The Dark Bride by Laura Restrepo
Sayonara is a beautiful Indian prostitute of Tora, a city in the Colombian forest. Once a month the oil riggers of the Tropical Oil Company descend upon the city, where Sayonara is a legend and no one is immune to her charms. Sayonara rules their squalid paradise like a queen, until one day - against the sage advice of her 'Godmother' - she violates the unwritten rules of her profession by falling in love with a man she can never have. Sayonara's unrequited passion has tragic consequences not only for herself, but for all those whose lives ultimately depend on the Tropical Oil Company. A lush romantic novel about the world of prostitutes in Barrancaberma, Colombia, inspired by historical events. Full of tragedy and compassion, THE DARK BRIDE lovingly recreates the lusty, heartrending world of Colombian prostitutes and the men of the oil fields who are entranced by them.