Magnolias Amidst the Thorns of Ayacucho is a loving tribute, a homage to a family’s pillar of strength. Telling the tale of Enrique González Cárdenas takes the reader through four generations – from Francisco Sáenz Ráez’s thoughtful and, at times lyrical, intimate weaving, to the testimonies of those family, friends, and associates who knew him and loved him. At the same time, it provides a glimpse into how life was, and continues to be, in Peru for so many people like Enrique.Millions of Peruvians over generations have travelled the life-changing path from vastly diverse provincial regions of the country to the capital city in search of their destinies. They passionately hold on to their rural roots while striving to succeed in their newly found pursuits. Enrique did so in spectacular fashion, surviving the throes of life while still a child, achieving his goals to later become an esteemed educator, civic, and community leader, the central figure of the family he so lovingly forged and supported until his ninety-second year of life – a testimony of fortitude and devotion.Brad Holmes