Dulcinea

A Novel

By: Ana Veciana-Suarez

Narrated by: January LaVoy

A feminist Shakespeare in Love reimagining of Cervantes, Dulcinea tells the story of Dolça, the fictional muse behind Don Quixote—a must-listenfor fans of Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks and The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd.

The daughter of a wealthy merchant, young Dolça Llull Prat is besotted with the dashing, bootstrapping Miguel Cervantes from their first meeting. Despite Miguel’s entreaties, the ever-practical Dolça, with her love of luxury and her devotion to her own art, repeatedly refuses to upend her life for him, although she always welcomes his attentions on her own terms. When Miguel renders her as the lowly Dulcinea in his great Quixote, revealing their association, he commits an unforgivable offense and their decades-long affinity is severed—until he reaches out to her one last time.

The roads of Spain are no place for a noblewoman seeking to reunite with her former lover, but Dolça needs to unburden herself of a secret. Disguised as a peasant and accompanied by her trusted nursemaid, Dolça makes the difficult trek, facing bandits, the menacing reach of the Inquisition, and her own misgivings. Will she arrive in time? And if she does, will she be able to tell Miguel what she has concealed from him for so many years?

Veciana-Suarez’s richly imagined heroine leaps from this book as a woman of flesh and blood, one committed to both duty and desire. Dulcinea explores the choices we make in life, the regrets we harbor, and the courage we find to make amends.

©2023 Ana Veciana-Suarez (P)2023 Blackstone Publishing

Best Read!! Amazing story line from this Author.

I have read every newspaper column from Ana Veciana Suarez and I have read every single book she has published - such an amazing and accomplished author. Dulcinea has been her BEST thus far. I can say that a lot of factual historical research had to be done as I could see myself walking through the places and partaking of events that are still true to this date - especially if you are a history freak as myself. The story line takes you through an era of Spanish history which includes relationships, religion, politics, love, family power, social conventions, and lots of surprising moments. I really laughed when the main character puts down the Castillian language and gave out a jovial ‘Ño!!’ at every surprise. I have tremendously enjoyed reading and listening to this book and highly recommend it - you will not be able to put it down. I can’t wait for Ana’s next project. All the best Ana.

GREAT

The story is amazing and the author keeps you interested throughout each chapter. At the end you are longing to read the Don Quixote book too!