In this week's edition of Endnotes, we take a look at Jaquira Díaz's This Is the Only Kingdom, which follows a mother and daughter struggling to live on their own terms in Puerto Rico. In its review, PW called it "a moving family drama."

Here's how the book came together:

Jaquira Díaz

Author

“This is a project that came out of love—for the community where I learned all about storytelling, for the ways we tell stories, make music, raise families, work, take care of each other, and dream. But also, out of a deep respect for the ways we allow each other—and ourselves—to fail, to fail and fail again, and get back up and keep trying. For the ways we are not always our best selves, the ways we are flawed and complicated, and yet we continue to love each other and the place we call home.”

Michelle Brower

Founding Partner and Agent, Trellis Literary Management

“This was the second book in a two-book deal. What was amazing about it was that we had the ongoing editorial support and care of Kathy Pories, who worked closely with Jaquira on her memoir and remained a steadfast guide and supporter, even though Algonquin was sold to Hachette in the time between books.”

Kathy Pories

Executive Editor, Algonquin

“When I acquired Jaquira’s stunning memoir, Ordinary Girls, at auction, it was in a two-book deal, as I knew I’d follow her wherever she wanted to take me. And she took me into this
barrio in Puerto Rico, where one mother and daughter struggle to make a life. I felt their love and struggles so deeply that I did not want to leave.”

Gregg Kulick

Executive Art Director, Little Brown

“Before arriving at the final design, I created around 10 different all-type treatments, each with its own voice. But none quite said what we needed it to say—until we found the right balance of imagery and typography that finally spoke for the story.”