Frequently asked questions
About the Book
Q: What is "The Son of the Woods" about? A: This book is a two-part journey. First, it is a historical biography of General Antonio Duvergé Duval, who was tragically executed in 1855. Second, it is a personal memoir of my ten-year quest to track down his scattered descendants—specifically the lineage of his daughter, Maria de las Mercedes Duvergé—and recount the family struggles with tyrants and dictatorships.
Q:Is this a fictional story? A: No. Every person, date, and event in this book is based on real facts, documents, and historical records. While it reads like a novel—complete with firing squads, car accidents, and secret police—it is a non-fiction account of my ancestors.
Q: Why the title "The Son of the Woods"? A: The title references the General’s early life. As a child, he and his family were forced to flee the Haitian Revolution, surviving in the mountains and forests of the island. This "woodland" upbringing gave him the intimate knowledge of the terrain that later made him a military genius during the Dominican War of Independence.
Q: Does this book reveal anything new about General Duvergé? A: Yes. The book includes rare primary documents, including a letter from the General’s son, José Daniel Duvergé, which offers a first-hand account of the execution and the brutality of Pedro Santana. It also clarifies his birthplace (Puerto Rico) and corrects long-standing myths about his French origins.
Q: I think I might be related to the Duvergé family. Can this book help me? A: Absolutely. Part of my mission is to provide a roadmap for other descendants. The book details the migration of the family to El Seibo, Higüey, and beyond. I also include advice in Chapter 12 on how to start your own search, based on the specific challenges I faced in Dominican archives.
Q: Does the book cover the Trujillo era? A: Yes. The Duvergé family history does not end in 1855. I document the "Tempestuous Times" of the 20th century, sharing oral histories of how my uncles and grandfather survived the Trujillo dictatorship—including the story of a priest who carried a revolver under his cassock and a doctor forced to treat the dictator's brother.
Q: Are the photos in the book real? A: Yes. The book contains over 60 images, including rare family portraits, maps, and documents from the Archivo General de la Nación (AGN), family collections, and newspaper archives.
Q: What sources did you use? A: The book relies on a mix of oral history (interviews with elders), church records (baptismal/marriage certificates), DNA testing, and official documents from the Dominican National Archives. A full bibliography is included in the book for those who want to dig deeper.
Q: How can I contact the author for genealogical exchange? A: I welcome contact from fellow researchers and potential cousins! You can reach me via antonio.a.duverge@gmail.com.
Q: In what formats and languages will the book be available? A: To make this history accessible to different budgets and preferences, the book is being published in three distinct versions, available in both English and Spanish:
Hardcover: A premium edition featuring the full collection of historical maps, family photographs, and primary documents.
Paperback: A text-only edition for a streamlined reading experience.
eBook (ePub): The most affordable digital version (text-only).
(Note: While I originally intended to publish a single bi-lingual volume, I opted for separate language editions to keep the price points lower and improve distribution options for readers.)
