SECRETOS DE LA SELVA
SYNOPSIS
Daniel, the leader of an indigenous community, comprising twenty-five families, lives in the Peruvian Amazon. The community members, who live on the riverbank, hunt, fish and sell products to meet their basic needs. Daniel wants to prevent an oil company from buying the rights to their land. But opposing factions, who are interested in money, threaten the old hunter- gather way of life.
Miguel, Daniel’s oldest son, is considered the “perfect” child, and although he has his father’s favor, he knows there is a secret that has been kept from him—a secret that could tear apart the family. On the other hand, Segundo, Daniel’s, second son, is constantly out of favor with his father. He feels inadequate and his father is unable to do anything other than criticize Segundo. To make matters worse, Segundo harbors his own secrets about his sexuality.
Through the family and community struggles, Daniel continues to hunt with his partners. Then on a typical trek into the jungle, Daniel gets lost. Without their leader, the village fractures. Some members advocate selling the land. Others want to wait for Daniel’s return. Can Daniel’s sons help to find him? Will the police in the city of Iquitos be able to help? And what about the family secrets that surface during Daniel’s absence? Will those revelations bring the family closer or rip them apart?
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
Erica O’Mahony has taught Spanish in Boston for over ten years. After completing a Master’s degree in Latin American studies with a focus on the Peruvian Amazon, she moved to Iquitos, Peru. Erica spent a year working with Peruvian Biologists, who have collaborated with indigenous communities for the past thirty-five years. In addition, Erica managed La Casa Morey, a historically restored hotel from the rubber boom era.
Secretos de la Selva was inspired by Erica’s time in the Peruvian Amazon. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to share the rich culture and history of the region with students.
