The incredible story of resilience of Cecilia Belmonte, who lands in Oran, Algeria, in 1920, just one more among the thousands of Spaniards fleeing in search of a better life. Life will not be kind to her, but her extraordinary inner strength —and love, which at times gives her the necessary drive— will help her face the most difficult adventure of all: life itself.
The latest major success from the author of The Time in Between (El tiempo entre costuras).
In 1920, Cecilia Belmonte lands in Oran, Algeria, just one more among the thousands of Spaniards seeking a better life. But she is not only fleeing misery: she’s escaping a brutal trauma, hiding under a false name and clinging to one single truth —her fierce will to survive.
Upon arriving in Algeria, Cecilia struggles to find any kind of work. She experiences hunger like never before and lives in deplorable conditions, meeting multiple men who only want to take advantage of her. But Cecilia presses on, with no choice but to carry on, as she discovers she is pregnant.
Afraid she might not survive, Cecilia jumps from job to job: working in the fields picking tobacco leaves, washing clothes, nursing children who aren’t her own, and even considers the possibility of working as a prostitute.
When she gives birth to her daughter, Marie, she is forced to leave her behind in order to continue working. She leaves her with a woman who takes care of her as if she were her own daughter, but one day tragedy strikes: torrential rains erase all trace of Marie —she never sees her again.
After this tragedy, Cecilia changes jobs and meets two people who briefly ease her suffering: Catherine, who becomes her friend and confidante, and Rafael, a man who awakens feelings she had never experienced before. But when Catherine proposes they steal some tobacco from the company they work for to sell on their own and involve Rafael, this new life is suddenly in jeopardy. The night Rafael gives her their first kiss is the same night Cecilia loses her freedom, as a guard sees them. The next day, he confronts Cecilia and gives her only one option to avoid being reported: agree to marry him.
Throughout the novel, the protagonist faces incredibly painful and difficult situations: the death of her daughter, a forced marriage, leaving her husband, watching Rafael marry another woman, losing other loves… But Cecilia remains steadfast and confronts it all, clinging to her determination, her longing for freedom, and the hope that things will get better. And they do.
During the Algerian War of Independence, when Algerians fight to break free from France, Cecilia founds a soap business and runs it with Catherine, her old friend. Little by little, they manage to rise out of poverty and achieve the life they had dreamed of. Rafael, too, has prospered as a businessman, and despite being married, confesses to Cecilia that he has never forgotten her.
After Rafael’s wife passes away, in the newly independent Algerian state, Cecilia and Rafael see the possibility of building a future together. They board a ship that takes them away from it all. They don’t know where they’re going, but they know they’re going together.
KEY INFORMATION: If One Day We Come Together reveals an incredible true story unknown to most readers —that of the thousands of Spaniards who emigrated to colonial Algeria in the early 20th century. It’s a generation of Spaniards who left a deep mark, especially in Oran. Acclaimed author María Dueñas, especially known for her bestseller , The Time in Between whose novels have been published in dozens of countries, translated into over 30 languages, and adapted into internationally successful TV series, brings us the story of a heroine who faced immense challenges in a cultural world far from her own.
If One Day We Come Together puts us in the shoes of a woman who, against all odds, tirelessly fights for hope, striving to succeed in a very difficult world. Cecilia inspires readers with her determination and bravery, at a time when women seemingly had no other option than to depend on men. Once again, María Dueñas captivates us with a complex character and a story full of challenges —but also dreams and triumphs.
Critical praise and reviews say:
“The author proves her mastery in blending fiction and history with an immersive rhythm and narration that grips from the very first line.” – Los Tiempos
“If you enjoy historical fiction and are looking for an author with an agile narrative style, meticulous historical settings, and strong, independent female characters, María Dueñas is the one for you.” – ELLE
“The author also manages to portray the city of Oran in those years in a highly evocative way.” – Goodreads
“I finished reading the final pages of the novel with tears in my eyes, such was the deep connection I had formed with the main characters.” – Casa del Libro.
AUDIOVISUAL POTENTIAL: TV Series, Miniseries, Feature Film, TV Film.
AVAILABLE LANGUAGES: Spanish, Catalan.
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