Spared Angola: Memories from a Cuban-American Childhood [Paperback]

Virgil Suarez (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1997

The moving collection evokes the agony and frustration borne of growing up in terminal exile and cultural limbo. But, from anguish and turmoil, the artist has wrought inspiration and crafted one of the most eloquent and commanding voices of contemporary Latin American literature. "This slim volume is studded with poetry that adds depth to the characters and action ... With short chapters that flow fluidly between the first and thurd person, Suárez reflects on 36 years as an outsider and on the memories--and the record of them--that kept him sane" (from Publishers Weekly).

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Suarez (creative writing, Florida State Univ.) was born in Cuba in 1962; he left with his parents in 1970 for Spain and then California. One of a growing number of important creative young Latino writers probing their Cuban and American experiences in novel and short story, he has written four novels, among which is the well-known Latin Jazz (LJ 3/1/89). This present volume is a collection of stories, essays, and poems about his childhood in Cuba, Spain, and the United States. The book is delightful reading, particularly the essays about Cuba, and should be part of any Latino literary collection.?Mark L. Grover, Brigham Young Univ., Provo, Utah
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Arte Publico Press; First edition. edition (January 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558851976
• ISBN-13: 978-1558851979
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #562,053 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful memoir written with a steady and insightful hand, May 11, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Spared Angola: Memories from a Cuban-American Childhood (Paperback)

This book pulls you in from page one as it travels like the human subconscious from beautiful memories to the skeletons we place delicately in closets. Suarez's knack for both poetry and prose makes the writing interesting--something you go back to again and again. I recommend this book to anyone who loves great writing and wants to experience another life and experience in a most intimate way.

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good stuff from a interesting fellow, October 22, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Spared Angola: Memories from a Cuban-American Childhood (Paperback)

I read this book twice because it was so unusual. I like the way it blends fiction, poetry, and essays into a congruous whole. Very nice work. I highly recommend this for anyone interested in learning about the Cuban-American experience.