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The Lines Between Us
In 1661 Madrid, Ana is still grieving the loss of her husband when her niece, sixteen-year-old Juliana, suddenly vanishes. Ana frantically searches the girl’s room and comes across a diary. Journeying to southern Spain in the hope of finding her, Ana immerses herself in her niece’s private thoughts. After a futile search in Seville, she comes to Juliana’s final entries, and, discovering the horrifying reason for the girl’s flight, abandons her search.In 1992 Missouri, in her deceased mother’s home, Rachel finds a packet of letters, and a diary written by a woman named Juliana. Rachel’s reserved mother has never mentioned these items, but Rachel recognizes the names Ana and her mother uttered them on her deathbed. She soon becomes immersed in Juliana’s diary, which recounts the young woman’s journey to Mexico City and her life in a convent. As she learns the truth about Juliana’s tragic family history, Rachel seeks to understand her connection to the writings—hoping that in finding those answers, she will somehow heal the wounds caused by her mother’s lifelong reticence.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2020
49 people are currently reading
2193 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca D’Harlingue
3 books49 followersRebecca D’Harlingue has studied Spanish literature, worked as a hospital administrator, and taught English as a Second Language to adults form all over the world. The discovery of family papers prompted her to explore the repercussions of family secrets, and of the ways we attempt to reveal ourselves.
Her novels, The Lines Between Us, and The Map Colorist, both set in the seventeenth century, have won various awards for New Fiction, Historical Fiction, and Literary Fiction.
Her novels, The Lines Between Us, and The Map Colorist, both set in the seventeenth century, have won various awards for New Fiction, Historical Fiction, and Literary Fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 51 reviews
June 22, 2021
In The Lines Between Us, D’Harlingue writes a captivating historical fiction novel that is told in a dual timeline; 17th century elite Madrid, Spain and then 20th century America in the heart of Missouri.
This novel is a heartfelt multigenerational story about the lives of these women that spans centuries and continents that is well written with rich and accurate historical detail. I am fascinated about this time of the Old World Spanish history and culture that I have not read much about.
Told mostly though journal entries, the distinct voices of these women reveal the mystery of their shared past that kept me turning those pages. The stories of these courageous women transcends time in this complex tale of family secrets. This was such a beautiful story I enjoyed!
This novel is a heartfelt multigenerational story about the lives of these women that spans centuries and continents that is well written with rich and accurate historical detail. I am fascinated about this time of the Old World Spanish history and culture that I have not read much about.
Told mostly though journal entries, the distinct voices of these women reveal the mystery of their shared past that kept me turning those pages. The stories of these courageous women transcends time in this complex tale of family secrets. This was such a beautiful story I enjoyed!
July 9, 2021
I really did enjoy this historical. It was very well written and the plot was full of twists on historic events and so well researched.
I am so happy that I got the opportunity to read this.
I gave this book 4 stars.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
I am so happy that I got the opportunity to read this.
I gave this book 4 stars.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
October 8, 2020
I honestly cannot believe this is Rebecca D’Harlingue’s first novel. It was absolutely captivating and beautifully written. My heart aches for Juliana and everything she went through. The alternating journal entries and regular prose woven together perfectly to creat a truly unique story. The ending left me with the warm fuzzies and overall good feelings.
One of my favorite things is that this book covers a part of history I am not very familiar with. I was a little nervous when I saw it started in the 1600’s, but my worries were quickly put to rest. It was a fabulous change up from my usual WWII historical fiction reads. I also liked the long chunk of “in the past” before we even got to the present day. Off the top of my head I can’t think of any other books I have read like that.
Juliana felt so real and I’m still getting over the fact she was fictional. Regardless the adversity she overcame was astounding and I was cheering her on the entire book. The importance of perspective is a huge part of this book, and how her life ended left me heartbroken. While I understand Mercedes reaction, as the reader, I saw everything Juliana did as being out of love.
If that weren’t a beautiful story all on its own, we get to watch Rachel piece it all together in the 20th century. While not quite as strong as the first half of the book, I still enjoyed it. Again the importance of perspective comes into play as Rachel grapples with her mother’s death, and the secrets she kept. While she clearly still struggles with some of her mothers actions, I think Rachel ultimately understands her a little bit more.
I will definitely be recommending this book to all historical fiction lovers. Thank you Book Sparks for a free copy in exchange for my honest review!
One of my favorite things is that this book covers a part of history I am not very familiar with. I was a little nervous when I saw it started in the 1600’s, but my worries were quickly put to rest. It was a fabulous change up from my usual WWII historical fiction reads. I also liked the long chunk of “in the past” before we even got to the present day. Off the top of my head I can’t think of any other books I have read like that.
Juliana felt so real and I’m still getting over the fact she was fictional. Regardless the adversity she overcame was astounding and I was cheering her on the entire book. The importance of perspective is a huge part of this book, and how her life ended left me heartbroken. While I understand Mercedes reaction, as the reader, I saw everything Juliana did as being out of love.
If that weren’t a beautiful story all on its own, we get to watch Rachel piece it all together in the 20th century. While not quite as strong as the first half of the book, I still enjoyed it. Again the importance of perspective comes into play as Rachel grapples with her mother’s death, and the secrets she kept. While she clearly still struggles with some of her mothers actions, I think Rachel ultimately understands her a little bit more.
I will definitely be recommending this book to all historical fiction lovers. Thank you Book Sparks for a free copy in exchange for my honest review!
