New York: Harper Collins, (1999.) dj. Hardcover first edition - Fifth novel by the Pulitzer prize winning author of 'The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love. " Set in New York City in the 1940's to the 1960's, this is the story of a beautiful and once prosperous Cuban emigre, who becomes a cleaning lady, but remains an 'empress of fortitude and dignity.' 342 pp. ISBN: 0-06-0175702.