Finding Freedom in the Shadows

Imagine a place so remote it feels like the edge of the world. That’s Cabo Polonio, Uruguay—a coastal refuge from society’s expectations and the backdrop to Carolina de Robertis’s novel Cantoras. In this gripping tale, five women defy the brutality of Uruguay’s devastating 1970s dictatorship to live authentically and love fearlessly. The Spanish translation captures every ounce of its heart and spirit, drawing you into the quintet’s world with unrelenting beauty.

A Hidden Paradise Meets Harsh Reality

Cabo Polonio becomes a character of its own in the story. Known for its shifting sand dunes, tall lighthouse, and rugged coastline, this remote cape offers solace to the cantoras—queer women daring to exist under an oppressive regime. It’s the perfect metaphor: wild, untamed, and precarious.

Here, the women find what eludes them in Montevideo: freedom. They hide their love and laughter amidst the roar of the waves and the shelter of thatched roofs. De Robertis paints their sanctuary vividly, making you feel the grit of the sand and the sharp sting of salt air. If you’ve ever stood on Polonio’s shores, you know its power to whisper secrets.

Resistance in the Face of Oppression

Uruguay’s 1973–1985 dictatorship was a time of fear and silence. For queer women, it was doubly suffocating. They faced not only state violence but also societal scorn. De Robertis doesn’t sugarcoat this reality—she doesn’t do much sugarcoating at all. Her characters live under constant threat, navigating clandestine relationships while dreaming of a more accessible future.

Each woman represents a facet of resistance. Flaca’s boldness burns like a beacon, while Romina’s quiet defiance reminds us of the courage it takes to simply survive. Malena, Anita, and Paz add their own colors to this kaleidoscope of resilience. Together, they show that freedom is found in grand acts of rebellion and the intimacy of chosen family.

An Intimate Look at Love and Friendship

Love and friendship pulse through every page of Cantoras. These women are not just lovers or friends—they are lifelines. The bond between them is tender yet ferocious, a shield against a world that seeks to erase them. De Robertis captures their relationships with exquisite care, showing the complexity of queer lives at a time when their existence was a revolutionary act.

Their trips to Cabo Polonio become a ritual of reclamation. In one scene, they gather around a makeshift fire, sharing stories as the lighthouse beam sweeps across the night. It’s a simple moment, yet it holds the weight of their collective longing. These are the moments that make Cantoras unforgettable.

Cabo Polonio: A Real-Life Haven

Cabo Polonio is a fitting stage for their story. Even today, it remains off-the-grid—no electricity, no paved roads, just raw beauty. Visiting Polonio feels like stepping into another world. Its lighthouse, built in 1881, stands watch over a rocky promontory where sea lions bask. The lack of artificial light at night transforms the sky into a blanket of stars.

It’s easy to see why De Robertis chose this place. Polonio mirrors the cantoras’ lives: isolated, precarious, yet fiercely alive. It’s a space where the women can be themselves, if only for a weekend.

A Celebration of Visibility

Despite its historical setting, The novel resonates powerfully today. It reminds us that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is ongoing. De Robertis writes with empathy and urgency, weaving a tale that celebrates queer love and resilience.

The story feels like holding a mirror up to the past while asking hard questions about the present. How do we create safe spaces for those who need them? How do we honor the struggles of those who came before us? These questions linger long after the final page.

Why You Should Read It

Cantoras is more than a novel; it’s a testament to the power of love and community. It speaks to anyone who has ever felt out of place, anyone searching for their tribe. It’s also a love letter to the hidden corners of the world where freedom dares to bloom against impossible odds.

Yet, De Robertis doesn’t shy away from the harsh truth: not everyone survives the weight of the past. Some are lost to the traumas that linger, the silences that suffocate, the battles fought in the shadows. For those who don’t make it to the other side, their bravery must not be forgotten. Their courage in facing the unrelenting darkness deserves our recognition—and our deepest respect.

Whether you’re drawn to queer history, lush prose, or unforgettable characters, Cantoras delivers. It’s a story of bravery in the face of oppression and love that refuses to be silenced. Cabo Polonio may be remote, but the voices in this novel echo far and wide.

Grab a copy, let yourself be swept away, and remember: every act of love is a revolution.