October 11, 2020
The Lines Between Us was my second novel of the month set in the 1600's, it feels like something has been pulling me to that era of history. An era where women are merely possessions of the men in their lives and honor is everything.
This novel takes place in two time periods but contains the narrative of three women, two in Spain and one in America. All three are well educated and beautiful communicators. The story follows the disappearance of Juliana who is sought by her aunt Ana in her own time and discovered by Rachel in modern times. Told through diary entries and letters we learn more about each of these women and the trials they have faced for a voice within their families and fulfillment in their lives. Juliana's cunning and will to survive throughout was amazing.
This era is especially captivating to me as the idea of being a pilgrim in the "New World" has always fascinated me. This novel highlights and elegantly dissects all of the social issues of the time: the impact of colonization on both the indigenous people and the colonizers, the role of religion in the day to day motives of the time, the marginalization of those without "pure" blood and the lack of power women had over their own lives. There was also talk of the medicine of the time as Ana's husband was a physician and she was a healer, I really enjoyed that. I would have liked a little more insight about the time on the ship but I understand that may have extended the novel unnecessarily. I did appreciate learning more about life in colonial Mexico as most stories I have read from this time were based in America. The multi-generational aspect of the story was the type of thing that I think any one of us would love to have for our family.
The writing is beautiful and the history is very well researched but this is a slowly paced atmospheric novel that is very measured so be prepared for that going in.
Thanks to Booksparks and She Writes Press for a copy of this novel as a part of the Indie Book Box in exchange for my honest opinion.
This novel takes place in two time periods but contains the narrative of three women, two in Spain and one in America. All three are well educated and beautiful communicators. The story follows the disappearance of Juliana who is sought by her aunt Ana in her own time and discovered by Rachel in modern times. Told through diary entries and letters we learn more about each of these women and the trials they have faced for a voice within their families and fulfillment in their lives. Juliana's cunning and will to survive throughout was amazing.
This era is especially captivating to me as the idea of being a pilgrim in the "New World" has always fascinated me. This novel highlights and elegantly dissects all of the social issues of the time: the impact of colonization on both the indigenous people and the colonizers, the role of religion in the day to day motives of the time, the marginalization of those without "pure" blood and the lack of power women had over their own lives. There was also talk of the medicine of the time as Ana's husband was a physician and she was a healer, I really enjoyed that. I would have liked a little more insight about the time on the ship but I understand that may have extended the novel unnecessarily. I did appreciate learning more about life in colonial Mexico as most stories I have read from this time were based in America. The multi-generational aspect of the story was the type of thing that I think any one of us would love to have for our family.
The writing is beautiful and the history is very well researched but this is a slowly paced atmospheric novel that is very measured so be prepared for that going in.
Thanks to Booksparks and She Writes Press for a copy of this novel as a part of the Indie Book Box in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 19, 2021
A multigenerational story about a family of women. Told in duel timelines and taking place in Spain, Mexico and 1990's America. The story revolves around a diary and letters and the disappearance of Juliana. After her mother dies Rachel discovers these letters that take us into the lives of her ancestors. I was totally hooked into this story. The lives of these women and everything Juliana went through. The time period, religious factors, and how women were treated. This tugged at my heartstrings. I really loved all the historical and genealogy. It makes you think of your family. This is a great book club book. There is so much to discuss in it. What a beautifully debut this was. I was left thinking about it long after.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
February 25, 2021
I'm a great lover/reader of historical fiction, but have skirted this period of history entirely. The Lines Between Us really set me down in 17th century Spain and showed me real life, real love, and real pain and risk-taking.
Multiple heroines (always a plus for me) navigating through dual timelines.
A truly beautiful story and really well-told. Immersive, engaging, & enjoyable!
Multiple heroines (always a plus for me) navigating through dual timelines.
A truly beautiful story and really well-told. Immersive, engaging, & enjoyable!
July 23, 2021
I don’t read much historical fiction, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s a story of a lineage of strong women with secrets that spans back from the 17th Century to the present. The transitions were easy to follow and a good portion of the book was told from the readings from journals.
Beautifully written and I highly recommend.
Beautifully written and I highly recommend.
July 31, 2024
This is one of the best books I have ever read I like the they bring both the 1700,s And Today together they carry the characters through out the book love that I have read other books that don’t do that and they don’t even make any sense does this author have any more books I would love to read them , I think this by far my favorite book I have read this year so far .
October 3, 2021
It is a sad fact of life that although we can closely examine the past, we are unable to alter it—that there is no way to improve the lives of our ancestors or give them a glimpse of future events their actions may engender. But that doesn’t give our passion for finding our roots less value. On the contrary, the empathy felt by Rachel, the protagonist of “The Lines Between Us,” grows stronger with each page she reads in the diaries and mysterious papers she finds after her mother Helen’s death.
Rachel’s quest - sparked by Helen’s regretful words — is a meaningful, albeit often painful journey. As she reads the words penned by her female ancestors, she begins to understand their limited choices and precarious status as women in a fiercely patriarchal society. A chain of dramatic events is set in motion in 17th century Spain, as a husband fails to protect his wife from the horrors of the Inquisition and permits his distorted sense of honor to threaten the life of his own daughter.
The daughter flees to New Spain and Rachel continues to reconstruct her family tree. Each generation brings more surprises and beautifully constructed characterizations of women whose words express not only their personal struggles but their views of the wider world as well. For example, I was delighted to find a budding friendship between one of Rachel’s ancestor’s who enters a convents and corresponds with the the extraordinary Mexican philosopher and poet, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz.
I recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction as well as anyone who is curious about their own ancestry and in need of inspiration to conduct their own search.
