BOLIVIA’S LITERARY WORLD
Almost all literature around the world gains their recognition because of the creative and artistic ability of writers within given communities. Bolivia offers such rich history stemming from the civil struggles for independence. This independence brought forth the development of patriotic literature. Many of the authors who relished in this type of literature and poetry became victims to a government that didn’t allow freedoms of writing. Some authors chose to flee the country instead. Fortunately, or unfortunately, it is these very experiences that have enriched the literary content from this region.
This South American country also inhabits people of mixed cultures some whose descent trace back to Spain. With this Spanish influence, alongside indigenous languages like Aymara and Quechua, Bolivia offers quality poetic writing appreciated all over the world. Bolivia can be termed as a poetry hub. A large percentage of Bolivian writers are poets and this is most likely because of the need for expression; poetry is a great medium that allows this to happen. It comes as no surprise that poets like Adela Zamudio and Adolfo Costa du Rels are role models. Literature majors would definitely benefit from studying the rich work of these poets and here is the reason why:
- Adela Zamudio: Her full name was Paz Juana Placida Adela Rafaela Zamudio Ribero and she is one of the best female poets and educators in Bolivia. Her writings have been loved and marveled for almost a century now since her death and long before that dating back to when she was 15 years old. As an educator she endeavored to incorporate writing and art in schools. Due to her efforts in fighting for women’s rights, October 11 (her birthday) has been named a “Day of Bolivian Women.” Some of her famous work are “Essayos Poèticos” published in 1887, “El Castillo Negro” published in 1906 and “Cuentos Breves” published in 1943.
- Edmundo Paz Soldan: Edmundo is Bolivia’s most accredited contemporary authors. Some of his works include “The masks of Nowhere,” “Amores” “Imperfect,” “Matter of Desire” and some of his recent work such as “North” published in 2011. These contemporary works have given Edmundo the honour of being a literature professor at Cornell University.
- Adolfo Costa du Rels: Adolfo was born in 1891 in Sucre, Bolivia. The only Bolivian to ever receive a Legion of Honor award from France. He studied Law and Literature in France making him a writer and diplomat. His literary works were in poetry, plays, short stories or novels. One of his famous play was the “Les ètendards du roi.”
- Giovanna Rivero Giovanna is known for her works of fiction and short stories. Her works like “The Beast,” “To feel the Dark” and “The Owner of our Dreams” are well received earning her prestigious literary awards. Her modern contemporary production, “The Chameleons,” published in 2002 has shown her venturing into erotic writing.
This list of grandiose poets in and from Bolivia is just a small sample of the many talented and creative individuals that have brought forth and today are still continuing to enrich the literature side of Bolivia. A very talented and gifted group indeed!
