In the gripping historical novel 'The Great Divide,' Cristina Henriquez weaves a captivating narrative set against the monumental backdrop of the Panama Canal's construction. This ambitious project not only reshapes the geography but also the lives of individuals touched by its creation. At the heart of the story is the intersecting fate of three central characters: Francisco, a fisherman who resents foreign interference; his son Omar, seeking connection through his work on the canal; and Ada Bunting, a tenacious teenager from Barbados determined to find work for her sister's sake. As their lives entangle with John Oswald, a scientist fighting malaria, a profound tale of ambition, loyalty, and sacrifice emerges, paying homage to those who etched history with their toil and dreams.