August 6, 2021
Anna is a childless widow. After her husband’s death, she reads his journal and learns things that both comfort and distress her. Although theirs was a marriage of mutual respect and affection, he confided things in his journal which he never confided to her. This is an ongoing theme. In this story, journals provide the bond between generations. They tell the stories of Spain when the Inquisition is still active, and colonial Mexico, and three women forced by their times into lives they never would have chosen.
Anna’s brother is a self-absorbed widower who has removed all reminders of his wife from the house and will not allow her name to be spoken, although he puts it about that she died in childbirth. His daughter Juliana is a serious sixteen-year old. One day, Sebastian, Juliana and Juliana’s duenna disappear. Anna is distraught and although she has seldom travelled, she goes to Sevilla to search for them. At her brother’s house, she found Juliana’s journal and reads it while in Sevilla. When she discovers the horrifying reason for her beloved niece’s disappearance, she abandons the search.
At this point, the narrative fast-forwards to St. Louis in 1992 and Rachel who is at the bedside of her mother, Helen. I have read just a few dual time-line books, but this was a sudden and acute dislocation. I was invested in the Spanish characters and wasn’t ready to leave Sevilla with Juliana’s fate yet unknown.
However…
In the moments before her death Helen mentions Anna and Juliana, people whom Rachel has never heard of. Going through her mother’s things later, Rachel finds papers and a journal that have been left specifically to her own daughter. She cannot resist reading and thus establishes a connection to people long dead and has a better understanding of her own mother.
The author has clearly immersed herself in 17th-century culture. The voices of the characters are authentic and the prose is one of the best features of the book. Example: ‘I know that our suffering is slight relative to what others have to endure, but weighing sorrow does not lessen pain.’ I found these words particularly moving.
All in all, an excellent book emphasising our connection to the past and with surprises along the way and a shocking ending.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
Anna’s brother is a self-absorbed widower who has removed all reminders of his wife from the house and will not allow her name to be spoken, although he puts it about that she died in childbirth. His daughter Juliana is a serious sixteen-year old. One day, Sebastian, Juliana and Juliana’s duenna disappear. Anna is distraught and although she has seldom travelled, she goes to Sevilla to search for them. At her brother’s house, she found Juliana’s journal and reads it while in Sevilla. When she discovers the horrifying reason for her beloved niece’s disappearance, she abandons the search.
At this point, the narrative fast-forwards to St. Louis in 1992 and Rachel who is at the bedside of her mother, Helen. I have read just a few dual time-line books, but this was a sudden and acute dislocation. I was invested in the Spanish characters and wasn’t ready to leave Sevilla with Juliana’s fate yet unknown.
However…
In the moments before her death Helen mentions Anna and Juliana, people whom Rachel has never heard of. Going through her mother’s things later, Rachel finds papers and a journal that have been left specifically to her own daughter. She cannot resist reading and thus establishes a connection to people long dead and has a better understanding of her own mother.
The author has clearly immersed herself in 17th-century culture. The voices of the characters are authentic and the prose is one of the best features of the book. Example: ‘I know that our suffering is slight relative to what others have to endure, but weighing sorrow does not lessen pain.’ I found these words particularly moving.
All in all, an excellent book emphasising our connection to the past and with surprises along the way and a shocking ending.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
March 28, 2023
This quiet, eloquent and evocative book, delivers page turning tension with such beautiful passages of love, longing and devotion. As well as pain, betrayal and loneliness. Much of the book is told through journal, diary entries, and letters; each writer an engaging character, sharing their dreams, hopes and realities, coming to life in such a poignant way.
Mystery, vanishings, and heartbreaks.
I knew very little of 1666s Spain, but was immediately pulled in – descriptions, culture, the politics and commerce of Spain and its exploitation of the New World.
Ana, the grieving widow, learns much about her late husband through reading his journals. Her beloved niece, sixteen-year-old Juliana, mysteriously vanishes from Madrid. Leaving all she knows, Ana sets out alone to Sevilla in search of her, only to find her niece’s diary and the tragic reason for her flight. Ana gives up the search and returns to Madrid.
1992 Missouri, Rachel finds a diary and packets of letters going through her deceased mother’s things and recognizes the names Ana and Juliana -- her mother’s last words. This sets Rachel on a quest to discover who these women were and what connection they had with her mother.
I really enjoyed this well written book and the exploration of the secrets, the lines between us. So many characters that touched the heart, characters struggling to do what they perceive as correct or what must be done to survive. Highly recommend it.
Mystery, vanishings, and heartbreaks.
I knew very little of 1666s Spain, but was immediately pulled in – descriptions, culture, the politics and commerce of Spain and its exploitation of the New World.
Ana, the grieving widow, learns much about her late husband through reading his journals. Her beloved niece, sixteen-year-old Juliana, mysteriously vanishes from Madrid. Leaving all she knows, Ana sets out alone to Sevilla in search of her, only to find her niece’s diary and the tragic reason for her flight. Ana gives up the search and returns to Madrid.
1992 Missouri, Rachel finds a diary and packets of letters going through her deceased mother’s things and recognizes the names Ana and Juliana -- her mother’s last words. This sets Rachel on a quest to discover who these women were and what connection they had with her mother.
I really enjoyed this well written book and the exploration of the secrets, the lines between us. So many characters that touched the heart, characters struggling to do what they perceive as correct or what must be done to survive. Highly recommend it.
June 23, 2021
The Lines Between Us by Rebecca D’Harlingue is a captivating historical fiction.
