"A compelling examination of the corrosiveness of fear ... intelligent, assured first novel" -- TLS"A credible and engaging book" -- SUNDAY TIMES"Santiago"s is a welcome new voice, full of passion and authority" -- WASHINGTON POST A novel which explores the clash of Puerto Rican and American cultures. A downtrodden hotel maid on an island off Puerto Rico has a resentful, alcoholic mother and a difficult 14-year-old daughter. She seizes the opportunity of a new life in the USA, but is unable to get away from her past.