THE BETRAYED

In Esparanza's novel, THE BETRAYED, Sobrina finds herself in dire straits, staying in a transit room at Elizabeth's hostel for postgraduate students. Her profound distress is noticed by other women in the room, who press her for her story. Sobrina breaks down, weeping that God has deserted her, only to be reassured by one of the women that God never abandons anyone. After hearing Sobrina's tale, the women offer sympathy and share their own experiences, promising her she will recover. When asked about her next steps, Sobrina expresses her inability to remain there and her desire to travel to her friend's place in Saru, the country's capital, but lacks the funds. The women pool their resources, providing her with money for her journey. The following morning, Sobrina departs. Driven by her survival instinct, she resolves to overcome her tragedy by any means necessary, including indulging in marijuana, reckless clubbing, and visiting scenic locations as she fights for recovery.