Claire Guena is an accomplished writer and has been published in both English and Spanish. Her books have won several awards, including the Costa Book Prize, and have been widely praised for their detailed and elegant style of storytelling. Her stories depict exotic settings and are often set in nineteenth-century Spain, though she has also written stories about Asia, Africa, and the New World. Her international writing career has produced some very interesting and engaging stories, and she has used her creativity in many different ways to produce each story.
“Partner: A Love Story” is the third book of the seven-volume Nationality Series, and the story begins with Claire Guena’s first encounter with a man. The two are students at the prestigious university of Roses, where they pursue a relationship that quickly grows into a passionate and fulfilling love affair that blossoms. At the center of the action is an intriguing subplot involving an underclass of Spanish speaking students who are being forced to emigrate to North Africa because of their nationalistic tendencies. When they arrive in what appears to be an idyllic spot – a mountain village – they begin to struggle with the language barrier and the culture shock of newcomers. Aided by an English teacher, the couple eventually manage to overcome their hardships and enjoy a successful return to Roses.
In this sequel, the tale of their romance expands to include their marriage and the birth of their first child. The characters’ patriotism helps them deal with the separation from Rose and learn how to move on after such a traumatic event. It is a joy to read about a character’s growth and transformation as they struggle with self-doubt and insecurity about their national identity. Claire Guena has written about immigration and ethnicity in many different ways, and “Partner” is no exception. Her engaging writing style lets readers feel the emotions behind the scenes as they are transported from one country to another as their characters strive to adjust to their new lives.