The story is told in two different timelines, 1661 Madrid and 1992 Missouri. And three well-educated women narrate this multigenerational story.
We get to know about Anna, who is grieving the loss of her husband and is looking for her niece Julianna who suddenly disappeared.
Juliana, my favorite character, who is pregnant and is a victim of assault decides to travel to Mexico City. She gives birth to her daughter there and enters a convent where she spent the rest of her life.
As the time period changes to 1992, we get to know Rachel who is a Spanish language professor. Rachel is going through her deceased mother’s belongings, and she finds a diary along with several letters. Not knowing much about the names, she comes across reading the diary and the letters, she decides to find out more about her family history and investigate her ancestry.
I really enjoyed the smooth transition between characters and periods. Juliana was so easy to connect with, it was as if she was real. I also liked the details about the social struggles women had during that time.
Many Thanks to Suzanne Leopold for this gifted copy.
The story is told in two different timelines, 1661 Madrid and 1992 Missouri. And three well-educated women narrate this multigenerational story.
We get to know about Anna, who is grieving the loss of her husband and is looking for her niece Julianna who suddenly disappeared.
Juliana, my favorite character, who is pregnant and is a victim of assault decides to travel to Mexico City. She gives birth to her daughter there and enters a convent where she spent the rest of her life.
As the time period changes to 1992, we get to know Rachel who is a Spanish language professor. Rachel is going through her deceased mother’s belongings, and she finds a diary along with several letters. Not knowing much about the names, she comes across reading the diary and the letters, she decides to find out more about her family history and investigate her ancestry.
I really enjoyed the smooth transition between characters and periods. Juliana was so easy to connect with, it was as if she was real. I also liked the details about the social struggles women had during that time.
Many Thanks to Suzanne Leopold for this gifted copy.
September 11, 2020
This dual timeline novel has quite a few things that grabbed my interest immediately: finding mysterious old papers in a family member's home, searching genealogy, reading old journals, and not getting along well with your mom. The modern day Rachel is immediately intrigued by Juliana, in the diaries, and sets out to discover if they are related. Juliana is an admirable ancestor, and Rachel wants to be part of her family. The discovered truths are devastating as well as inspiring, and not what the reader expects. Juliana's story is revealed through her journal, which is riveting. Rachel's story develops as she learns more about her family's legacy. What would you do if you became the caretaker of a family secret kept for hundreds of years, one that ruined your own relationship with your mother? This novel is very well crafted and will keep your interest to the end.
September 16, 2021
This well-written novel, filled with intrigue, mystery and reflection, revolves around secret diaries and letters, and gives voice to women's lives across three-hundred years from 17th Century Spain to the present day. Extensively researched, The Lines Between Us -- the ties that bind -- demonstrates, with passion and poetry, that "(we) are all more than (we) have believed."
April 19, 2022
Intriguing, immersive dual timeline family saga
This beautifully written and meticulously researched novel reinvents the notion of the family saga. As the author transports the reader between 17th-century Spain to 21st-century Missouri, she links together generations of women with a 400-year-old story of desperate survival.
Although told mostly through diary entries, the story never lost its emotional or dramatic impact. It’s a complex story, told in a straightforward fashion that kept me engaged right through the last satisfying page. I especially appreciated the incredible immersion into 17th-century Spanish culture and the novel’s imaginative take on family secrets. All in all, a tour de force!
This beautifully written and meticulously researched novel reinvents the notion of the family saga. As the author transports the reader between 17th-century Spain to 21st-century Missouri, she links together generations of women with a 400-year-old story of desperate survival.
Although told mostly through diary entries, the story never lost its emotional or dramatic impact. It’s a complex story, told in a straightforward fashion that kept me engaged right through the last satisfying page. I especially appreciated the incredible immersion into 17th-century Spanish culture and the novel’s imaginative take on family secrets. All in all, a tour de force!
October 12, 2020
The Lines Between Us Review
By Cathy Griner
Gateway Writing Project Teacher Consultant
Have you ever wondered what injustice your own female ancestors endured as a result of acceptable cultural oppression? Rebecca D’Harlingue’s historical fiction The Lines Between Us draws you into the souls of an aunt and a niece in Madrid in the 1660s. The trajectory of each woman’s life depends not only on men’s ability to balance love and honor but also on the ability of these women to endure sorrow, sacrifice, and the consequences of choices in the Spanish culture. These characters, who feel like family members even though they lived long ago, will entangle the reader into a web of mysteries that compel the reader to wonder what messages their own grandmothers could send. The book too opens a door to better understand the impact of the discovery of the New World on Spain and its people.
By Cathy Griner
Gateway Writing Project Teacher Consultant
Have you ever wondered what injustice your own female ancestors endured as a result of acceptable cultural oppression? Rebecca D’Harlingue’s historical fiction The Lines Between Us draws you into the souls of an aunt and a niece in Madrid in the 1660s. The trajectory of each woman’s life depends not only on men’s ability to balance love and honor but also on the ability of these women to endure sorrow, sacrifice, and the consequences of choices in the Spanish culture. These characters, who feel like family members even though they lived long ago, will entangle the reader into a web of mysteries that compel the reader to wonder what messages their own grandmothers could send. The book too opens a door to better understand the impact of the discovery of the New World on Spain and its people.
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September 25, 2020Read an excerpt of the novel here:
https://booktrib.com/2020/09/07/the-l...
https://booktrib.com/2020/09/07/the-l...
