In this novel, possibly influenced by Duma's novels, the author Vicente Riva Palacio (1832–1896) first introduced the character of Martín Garatuza and started the common thread of various stories that recreate colonial life in an intentional way. This is the first book of a trilogy. The narrative is full of adventures and treachery, misfortunes of Doña Blanca, who must face the Inquisition, the family decision, betrayals and murders, and death itself to defend true love. Riva Palacio created a splendid atmosphere and adorned it with effective, seductive, funny language.
