Rita

by Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards

"Rita" by Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the character Rita Montfort, a spirited young woman caught in the tumult of the Spanish-American War, facing internal family struggles and external conflicts as she defies conventions to uphold her identity and pursue freedom for her country. At the start of the book, the stage is set with letters that convey the anxiety and conflict of the Montfort family amid the upheaval in Havana. Rita’s stepmother, Maria Concepcion, is desperate to control her rebellious daughter, Margarita, who longs for freedom and is agitated by the political climate. Margarita responds with fiery passion, vowing she will not be sent to a convent, preferring to face the dangers of the tumultuous times. The opening chapters introduce themes of defiance, familial bonds, and the struggle for national identity, illustrating Rita's resolve to break free from the constraints imposed upon her and embrace her path as an active participant in her nation’s fight for independence.