What I learnt about Ecuador
- Geography: Ecuador is named after the Equator, the imaginary line around the Earth that splits the country in two. It’s roughly the size of Colorado and is bordered by Colombia and Peru.
- History: Before the Incas created settlements in Ecuador, it was inhabited by its Native American peoples. Ecuador was founded in 1532 by the Spanish, who drove out the Incans. They first declared independence on August 10, 1809; they finally achieved it from Spain on May 24, 1822.
- Economy: Ecuador’s economy is primarily driven by the export of oil, which has been a dominant force since the early 1970s. Other significant contributors include agriculture and fishing, with bananas, shrimp, gold, and other primary agricultural products being key exports
- Cocoa has been a cornerstone of Ecuador’s economy since the late 19th century, with the cocoa trade being essential for the country’s modernization efforts. Today, Ecuador is the world’s third-largest exporter of cocoa, contributing to approximately 5% of the country’s GDP.
- In 2008, Ecuador was the first country to recognize the rights of nature officially. Rather than treating nature as property, Ecuador recognizes that nature has constitutional rights and has the ‘right to exist, persist, maintain and regenerate its vital cycles.
- Ecuador is home to the world’s first two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Galápagos Islands and the capital city of Quito.
What I read for Ecuador
The Spanish Daughter
Lorena Hughes
Available in: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Paperback: 352 pages
Audiobook: 9h 42m
Summary
Puri, a woman with a deep love for chocolate inherited from her father, discovers an unexpected legacy after his death—a cocoa estate in Vinces, Ecuador. Determined to claim her birthright and start anew after World War I, Puri and her husband Cristóbal embark on a journey across the Atlantic Ocean. However, danger looms as someone opposes Puri’s claim to the estate.
When a hired assassin mistakenly kills Cristóbal, Puri assumes her husband’s identity, hoping to protect herself while unraveling her father’s hidden past in Ecuador. As she explores her newfound inheritance, Puri faces challenges such as newfound siblings, secret affairs, and her father’s enigmatic history. Amidst it all, her attraction to a mysterious man complicates matters, and she must uncover the identity of a lurking enemy who threatens her future.
Thoughts
Most of the weightage of my decision for picking a book for any country is inspired by it’s ease of availability and the rest is the premise. This was an interesting read. I don’t think this book gives a lot of insight into the lives of Ecuador but overall it was an engaging read. The inclusion of chocolate discussions was a delightful bonus. The chapters were short and succent and the story was moving at a constant pace. The mystery wasn’t particularly a page turner but I found the conclusion to be gratifying.
Other books from the country
Cockfight
Author: Maria Fernanda Ampuero
Genre: Short-Stories
Paperback: 128 pages
Audiobook: NA
Cockfight, the debut work by Ecuadorian writer María Fernanda Ampuero, exposes the darker side of family life. Through vivid and gripping prose, Ampuero tackles themes of family dysfunction, coming of age, religion, and class struggle. The stories portray a cycle of violence masquerading as love, with characters reliving past traumas. Named one of the ten best fiction books of 2018 by the New York Times en Español,Cockfight introduces a powerful new literary voice.
To Read
The Sisters of Alameda Street
Author: Lorena Hughes
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystrey
Paperback: 368 pages
Audiobook: 9h 56m
In The Sisters of Alameda Street, Malena Sevilla’s world shatters after her father’s mysterious suicide, leading her to discover a letter hinting that her mother is alive in San Isidro, a town in the Andes. Malena meets four distinct sisters, all with names starting with “A”, and assumes a false identity to uncover the truth. Could her mother be Amanda, Ana, Abigail, or Alejandra? As Malena navigates love, deception, and family secrets, her presence threatens to unravel long-buried truths. Set in 1960s Ecuador, this generational saga blends historical fiction with the allure of a Latin soap opera.
To Read
Wish You Were Here
Author: Jodi Picoult
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Paperback: 310 pages
Audiobook: 11h 47m
In this deeply moving novel, Diana O’Toole’s life plan is derailed by an unexpected crisis. With marriage and career goals set, she anticipates a proposal from her boyfriend, Finn, during their getaway to the Galápagos. But as a virus grips the city, Finn must stay behind, urging Diana to go alone. Quarantine traps her on the island, pushing her out of her comfort zone. As she bonds with a local family and a secretive teenager, Diana reevaluates her life and relationships, emerging transformed by her isolation and introspection.
To Read
The Old Man Who Read Love Stories
Author: Luis Sepulveda
Genre: Literary Fiction
Paperback: 144 pages
Audiobook: 3h 11m
In a secluded river town within the Ecuadoran jungle, Antonio José Bolívar finds solace in romantic novels. However, as tourists and opportunists invade the area, the delicate balance of nature begins to falter. This intrusion threatens the tranquility of Antonio’s world, forcing him to confront the changing dynamics around him. Translated by Peter Bush, this tale captures the tension between human encroachment and the preservation of a fragile ecosystem.
To Read
The Queen of Water
Author: Laura Resau
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult
Paperback: 368 pages
Audiobook: 9h 22m
Born in an Andean village in Ecuador, Virginia lives with her large family in a modest earthen-walled home. It’s not uncommon for children in her village of indígenas to work in the fields and face disdain from the ruling mestizos. At seven, Virginia is taken to serve a mestizo couple, unaware of what her future holds. Based on a true story, Laura Resau and María Virginia Farinango’s novel captures Virginia’s inspiring journey to self-discovery, filled with moments that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately, hope.
To Read
Do you have any other recommendation from this country? Please share it in comments.
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