In I, Juan de Pareja, Trevino vividly brings to life Spain during the first half of the 1600s. At this time, Spain's empire spanned most of Latin America, parts of Africa, and regions in the Far East. This era was marked by thrilling adventures, immense wealth, and remarkable achievements in the arts. I, Juan de Pareja sheds light on this captivating period in a fascinating country. The narrative centers on Juan, a slave who embarks on perilous adventures, challenging both the odds and the law to pursue his deep personal ambition: teaching himself to become an artist. The novel explores how people lived in Juan's era and portrays the daily lives of King Philip and the artist Velazquez. Juan de Pareja's adventures are at times exhilarating, consistently suspenseful, and thoroughly enjoyable to read.