From Library Journal
This anthology samples work of Cuban activist poet Cuadra Landrove (b.1931). Trained as a government lawyer, he attacked Batista's corrupt regime and, when Castro's reformist revolution turned into a dictatorship, joined "fringe writers" underground. Tried for conspiracy and sentenced to 15 years (1967-82) in prison, released and now in exile in Miami, he has received many international writers' awards. There are poignant letters and poems (with Spanish versions) written from jail to Juana Rosa Pita, an expatriate Cuban poet; a preface to a 1977 book of poetry; a condensed version of an unpublished polemical essay (1963) about Cuban politics; and an enjoyable monograph, "Writers in Socialist Cuba" (1985), with reminiscences of fellow writers and a lovely evocation of "the stones of old Havana." Years of confinement and ostracism impart to Cuadra's distinctive poetry of protest a deeply felt dignity. An informative introduction by editor Hampton provides background to Cuadra's career and other works. Recommended for libraries interested in Hispanic culture.
- Frank Allen, West Virginia State Coll., Institute
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Frank Allen, West Virginia State Coll., Institute
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product Description
Contains three poems by the exiled Cuban poet, Cuadra, an essay describing his final three years in Cuba when he was free from prison but forbidden to leave Cuba, and other pieces. Readjustment to Havana, reunion with friends and existence under Castro without hope of a better life, are described.