August 17, 2020
Rebecca D'Harlingue's The Lines Between Us is a historical novel with a dual storyline. Employing both narration and diaries and letters written by various characters, the author recreates two time periods, moving seamlessly between seventeenth-century Ana and Juliana and twentieth-century Rachel.
In 1661 Spain, Ana begins a fruitless search for her brother, niece, and her niece's duena, all of whom have suddenly disappeared from their home in Madrid. Believing their probable destination to be Seville, Ana follows their trail but is disappointed to find no trace of them.
Meanwhile, Ana's niece, Juliana, does indeed arrive in Seville but without her father. The victim of an assault and pregnant, Juliana is in fear of her life. Considering the political and religious situation in Spain, she makes the difficult decision to travel to Mexico City in the New World. Upon her arrival and after her daughter is born, Juliana enters a convent, where she remains for the rest of her life. Throughout her long life she meticulously keeps a journal which is passed down through the granddaughters in the family.
Approximately a third of the way through the book, the time period changes. In 1992 Rachel, a Spanish-language professor in Missouri, goes through her recently deceased mother's things and finds a packet containing an old diary and several letters. Although the packet is addressed to the daughter Rachel is expecting, she opens the packet and learns of her family background and her connection back to Juliana and Ana. This leads her to investigate her ancestry.
This book is well written and researched, accurately portraying the cultural, societal, and religious situations in Spain during the seventeenth century. D'Harlingue recounts the few choices open to women in a world controlled by men, where a misguided sense of honor is everything and justice is rare. However, when the diary begins to focus on life in Mexico City, the culture and society is less well described, mainly because Juliana spends her life there in a convent and has little outside contact. The very real challenges of researching ancestry is addressed, although readers may feel that Rachel somewhat too-conveniently finds exactly what she is looking for. Although the author poses some interesting questions (such as the impact on two civilizations when their cultures suddenly collide) this aspect of the book is less well developed. D'Harlingue could have added depth to the book by pursuing the impact on both the Old and the New Worlds as the Spanish began to colonize Mexico.
The characters (both through narration and diary) have an active voice in the story. It is not quite clear why the diary and letters were passed down with such secrecy through the years. This made sense in the beginning when Juliana's assault and its consequences were involved, but less so as the years went by and society changed. Dual story lines and the discovery of an object in the present which propels the finder to investigate events from the past are popular now. Rather tongue in cheek, D'Harlingue even has one of her characters say that device is a bit trite, which I found amusing.
Overall, The Lines Between Us is an enjoyable book. Particularly well done: descriptions of how frustrating life has been for women with little power and limited roles in society.
This book was reviewed for Story Circle Book Reviews by Linda Bridges.
In 1661 Spain, Ana begins a fruitless search for her brother, niece, and her niece's duena, all of whom have suddenly disappeared from their home in Madrid. Believing their probable destination to be Seville, Ana follows their trail but is disappointed to find no trace of them.
Meanwhile, Ana's niece, Juliana, does indeed arrive in Seville but without her father. The victim of an assault and pregnant, Juliana is in fear of her life. Considering the political and religious situation in Spain, she makes the difficult decision to travel to Mexico City in the New World. Upon her arrival and after her daughter is born, Juliana enters a convent, where she remains for the rest of her life. Throughout her long life she meticulously keeps a journal which is passed down through the granddaughters in the family.
Approximately a third of the way through the book, the time period changes. In 1992 Rachel, a Spanish-language professor in Missouri, goes through her recently deceased mother's things and finds a packet containing an old diary and several letters. Although the packet is addressed to the daughter Rachel is expecting, she opens the packet and learns of her family background and her connection back to Juliana and Ana. This leads her to investigate her ancestry.
This book is well written and researched, accurately portraying the cultural, societal, and religious situations in Spain during the seventeenth century. D'Harlingue recounts the few choices open to women in a world controlled by men, where a misguided sense of honor is everything and justice is rare. However, when the diary begins to focus on life in Mexico City, the culture and society is less well described, mainly because Juliana spends her life there in a convent and has little outside contact. The very real challenges of researching ancestry is addressed, although readers may feel that Rachel somewhat too-conveniently finds exactly what she is looking for. Although the author poses some interesting questions (such as the impact on two civilizations when their cultures suddenly collide) this aspect of the book is less well developed. D'Harlingue could have added depth to the book by pursuing the impact on both the Old and the New Worlds as the Spanish began to colonize Mexico.
The characters (both through narration and diary) have an active voice in the story. It is not quite clear why the diary and letters were passed down with such secrecy through the years. This made sense in the beginning when Juliana's assault and its consequences were involved, but less so as the years went by and society changed. Dual story lines and the discovery of an object in the present which propels the finder to investigate events from the past are popular now. Rather tongue in cheek, D'Harlingue even has one of her characters say that device is a bit trite, which I found amusing.
Overall, The Lines Between Us is an enjoyable book. Particularly well done: descriptions of how frustrating life has been for women with little power and limited roles in society.
This book was reviewed for Story Circle Book Reviews by Linda Bridges.
October 15, 2020
Ana, Juliana and Rachel represent three different generations of a family spanning three centuries, and who are connected by family secrets and resulting perspectives about life, love, and each other. Elegantly written and filled with historical references, the movement between characters and periods seems effortless and allows the reader to connect deeply with all three women. A wonderful, heartfelt read!
July 16, 2021
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I love books revolving surrounding generations of a family, and “The Lines Between Us” is a beautiful historical novel that warmed my heart.
