Alice Ribeiro, an indomitable young woman living in modern-day Brazil, has always gone against the tide. She’s appalled by the status quo and the state of women’s rights in her country. Before long, she finds out that this fire within her may be the product of the women in her family’s past.
Seven generations ago, in the small town of Bom Retiro, the Flores women were forced to learn the art of lacemaking as a means to survive, communicate, and resist oppression. Decades later, Alice inherits a family veil that will become her guiding light as she sets out to uncover the inspiring history of her bloodline. This haunting yet deeply moving historical novel, narrated in dual timelines, is a testament to the lengths that women have gone—and will continue to go—to defy social norms and thrive.
The Curse of the Flores Women’s author Angélica Lopes said it best: “All women, without exception, are united by an invisible thread.” Woven throughout this beautiful story are deeper themes of feminism, cultural oppression, and sorority, all tightly crafted into a narrative bejeweled with magical realism. With impeccable pacing, this poignant story transported me to a very unique place and time, and I know it’ll do the same for you.
—Alexandra Torrealba, Editor