First published 2000
A renowned female ballet company arrives in Puerto Rico in 1917 for a touring performance. The dancers bring with them the artistry and drama of twentieth century ballet, but their visit becomes entangled with the lives of the Puerto Rican bourgeoisie. As the performers and locals interact, questions of love and loyalty emerge that test everyone involved. The story follows these characters as they navigate the complex social and political currents of the time. Sexual tensions and political undercurrents complicate what begins as a cultural exchange. The elegant world of ballet collides with the realities of colonial Puerto Rico, creating conflicts that demand difficult choices from the protagonists. At its heart, this is a story about the bonds between people and what they will sacrifice to honor them.
Genres: drama, romance, literary-fiction, historical-fiction, 20th-century
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: class-conflict, cultural-clash, love-and-loyalty
Setting: Puerto Rico
Period: 1917
Paperback · Catcher publication