Lori Marie Carlson Bücher

Here are the sights, sounds, and rhythms of Cuba, revealed in the evocative works of some of the finest Cuban and Cuban American poets of the twentieth century. In Burnt Sugar, bestselling translator Lori Marie Carlson and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Oscar Hijuelos have created an intimate collection of some of their favorite modern poems, all of which are informed by cubanía -- the essence of what it means to be Cuban. "Cuban" in this sense refers neither to ideology nor to geography but rather to the distinguishing characteristics of Cuban poetry as it has developed over time: clever verbal play, overt rhythmic notes, and an intensity of longing, whether religious, political, or amorous. Many of these poems have never been translated into English before, and taken together they, as the editors say, "produce a vibrant, satisfying sound and vivid imagery. They allow for some understanding of modern-day preoccupations, contradictions, feelings, and attitudes considered to be Cuban." Stirring, immediate, and universal in its sensibility, Burnt Sugar is a luminous collection lovingly compiled by two of the world's foremost authorities on the subject.

Exploring diverse experiences, this collection features ten unique stories centered on American Indian life, offering a raw and original perspective. Each narrative stands apart, showcasing a variety of voices and themes that challenge conventional portrayals, making for an engaging and thought-provoking read.

The narrative follows Lenora Demarest, a determined American beauty, as she pursues her dream of becoming the first female aviator in Puerto Rico. Her journey reflects resilience and ambition, set against the backdrop of a vibrant culture. The story captures her challenges and triumphs, highlighting her strong-willed nature and the unique environment that shapes her aspirations.

“Heartfelt, intelligent. . . imagine Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club crossed with Laura Esquivel’s Like Water for Chocolate . . . . Carlson’s love and appreciation for Latin cadences and culture comes though on every page.”  —  Los Angeles Times Claire is a young, struggling New Yorker whose understanding of life is enriched after a group of older and wiser Latina women bring her into a close-knit their Upper West Side  tertulia . Once a month, they come together for a Sunday afternoon of revelry, at which delicious food and strong opinions are served up in equal measure. Through their recollections and counsel, Claire comes to know the colorful, exotic, and sometimes contradictory attitudes that informed these women's lives. She begins to see her own challenges through a prism more poetic and worldly. Humorous and bittersweet,  The Sunday Tertulia  brings to life cherished Latin traditions and celebrates women's wisdom and spirituality.