Acclaimed author Margarita Engle tells a "deeply felt and engrossing"
(Horn Book Magazine) story of love in a time of hunger inspired by her
own family's struggles during a dark period in Cuba's history.
The people of Cuba are living in el período especial en tiempos de
paz--the special period in times of peace. That's what the government
insists that this era must be called, but the reality behind these words
is starvation.
Liana is struggling to find enough to eat. Yet hunger has also made her
brave: she finds the courage to skip a summer of so-called volunteer
farm labor, even though she risks government retribution. Nearby, a
quiet, handsome boy named Amado also refuses to comply, so he wanders
alone, trying to discover rare sources of food.
A chance encounter with an enigmatic dog brings Liana and Amado
together. United in hope and hunger, they soon discover that their
feelings for each other run deep. Love can feed their souls and
hearts--but is it enough to withstand el período especial?