Francesca Le’s debut novel, The Heavens Weep for I, is a fast-paced thriller about the life of a young girl from a prominent family in the Dominican Republic. Francesca Le’s debut novel takes place in the present-day during the reign of Queen Aretha of Spain. As Isabella begins to slowly lose her hold on her life, her only remaining constant friend, Maria, tries to give her support by giving her a shoulder to lean upon. But as time progresses, Maria falls out of love with her friend and grows increasingly disinterested in life; even as Isabella continues to pursue her political ambitions. As the couple’s romantic relationship collapses, Isabella attempts to get involved in the political scene only to find herself falling out with her own niece, Lucia.
As Lucia’s marriage falls apart, she begins to realize that Isabella has a much more important life. Meanwhile, Maria starts to develop a fondness for Lucia. As their bond deepens, Isabella begins to realize that she has made a huge mistake by getting involved in the Dominican Republic’s marriage negotiations. But when the dust clears, Lucia decides that Isabella is the girl for her and marries her. Meanwhile, Maria continues to work in the government but her increasing feelings for Lucia cause her to start considering her own marriage. But when Lucia returns to the Dominican Republic, Isabella decides to get officially married to Jose.
With the novel’s fast pace and tightly written plot, readers could easily lose track of what is happening in each character’s life from one moment to the next. It is this very confusion that makes The Heavens Weep for I such an enjoyable read. Because of its fast pace and tightly focused character’s lives, The Heavens Weep for I am an instant read. For anyone who has ever detested romance, even if it involves a young woman, and who prefers it to be light hearted and romantic, The Heavens Weep for I will not disappoint.