To begin with, I loved the various emotions I felt while reading the book. Part of the story feels like a suspense novel with the disappearance of Juliana. Part of it feels like a detailed historical novel where we learn of the events in Spain. And another part felt like a beautiful family saga. The author included many elements in the story, which made me enjoy it.
Similarly, I also love the way the author changes the style of writing. She shifts the past and present perspectives and toggles between various generations from chapter to chapter. Moreover, some of the chapters are in epistolary format, which gives the book a wonderful personal touch.
Moreover, the characters are realistic, flawed, and beautiful. I loved Ana’s storyline as she searches for Juliana and Juliana’s tale of what happened to her. Rachel’s storyline was a bit weak compared to Ana and Juliana, as nothing significant occurs for the most part. However, I enjoyed how the author seamlessly connected all of them, especially towards the end. Some of the highlights of the tale were when Juliana receives Ana’s letter and the relationship between Juliana and Mercedes. I also loved the scenes in Tlaxcala and Jalapa and the various emotions the characters go through. I thought these were the highlights of the story, and the author beautifully executed it.
Overall, “The Lines Between Us” is a beautiful story to pick up if you love historical fiction revolving around multiple generations of a family.
June 15, 2021
#booktour ⚘finalist in the Best New Fiction category in both the International Book Awards and the Best Book Awards
⚘finalist in the Historical Fiction category in the Foreword INDIES Best Book Awards.
THE LINES BETWEEN US by @shewritespress
⚘was inspired by @rebeccadharlingueauthor study of Spanish literature, and the discovery of secret family papers. 😯
⚘this novel sure has the potential to leave an everlasting impression..
The writing style is beautiful, poetic & written in a buttery smooth flowing prose..
🌷A young girl flees seventeenth-century Madrid, in fear for her life. Three centuries later and a continent away, a woman comes across old papers long hidden away, and in them discovers the reason for the flight so long ago, and for her own mother’s enigmatic dying words.
In 1661 Madrid, Ana is still grieving the loss of her husband when her niece, sixteen-year-old Juliana, suddenly vanishes. Ana frantically searches the girl’s room and comes across a diary. Journeying to southern Spain in the hope of finding her, Ana immerses herself in her niece’s private thoughts. After a futile search in Seville, she comes to the Juliana’s final entries, and, discovering the horrifying reason for the girl’s flight, abandons her search for her.
In 1992 Missouri, in her deceased mother’s home, Rachel finds a packet of letters, and a diary written by a woman named Juliana. Rachel’s reserved mother has never mentioned these items, but Rachel recognizes the names Ana and Juliana: her mother uttered them on her deathbed. She soon becomes immersed in Juliana’s diary, which recounts the young woman’s journey to Mexico City and her life in a convent. As she learns the truth about Juliana’s tragic family history, Rachel seeks to understand her connection to the writings—hoping that in finding those answers, she will somehow heal the wounds caused by her mother’s lifelong reticence.
⚘a wonderful read indeed, worth every bit of your time.
#noorthebookwormreviews
⚘finalist in the Historical Fiction category in the Foreword INDIES Best Book Awards.
THE LINES BETWEEN US by @shewritespress
⚘was inspired by @rebeccadharlingueauthor study of Spanish literature, and the discovery of secret family papers. 😯
⚘this novel sure has the potential to leave an everlasting impression..
The writing style is beautiful, poetic & written in a buttery smooth flowing prose..
🌷A young girl flees seventeenth-century Madrid, in fear for her life. Three centuries later and a continent away, a woman comes across old papers long hidden away, and in them discovers the reason for the flight so long ago, and for her own mother’s enigmatic dying words.
In 1661 Madrid, Ana is still grieving the loss of her husband when her niece, sixteen-year-old Juliana, suddenly vanishes. Ana frantically searches the girl’s room and comes across a diary. Journeying to southern Spain in the hope of finding her, Ana immerses herself in her niece’s private thoughts. After a futile search in Seville, she comes to the Juliana’s final entries, and, discovering the horrifying reason for the girl’s flight, abandons her search for her.
In 1992 Missouri, in her deceased mother’s home, Rachel finds a packet of letters, and a diary written by a woman named Juliana. Rachel’s reserved mother has never mentioned these items, but Rachel recognizes the names Ana and Juliana: her mother uttered them on her deathbed. She soon becomes immersed in Juliana’s diary, which recounts the young woman’s journey to Mexico City and her life in a convent. As she learns the truth about Juliana’s tragic family history, Rachel seeks to understand her connection to the writings—hoping that in finding those answers, she will somehow heal the wounds caused by her mother’s lifelong reticence.
⚘a wonderful read indeed, worth every bit of your time.
#noorthebookwormreviews
July 10, 2021
This is a novel told in dual timelines of Spain in the mid 1600s and in Missouri in the late 1990s. In the book is divided into Old World and New World.
In the Old World, the main characters are aunt and niece, Ana and Juliana. In the New World, Rachel is the main character.
In the Old World, Ana has recently lost her husband, Emilio, and she is reading his journals to find solace. When Ana’s niece Juliana disappears, Ana finds Juliana’s journal in a search of her room. Through those writings the story of why Juliana disappears begins to unfold.
In the New World, Rachel’s mother has recently died and in cleaning out her things, Rachel finds a package along with a note from her mom. Rachel begins to read journal entries and letters from over 300 years ago that involve a legacy and history her mother never shared.
I really enjoyed the way the story is told mainly through journal entries and how the story begins with Emilio’s journal that Ana is reading and then transitions to Juliana’s journal for the rest of the book.
