Inés lives under the weight of expectations—from her family, her husband, and the Catholic Church. In the end, each betrays her. The youngest of four sisters, she’s considered the sweetest and most beautiful by her mother—perhaps the very reasons her sisters envy her.
Orange Wine by Esperanza Hope Snyder opens with Inés in labor with her second child, a daughter, while her husband, Alessandro, is in bed with one of her sisters. The betrayal isn’t entirely shocking: her sister’s reaction to Inés’s engagement, a questionable “rendezvous” on the wedding day, and Alessandro’s frequent absences all hinted at it.
While her first child, a son and heir to Alessandro’s name, meets traditional expectations, the birth of her daughter forces Inés to reflect on the life she wants for this girl—one who will grow into a woman like herself. Soon after, Alessandro abandons them fully.
When Inés meets Régulo, she is swept up by feelings of love and longing. His tenderness toward her and her children offers a sense of renewal—free from judgment or constraint. But when Alessandro returns and her brother considers the priesthood, the Church’s hold over marriage and legitimacy resurfaces
Orange Wine is the debut novel by Esperanza Hope Snyder, whose background in poetry and drama informs her lyrical prose. Inspired by her own family history, the novel earns its somewhat fairy tale ending—one that might seem improbable to some, but forgivable in light of its personal roots.
Fans of Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Quartet—especially My Brilliant Friend—will likely be captivated by Orange Wine as well.
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I was provided an Advance Reader Copy of Orange Wine by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Orange Wine will be available to all readers on Sept. 30, 2025.
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