Dominicana

In 1965 people would do anything to live and work in NYC. Life in Dominican Republic was in turmoil and getting worse every day. On the brink of political collapse the hardworking people in the countryside had no money and little hope for the future. Ana’s mother had a plan. If she could get Juan Ruiz to marry Ana in exchange for a parcel of their land, the entire family could eventually immigrate to the United States. Juan and his brothers were already traveling back and forth, working hard and investing their earnings as Santo Domingo grew more unstable. Twice her age, Juan was neither handsome nor charming and Ana dreaded the day her mother sent her away. Beautiful Ana, only 15 years old, did not speak a word of English nor had she ever been anywhere, ever. The sweetness Juan initially exudes quickly turns to impatience as he works two or three jobs and visits his mistress late at night, leaving Ana locked in their hot apartment bored and lonely. One day Juan announces he must travel for a few months, leaving Ana in the care of his youngest brother Cesar. As they get to know each other Ana sees a different side of NY. Visiting Coney Island, starting her own sandwich business and taking English lessons at the church, Ana is suddenly a butterfly coming out of her cocoon. Pressure mounts as her mother and siblings demand to join her while her heart is trapped in a loveless and often volatile marriage. A story of family struggles and misplaced loyalty, the pages turn quickly filled with latin rhythms and delicious foods that perfectly capture the immigrant experience. ⭐⭐⭐⭐