I’m not sure that I have read any historical fiction set in this time period of the 1600s, so to learn about Spain, it’s culture, and its deep connections to the Americas were all very interesting to me.
This story was thoughtfully written and well researched. It really made me think about all of the women that have come before me and the choices they made.
I really loved Rachel’s character and the way Juliana’s story is pieced together during her timeline.
In the Old World, the main characters are aunt and niece, Ana and Juliana. In the New World, Rachel is the main character.
In the Old World, Ana has recently lost her husband, Emilio, and she is reading his journals to find solace. When Ana’s niece Juliana disappears, Ana finds Juliana’s journal in a search of her room. Through those writings the story of why Juliana disappears begins to unfold.
In the New World, Rachel’s mother has recently died and in cleaning out her things, Rachel finds a package along with a note from her mom. Rachel begins to read journal entries and letters from over 300 years ago that involve a legacy and history her mother never shared.
I really enjoyed the way the story is told mainly through journal entries and how the story begins with Emilio’s journal that Ana is reading and then transitions to Juliana’s journal for the rest of the book.
I’m not sure that I have read any historical fiction set in this time period of the 1600s, so to learn about Spain, it’s culture, and its deep connections to the Americas were all very interesting to me.
This story was thoughtfully written and well researched. It really made me think about all of the women that have come before me and the choices they made.
I really loved Rachel’s character and the way Juliana’s story is pieced together during her timeline.
June 22, 2021
There is thought to be a story in all of us but only some are brave enough to put pen to paper and in this, her first novel, Rebecca D'Harlingue has been brave enough to share her words and presents a beautifully written and at times lyrical family saga. We make the momentous journey with Ana in seventeenth century Madrid as she desperately tries to discover the whereabouts of her sixteen year old niece Julianna, who has gone missing from her home.
In descriptive journal entries we begin to piece together this tragic story which, we later discover, has never been told within the family. Three hundred years into the future, in 1992, Rachel's discovery of a diary, and a bundle of letters, written by Juliana opens up this family secret to scrutiny, and so secrets, so long hidden, gradually start to be revealed.
I enjoyed reading of the juxtaposition of the two worlds, that of the older seventeenth century world inhabited by Juliana and Ana which runs comfortably alongside Rachel's life and personal dilemmas in the new world of America in the twentieth century. There is much to learn about all three women and the author brings them to life with intricate historical detail and a charming eloquence which makes the story so interesting to read.
The Lines Between Us is a well written, dual time family drama which takes us on a fascinating journey and allows the voices from the past to reach out to those who, we hope, will carry their stories forward, way into the future.
April 29, 2021
Rebecca D’Harlingue’s THE LINES BETWEEN US, opens in 17th century Madrid, dominated by the Inquisition—where every word, action, or thought might result in horrific public execution, where a father’s honor is worth killing to preserve, where a girl risks everything to escape.
After her mother’s funeral, a 20th-century woman in Missouri finds a packet containing an ancient diary and very old letters. Surprised and furious that her mother had not shared these documents, she sets out to understand why her mother possessed them, a quest that entwines her own life with her predecessors.
In D’Harlingue’s debut novel, the writers record their migration from Spain to Mexico and the United States in raw detail, and in voices that reflect unique worldviews influenced by culture and place. They are neither protagonists nor witnesses to momentous events. They do not live the loud action-packed lives of men forging history or make me laugh with witty dialogue. They make me gasp at the startling truth of their emotions. Despite their excruciating decisions, they survive with a quiet strength easily overlooked. They put one foot in front of another, and, in honoring an ancient promise, they keep their matrilineal stories alive. D’Harlingue’s seamless balance of contemporary and historical times will intrigue and satisfy.
After her mother’s funeral, a 20th-century woman in Missouri finds a packet containing an ancient diary and very old letters. Surprised and furious that her mother had not shared these documents, she sets out to understand why her mother possessed them, a quest that entwines her own life with her predecessors.
In D’Harlingue’s debut novel, the writers record their migration from Spain to Mexico and the United States in raw detail, and in voices that reflect unique worldviews influenced by culture and place. They are neither protagonists nor witnesses to momentous events. They do not live the loud action-packed lives of men forging history or make me laugh with witty dialogue. They make me gasp at the startling truth of their emotions. Despite their excruciating decisions, they survive with a quiet strength easily overlooked. They put one foot in front of another, and, in honoring an ancient promise, they keep their matrilineal stories alive. D’Harlingue’s seamless balance of contemporary and historical times will intrigue and satisfy.
March 7, 2021
Book Review to start your week off right 💙
The Lines Between Us
By: @rebeccadharlingueauthor
It is always interesting to stop and think about the family that has come before us.... our ancestors. Maybe you are fortunate enough to hear stories from loved ones about your ancestors, maybe you have done the hard work about learning more about your lineage. Whatever the means learning about the ones who come before us shape us is ways we never knew that it could.
The Lines Between Us reveals how the lines of our history thread through us. @rebeccadharlingueauthor debut novel weaves together generations of women ranging from Madrid 1600s to the US modern day. The novel has a bit of a slow start but I promise it’s worth it! Part two takes you on a dangerous journey wondering is Julianna will be able to survive in a time where women had little to NO choices. Julianna must find a way to live while hiding the secrets she escaped. Rachel lives in modern day US and finds Julianna’s journals and investigates the link between herself and women who came from three centuries before her.
This book had me wanting to start a journal so future generations may be able to know more about me and this time period of history.
Thank you @rebeccadharlingueauthor for reaching out to me and gifting me a copy of your book!
