Free shipping within Australia, international delivery available
Set against the backdrop of early twentieth-century America, this evocative novel chronicles the sprawling lives of the Montez O'Brien family. Following Irish immigrant and photographer Nelson O'Brien and his aristocratic Cuban wife, Mariela, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of their eldest daughter, Margarita. After settling in rural Pennsylvania, the couple welcomes fourteen children into their home—thirteen daughters and finally, a son named Emilio.
The story is a vibrant exploration of a household dominated by feminine energy, where the arrival of the long-awaited son creates a unique and complex family dynamic. As Emilio grows, the narrative tracks his journey from his sisters' overwhelming influence to his own experiences in Greenwich Village, the military, and the glittering world of Hollywood stardom. Oscar Hijuelos crafts a lyrical, expansive tale of cultural intersection, familial loyalty, and the search for authentic love. With its rich character portraits and sense of nostalgia, this poignant work captures the laughter, tragedies, and enduring bonds that define a life, offering a masterful study of identity and human connection across generations.
Used (good, see images, some yellowing, dust jacket wear, and dust jacket tear) Hardcover ISBN 0374158150
