Thank you Net Galley, the author and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

This is not typically the kind of book I pick up, but thoroughly enjoyed it! This book is so beautifully written. I loved how all of the characters were introduced and learning how their stories were woven together. I learned a lot about the construction of the Panama Canal as well, and how it really affected the locals in Panama. I listened to this audiobook in 2 days, and found myself wanting to listen to it during every possible moment. I really liked the narrator and thought they did a terrific job distinguishing between all of the characters. I will definitely be picking up the other books by this author.

I thoroughly enjoyed the weaving of characters in and out of each others story lines, but it took me maybe 40% of the way through the audiobook to remember everyone and be invested in their outcomes. I found myself drawn to two of the characters more than the others, so it was a bit tedious to wait for their "turn" again.

I think this would be a great choice for readers who like historical fiction that feels more informational. I was inspired to look up more about this time in history.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

First, I do want to say that the quality of the audiobook is very good. It’s immersive without being overdone and it reads well both at original speed and at 2x speed (I typically use anywhere between 1.75x and 2.5x speed depending on the audiobook). I never had an issue understanding what was being said as I sped things up.

The storylines of this book are probably my biggest critique. I felt lost a lot of the time because though they’re related and in the same setting, the storylines were very loosely tied together. For a relatively long audiobook, this made it a bit hard to get into after taking a break. I think I could use a reread and maybe a physical copy, but I did enjoy and love the characters and story overall and I would recommend this to someone who has a strong historical fiction interest.

**Initial Reaction**: 7

**Characters:** 9

**Setting:** 9

**Plot:** 6

**Pace:** 7

**Style:** 8

**Ending:** 8

**Enjoyment:** 7

61 / 16 = 3.8125

Rounded Rating = 3.75

A Symphony of Voices
At first glance, "The Great Divide" might seem like a challenge to follow. Characters abound, each with their own stories, dreams, and struggles, narrated chapter by chapter from varying points of view. But fear not, dear reader, for Cristina Henriquez is a maestro, conducting a symphony of voices that blend into a harmonious narrative. How does she do it? Honestly, it feels like magic. The characters' lives intersect with such elegance and purpose that you can't help but marvel at Henriquez's storytelling prowess.

Setting the Stage
The backdrop of this tale is the construction of the Panama Canal—a monumental event in history that forever changed the face of global trade. Henriquez doesn't just tell you a story; she immerses you in the era, the ambitions, the controversies, and the human spirit. The differing perspectives on the canal's construction serve as a vivid canvas for exploring themes of progress, exploitation, and the clash of cultures. This isn't just historical fiction; it's historical fiction at its most immersive and enlightening.

The Magic of Narration
And then there's Robin Miles. Oh, where do I even start with Robin Miles? Her narration is nothing short of spellbinding. Each character is given a breath of life so authentic, you'd swear they're speaking directly to you. Miles' talent for capturing the essence of each personality and the emotional depth of their journeys is a rare find. It's one thing to read a story; it's another to have it performed in a way that feels like you're living it. Miles does just that, elevating "The Great Divide" from a great book to an unforgettable auditory experience. Then again, when doesn't her narration transport you!

As a lover of historical fiction, I was excited to read The Great Divide which follows the lives of several people from diverse backgrounds as they converge at The Panama Canal as it’s being carved in to the earth at the turn of the century. While the novel highlights many unique and authentic characters, it fails to have a united storyline. The prose is descriptive and enjoyable and Robin Miles does an excellent narration. However, there’s not a driving plot which makes for a tedious listening experience. The novel seems well researched so I would recommend it for someone interested in historical fiction from this period.

Historical fiction fans that love a character driven story are in for a treat! The Great Divide is told from multiple POVs but also in related pairs; mother and daughters, father and son, husband and wife. All of these people are affected by or are part of the construction and planning of the Panama Canal. This story was so well crafted because I was wrapped up in all the characters’ lives and the outcomes of their actions, but at the same time, almost in the background, is the politicking around building of the canal. The author holds nothing back when laying out the dangers during the construction, both physical and political. I think a wide variety of readers will enjoy this book, and the audio was well narrated. 4.25 stars

I had listened to another audiobook by this narrator and liked her previous work, so I decided to listen to The Great Divide. However, by 17% in I decided to give up. For reasons I can't fully explain, I wasn't enjoying the narration. The best I can say is that I felt like her narration was forced and not natural - perhaps the style of book wasn't as suited for her. I had listened to her before on "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo", which she did a great job narrating, but her role in that was present day, and this of course is historical fiction. The narration wasn't bad, but it just didn't catch me, and for me personally I felt like this would be a book better read than listened to.

The reader was engaging. The story told different view points. It as has a good ending. The story is told by various by female and male charatcters.

