Historical Fiction: The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez

This book is available through Surrey Public Libraries in various formats (book, large print, downloadable audiobook).
Genres: Historical Fiction
Title: The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez
Approximate Reading Time: 13 hours
Synopsis: History remembers the great achievements of humanity, keeping the people who made them possible anonymous. Between Two Seas illuminates the lives of three admirable characters who dedicated themselves - with sacrifice and passion - to building the engineering miracle that changed the world in the 20th century: the Panama Canal.
Ada Bunting is only sixteen years old when she arrives in Panama as a stowaway. Alone and without resources, she looks for a job that will allow her to earn money to pay for the surgery her sister desperately needs. Her luck will be dictated by chance - when she sees a boy passed out on the street, Ada is the only person to help him.
Omar is a young local man who decides to work on the construction of the canal. His childhood was sheltered and lonely, and he finds in this work the possibility of becoming independent and meeting people. But for his father, Francisco, a fisherman angry at the interference of foreigners in his country, nothing is more disturbing than seeing his son join them.
Scientist John Oswald has been driven from afar by a mission: to eradicate malaria. But everything is put on hold when his wife, Marian, falls ill. One day, John witnesses an act of bravery and compassion from Ada and immediately hires her to care for Marian. This fateful decision sets in motion a sweeping story of ambition, loyalty and sacrifice.
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195853555-the-great-divide