The Story

This book is actually three separate novellas, each focusing on a different woman. In La recompensa (The Reward), a woman makes a huge personal sacrifice, and the story asks if the payoff is ever worth the price. Prueba de un alma (Test of a Soul) puts its heroine through an emotional wringer, testing her character and resilience. Finally, Amores románticos (Romantic Loves) explores the ideals and harsh realities of love and passion. While the plots are specific, they all circle a central question: how do you find your own path when society has already mapped it out for you?

Why You Should Read It

Picón has a real talent for getting inside his characters' heads. These aren't just historical figures in pretty dresses; they feel like real people with doubts, quiet rebellions, and deep feelings. Reading this is like getting a backstage pass to the private lives of another era. You see the pressure they were under, the small ways they pushed back, and what 'happiness' might have meant to them. It’s thoughtful and surprisingly moving.

Final Verdict

This one is perfect for readers who love character-driven historical fiction, like the works of Kate Chopin or Elizabeth Gaskell. It’s not a fast-paced adventure; it’s a slow, thoughtful look at the human heart under pressure. If you enjoy stories that explore social expectations and personal integrity, you’ll find a lot to love in these three compelling portraits.