Rafaela: The Forgotten Heroine

By: Miriam Benard

Narrated by: Jessica Klesyk

In the 1700’s a Mestiza born in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia must leave her familiar surroundings to a new and inhospitable country in Central America with her family. After some time, she falls in love with a local boy but is forced not to see him. When the time comes when the fortress/small castle where she lives has to be defended from English filibusters, not only her young love but his father also dies.

Forced to defend her home and honor when most of the men want to surrender, she bravely retaliates and succeeds in forcing the English out. Her victory is soon short lived having to now defend herself from an obsessed and mad man, the second in command of the fortress. She escapes pregnant only to live as a servant in obscurity while the second in command receives all the glory. Years pass until The Spanish Crown receives a solicitation by a repented man looking for absolution and forgiveness.

©2025 Miriam Benard (P)2025 Miriam Benard

It is relevant the good values of Rafaela, her dignity, courage and humbleness.

Actually, I found it a very entertaining story. It satisfied me to know the whole information about Rafaela, a heroine that was barely mentioned in the history books. If I could add something to the story would be, better description of places and characters, but I love the narrative and it was wrapped with a beautiful ending.