graduate and U.S. army lieutenant, thrust into a battle against an invisible enemy that threatens to destroy the population—a disease that ravages the island. While others insist it’s malaria, Ashford, who believes “the microscope is the instrument of the future,” soon develops his own theories, all as countless lives hang in the balance.García Saúls meticulous research shines through as he paints a vivid picture of turn-of-the-century Puerto Rico, capturing both its natural beauty and the harsh realities of colonial rule. The author's descriptive prose brings to life the "majestic mountains and breathtaking tropical beauty" of the island, creating a stark contrast with the grim medical crisis unfolding within its borders. Also striking: the juxtaposition between the lives of the “coffee aristocracy” and the workers “crushed under abject poverty accentuated by chronic disease.” The heart of the narrative, though, lies in Ashford's relentless pursuit to uncover the cause of the illness plaguing these “jíbaro” workers, farmers, and peasants.
García Saúl skillfully portrays Ashford's growth from a fresh-faced lieutenant to a determined and resourceful doctor, drawing readers into the urgency of his mission. The medical detective work is particularly engaging, offering readers a glimpse into the challenges of early tropical medicine and epidemiology. While grounded in historical events, dramatic tension and personal stakes, especially the clash between Ashford's medical mission and the broader political context of the American invasion, power a story that explores rich questions of colonialism, public health, and moral responsibility.
Takeaway: Engrossing novel of medical heroism, war, and Puerto Rico.
Comparable Titles: Esmeralda Santiago’s Conquistadora, Audrey Blake’s The Surgeon’s Daughter.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
