The Ogre’s Daughter by Catherine Bardon
The mercurial and volatile life of the daughter of a notorious Caribbean dictator replete with oppressive manipulation and decadent luxury in alternating episodes, this highly interesting novel is based in truth.
The Ogre’s Daughter by Catherine Bardon
Europa Editions
Hardcover | $28.00
9798889660453
Rafael Trujillo was the dictator of the Dominican Republic from the 1930s until his death in 1961. He was unquestionably and certifiably a rapist, murder and tyrant of the worst stripe. As with Mussolini, who “made the trains run on time” he was responsible for many improvements in the lives of the people he ruled, but it came at the cost of political, cultural and economic oppression, murder and intimidation. He brooked no opposition and would deal with his opponents using incredible brutality.
His eldest child, Flor de Oro, was alternately doted upon and treated to strict manipulation including periodic sequestration, determination of whom she would marry, what part she would have in determining her own fate and where she would live. She loved her father deeply but was afraid of him and resented his control, emotions that warred within her mind all her life. This confusing relationship was a perfect example of love/hate. She was famous, feted, respected, but her life was not her own and was unpredictable volatile.
This is a fictionalized version of real events that is engrossing and shocking, leaving the reader with both respect and puzzlement about the hows and whys of Flo de Oro’s life and times. She was married nine times, most notably to the internationally recognized playboy and man about town Porfirio Rubirosa, who remained in her heart and mind her entire lifetime, in spite of his infidelities and mercurial character. Rubirosa was a frequently written about newsmaker having a place on both society pages and within political news reports. Once again, love/hate.
Always longing for both the peaceful rural life of her youth and the extravagant and luxurious life of the daughter of a wealthy strongman she was a profoundly unhappy person who only felt at ease in short bursts. Her story is bound to produce an empathic response from the reader who appreciates the dual aspects of such an existence. Written with strength and purpose, the narrative flows rapidly and interest is never lost in this most unusual fictional biography.