First, a big thank you to NetGalley and Harper for the ARC of Cristina Henríquez’s "The Great Divide" – “An epic novel of the construction of the Panama Canal, casting light on the unsung people who lived, loved, and labored there, by Cristina Henríquez, acclaimed author of The Book of Unknown Americans.”

One of the reasons I wanted to read this book was because I loved The Book of Unknown Americans. I was so excited to get approved for the audio ARC of “The Great Divide.”

The descriptive writing in this book is something that I love about Cristina’s work. I was immediately transported to Panama in 1907: sweltering heat and pouring rain, endless mud sucking at boots, humid air thick as soup, stinging mosquitos, crowded streets and vendors singing their wares, exotic fruits dripping with sweetness, the vibrant green jungle; men and machines shoveling and digging and hauling away dirt, clay, and rocks in such varied colors. This is what it really means when writers say show me, don’t tell me.

True to Cristina’s previous work the Great Divide is set during the Panama Canal construction, but it really takes a look at the people who traveled from all around the world to see this engineering feat being built while simultaneously ignoring how construction disrupted the lives of Panamanians. I love the vignettes of the characters who are given rich backstories. These stories intersect, bypass, and are interconnected by the canal. Some of these characters quietly fade while most of them have a robust conclusion.

Throughout this story division remains a central theme, but not just in terms of the earth being formed into something new. But “The Great Divide” explores class and racial division, but division among family, neighbors, lovers, and more. Throughout there are threads of loss and grief, a constant longing for connection.

Cristina Henríquez’s "The Great Divide” is a strong testament to the resilience and determination of human spirit, and that divided we fall, together we stand. Stories like Cristina Henríquez’s "The Great Divide,” will leave a lasting impression on the reader. I know I felt a little haunted as I left the pages of this story. The Great Divide and A Book of Unknown Americans will forever hold a place on my bookshelf. Forever weaving their stories and pulling at the threads on my being.

Thank you, NG and Harper Audio, for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

The narrator is Robin Miles who is probably my favorite audiobook narrator. She used at least 5 distinct accents for all of the diverse characters in this book. The backdrop is the construction of the Panama Canal. Through multiple POV’s, we get to view this historical moment through the lens of Panamanian workers, Panama neighborhoods that were displaced, immigrants from Barbados and other neighboring countries that came to find work, and Americans who came to Panama - foremen and scientists alike.

I really enjoyed how each POV presented an entirely different reaction to the construction project. Although the Panama Canal was a huge architectural feat and an important naval transit route, it also reeked of colonialism. Panama suddenly became an important part on the global map - for better and for worse. I loved how this book made me think. I was emotionally connected to every character and could really feel what they felt, especially with Robin’s excellent narrating skills.

I am confident all historical fiction lovers will enjoy this (especially the audiobook). I feel like I learned a lot about the Panama Canal and the ways it impacted so many diverse communities.

🌎“To be independent and to be sovereign were too separate things. Panama detaching itself from Colombia had merely done an about-face and attached itself to the United States instead.”

The Great Divide is the story of several local people from South America who, at desperate times, jumped at the opportunity of the building of the Panama canal to better their lives. The isthmus only made them realize who they really were, home was where the heart was, family comes first, and money doesn't bring happiness.

It was a good story, I particularly enjoyed the historical facts I learned around the building of the canal and what things led to the desire to build one. It was also quite interesting to read how, as usual, it's the government that screws their own, empires do whatever they want, no matter how many people not-their-own suffer the consequences of their decisions, and how history keeps repeating itself.

It was so heartbreaking to follow those characters who trying to better their lives, to support their family, to no avail. It was a sad book, but it ended with a lot of hope. The ending was a big sight of relief.

I am giving it 4 stars because I did not feel invested at any moment, the characters were well written but I did not get attached to any of them (my favorite onr was Marianne Oswald though, and I was disappointed by the turn of events). BUT the narrator brought the story to life, her voice was exceptional: expressive, each characters had their own accent, it was a joy to listen. As a result, I connected more with the characters.

There were also too many storylines. If only we would have focused on 2 storylines and dig deeper (no pun.intended lol), I might have enjoyed it more.

Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange of my honest opinion.

I was and am super interested in reading more historical fiction set outside of WWII so when I read this book’s description, I was excited to learn more about an event and place I didn’t know much about. When I first started this book, I assumed it would follow the POVs of the initial few characters we were intro’d to and they’d eventually converge. The book though had other ideas… and introduced what felt like a dozen other POVs into the mix, with varying degrees of integration and converging that take place. Overall, I loved the narrator and how vivid the storytelling was — the descriptions were immersive and very well done. But the pacing was too slow for me and in the end, the story didn’t have a payoff that was worth the ~14 hours spent listening to it. I wish this would have been a collection of short stories perhaps instead?

