Sira Quiroga is a young girl living in Madrid with her single mother who is a seamstress. By the age of twenty she has learned the ropes and is engaged to a mild government clerk. Wedding plans are progressing along nicely, but soon things go astray. Two charismatic men enter Sira's life - an attractive salesman and a father she never knew.
The Time in Between
Maria Duenas
Atria
November 2011
One day Sira's mother takes her to a part of town she had never been before. There she meets a father she never knew. He is fearful for his life and wants to meet the daughter he never acknowledged; he gives Sira a small fortune in jewels and money. Sira breaks her engagement to her fiancé and follows her lover Ramiro to Morocco. Things are great for awhile - she is having the time of her life. This all changes when Ramiro leaves her stranded in the hotel - owing a large bill - and taking all her money and jewelry. Sira reinvents herself by using the skills she knows best - creating beautiful clothes.
With World War II looming on the horizon, Sira returns to Madrid where she soon becomes embroiled in the world of espionage and political conspiracy. She is an English spy. She soon meets the man of her dreams, but it will take many years before their love is fulfilled.
A wonderful novel with love, mystery and intrigue - a page turner. Ms. Duenas is an excellent story teller. You will thoroughly enjoy the book from cover to cover.
Highly recommended.