The Lines Between Us
By: @rebeccadharlingueauthor
It is always interesting to stop and think about the family that has come before us.... our ancestors. Maybe you are fortunate enough to hear stories from loved ones about your ancestors, maybe you have done the hard work about learning more about your lineage. Whatever the means learning about the ones who come before us shape us is ways we never knew that it could.
The Lines Between Us reveals how the lines of our history thread through us. @rebeccadharlingueauthor debut novel weaves together generations of women ranging from Madrid 1600s to the US modern day. The novel has a bit of a slow start but I promise it’s worth it! Part two takes you on a dangerous journey wondering is Julianna will be able to survive in a time where women had little to NO choices. Julianna must find a way to live while hiding the secrets she escaped. Rachel lives in modern day US and finds Julianna’s journals and investigates the link between herself and women who came from three centuries before her.
This book had me wanting to start a journal so future generations may be able to know more about me and this time period of history.
Thank you @rebeccadharlingueauthor for reaching out to me and gifting me a copy of your book!
June 8, 2021
The 2021 Independent Press Award Winner in New Fiction! This is a fantastic 1st novel written in the epistolary with 2 timelines, 3 locations, and 3 women: Ana and her niece Juliana in 17th-Century Spain and later the new world of Mexico, and Rachel in modern-day Missouri. The Lines Between Us is a perfect title for this multigenerational family saga full of secrets and intrigue. The story grabbed me right away and had me flipping through the pages to uncover long-ago events and choices that reverberate through the generations. It feels like a mystery, of sorts, in the tradition of A.S. Byatt's Possession, but with grandmothers, mothers, aunts, nieces, and daughters. The author skillfully crafts a narrative that pulled me along by revealing just enough character insights and emotions while setting the stage with textural historical details that make the time and place of old Spain come alive. The dual narratives woven together within a construct of journals doesn't feel forced, but offers personal insights into the private emotions (hopes, fears, regrets, shame) of both Juliana and Ana in the patriarchal, oppressive Spanish society, which resonate in pieces with Rachel in modern Missouri. If you're looking for a novel rich with history that illuminates how family dynamics effect subsequent generations, get The Lines Between Us. It's a a gripping read!
February 7, 2021
"In life, we do not end with the same questions with which we started. It is not because we have found the answers to them, but because the life that we have led has reshaped the very things we ask," says a journal entry written by protagonist Ana's deceased husband. The three heroines of Rebecca D'Harlingue's The Lines Between Us, separated by time and geography, yet connected by their genealogy and family secrets, discover the truth of these profound words during their lifetimes.
Told primarily through a series of journal entries, D'Harlingue effortlessly weaves dual timelines and storylines in this stunning historical fiction novel. Told through the eyes of Ana and her niece Juliana, the historic part of the novel is set in 1600s Spain and the New World, and examines the place of women in society, the cruelty of men, and the extent they went to protect their family honor. The modern-day Rachel discovers family secrets in a stack of ancient letters that connect her with Ana and Juliana, but also make her question her relationship with her 'distant' mother.
I loved The Lines Between Us, not only because it kept me up reading until late in the night, but also because it made me keenly interested in learning more about Spanish history and culture.
Told primarily through a series of journal entries, D'Harlingue effortlessly weaves dual timelines and storylines in this stunning historical fiction novel. Told through the eyes of Ana and her niece Juliana, the historic part of the novel is set in 1600s Spain and the New World, and examines the place of women in society, the cruelty of men, and the extent they went to protect their family honor. The modern-day Rachel discovers family secrets in a stack of ancient letters that connect her with Ana and Juliana, but also make her question her relationship with her 'distant' mother.
I loved The Lines Between Us, not only because it kept me up reading until late in the night, but also because it made me keenly interested in learning more about Spanish history and culture.
June 30, 2021
Rebecca D’Harlingue, the author of “The Lines Between Us” has written an intriguing and thought-provoking novel. The genres for this novel are Literary Fiction and Historical Fiction. The timelines for this story are set in 1661 in Madrid, and in 1992 in Missouri. The story goes to the past and beyond the present when it pertains to the characters or events. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. During the various timelines, there are sets of rules that influence their behavior. Some of these conflicts and rules remain the same. Women are not always treated in an equal manner. Wars have been fought over land, and discrimination between the rich and the poor, and religious persecution. There is also good and evil. There is discrimination and what honor means.
In this memorable novel, there are deep dark secrets that pass through time and to the women in a family. These secrets convey stories about betrayal, integrity, and strength. The women in this novel had to be strong and creative to stay alive.
I would highly recommend this thought-provoking story that is passed on that reflects so many secrets.
In this memorable novel, there are deep dark secrets that pass through time and to the women in a family. These secrets convey stories about betrayal, integrity, and strength. The women in this novel had to be strong and creative to stay alive.
I would highly recommend this thought-provoking story that is passed on that reflects so many secrets.
January 13, 2021
This is a book about a long line of women stretching from the 1600s in Madrid, Spain to the current time in the US. The book starts with Ana, a childless widow, who is mourning the disappearance of her beloved niece, Julianna. We follow Julianna after her experience of tragedy as she flees from Spain to Mexico to a life she didn't want nor would have imagined. She keeps a diary which is handed down from generation to generation. In the present time, Rachel finds the diary and other writings in her late mother's belongings. Rachel begins a search to understand the meaning of these writings as well as family she didn't know existed. A very interesting and engaging story despite the hardship and tragedy that occurred to this line of women. Only one instance of profanity. No sex although there was a rape although it was not described explicitly.
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