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperAudio for advanced access to this title in exchange for an honest review.

I really just don't think I am a historical fiction girly, especially not when it is split into so many different perspectives/narrators like this. I was unable to form a connection/investment/interest with any of the characters because we were constantly jumping around. Also, as an audiobook I was often confused as to whose perspective we were following. It would sometimes take me a few sentences or paragraphs to catch on to where we were. The language is very descriptive and beautiful but there wasn't enough plot behind it to keep me interested. Ultimately, very well written and deeply descriptive I just think it was perhaps not the genre for me.

I always love when a historical fiction books teaches me something new about a time, people, place, or event. This hook checks all those boxes in a beautifully written way. Loved each of the character and following their stories. Thanks Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC of this book.

Interesting book about the people living by the Panama Canal when it was being constructed. If you like historical fiction, you’ll like this book. My only minor quibble with the book was that I did not feel the different story lines were connected in a significant way. Great narrator.

I LOVED The Book of Unknown Americans when I read it several years ago and so, when I was offered the opportunity to listen to the audiobook version of Cristina Henriquez’s new novel, The Great Divide, I jumped at the chance. I basically started it the second I got it.

Henriquez is an absolutely beautiful writer. This historical fiction story is nuanced, detailed, grand, and enlightening. Learning tidbits about the building of the Panama Canal and its impact on the people that lived in the area pre-other countries’ pressure and involvement can only help most of us grow as citizens of the World. She has provided variety in the stories woven together to create this epic, each is generally very interesting and often emotional.

My one critique is sizable, but also not (I know, that’s confusing): I wish that I hadn’t listened to this and had read it with my eyes instead. There are a number of stories that are interwoven together within The Great Divide, and I found it supremely difficult to keep track of who was whom, how they were related to others, where they had been and where they seemed to be going, etc. I think if I had read this visually, giving it my full attention, I would have had an easier time keeping track of the comings and goings of these characters. I know that the multiple lenses and tales weaving together is very en vogue in literature these days, but I do find this writing style challenging when enjoying books via audio. Perhaps I’m the only one, but I suspect not.

All in all, this story is beautiful and interesting. I would recommend it, particularly to historical fiction fans, with the asterisk advising to enjoy it in hard copy form versus audiobook (if that option is available to the reader).

With a diverse cast of characters from all walks of life, this historical novel does a great job of telling the story of the construction of the Panama Canal. I listened to this via audiobook, and I truly enjoyed listening to a story of one or more of the characters each evening. An unhappily married woman from East Tennessee, a runaway from Barbados, former slaves, itinerate workers from the states - they all make up Empire City, as the construction site is called. The book details the everyday lives and struggles of each of these characters, as they fight tropical diseases, learn about the struggles of each other, and work out deep seated racial and ethnic prejudices.

This was a long book, and great value if you enjoy several different storylines within one book. Highly recommended.

The Great Divide by Cristina Henriquez is an historical fiction about the construction of the Panama Canal, but it is also a story about the people involved with the canal project who live in the area and other countries who came in to oversee the project. Cristina created an array of characters in this novel that readers will feel like they know them and see the harsh labor conditions of the workers, as well as the isolation of those who came to the country to realize a dream of creating the canal, ending malaria, finding wealth, or working however they can to support families. Book Clubs will have much to discuss after reading this book. The narrator was amazing.

I love fictional sagas that have a gigantic cast of characters. As the story unwinds you can't quite see how some of the stories could possibly relate. Then with a deft twist of talent, the author ties the strands together and weaves a tale that you could not forsee. Such is the case with Cristina Henriquez's The Great Divide. It is a story full of life, passion, sadness, humor ("Why is she not married? Stop, don't answer that. If you saw her you would know."), drive and ambition. Some of the strands end in ways you do not expect, while others flow in a way you would expect. It is an unforgettable book, in this case, made far greater by choosing the audio edition. I cannot imagine a better narrator for this story than Robin Miles. She is phenomenal and her accents and voices elevate an already outstanding experience. This book is one of the year's best!

The work is a refreshing and original contribution to the genre of historical fiction. This story is not cover the engineering and construction accomplishments of building the Panama Canal. Instead, it focuses on the people and communities surrounding the canal site. Unlike narratives that emphasize the engineering feats of constructing the Panama Canal, this story directs its attention to the individuals and communities in proximity to the canal. Immersing myself in the book prompted contemplation about the everyday people, both locals and immigrants, whose lives underwent lasting transformations due to this monumental construction endeavor.
It just lacks a plot for my taste and at times following many perspectives was taking a mental toll on my tired brain.