Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda, writing under the pseudonym La Peregrina, was a Cuban writer and poet whose works frequently explored themes of passion, societal norms, and female identity in the 19th century. Her style was characterized by a strong Romantic sensibility and an introspective look at human emotions. Avellaneda examined the position of women and their desire for freedom and fulfillment within a patriarchal society. Her literary contribution lies in her bold challenging of contemporary conventions and her deep psychological portrayal of her characters.
The first openly feminist novel published in Spanish, Two Women tells the riveting tale of a tumultuous love triangle among a brilliant, young, widowed countess, her inexperienced lover, and his pure and virtuous wife. This first English translation captures the lyrical romanticism of the novel's prose and includes a scholarly introduction to the author and her work.