Cecilia Valdes

Originally published in New York City in 1882, Cirilo Villaverde's novel has fascinated readers inside and outside Cuba since the late nineteenth century. In this new translation from the Spanish, a vast landscape emerges of the moral, political, and sexual depravity caused by slavery and colonialism. Set in the Havana of the 1830s, the novel introduces us to Cecilia, a beautiful light-skinned mulatta, who is being pursued by Leonardo, the son of a Spanish slave trader. Unbeknownst to the two, they are the children of the same father. Eventually Cecilia gives in to Leonardo's advances; she becomes pregnant and gives birth to a baby girl. When Leonardo, who gets bored with Cecilia, agrees to marry a white upper-class woman, Cecilia vows revenge.

Masterfully translated by Helen Lane, Cecilia Valdes opens a new window to the experience of Spanish colonialism in Cuba and the intricate problems of race relations in the Caribbean.