In the Vortex of the Cyclone: Selected Poems by Excilia Saldana

Excilia Saldana's bilingual anthology showcases her diverse writing, including lullabies, erotic letters, autobiographical poems, and reflections on her Caribbean island. She won prestigious awards for her poetry and was known for her construction of a personal and poetic autobiography.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2019
Publisher: University Press of Florida

The Afro-Cuban poet Excilia Saldana has released a groundbreaking bilingual anthology that showcases a diverse range of her artistic creations. Spanning from soothing lullabies to sensuous and intimate letters, from lengthy autobiographical poems to serene contemplations on her Caribbean island as the source of her inspiration, this collection offers a comprehensive glimpse into Saldana's poetic prowess.

Renowned in Cuba as a poet, essayist, translator, and professor, Saldana has garnered significant recognition. In 1998, she was awarded the prestigious Nicholas Guillen Award for Distinction in Poetry, a testament to her poetic excellence. Additionally, in 1989, she received the La Rosa Blanca Prize for La Noche, a children's book, further solidifying her reputation as a talented writer.

Prior to her passing in 1999, the majority of Saldana's work had been published exclusively in Spanish in Cuba, with only a few translations available. This collection, however, highlights her remarkable effort to craft a personal and poetic autobiography, aimed at unveiling the identity of one of the most celebrated Afro-Caribbean poets of the twentieth century.

Through her diverse range of compositions, Saldana invites her readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration. Her poems evoke a deep sense of emotion, capturing the essence of love, loss, resilience, and the complexities of identity. With each verse, she weaves a tapestry of words that resonates with readers, offering a profound understanding of the human experience.

In addition to her poetic prowess, Saldana's contributions to literature extend beyond her poetry. She was a professor at the University of Havana, where she inspired and mentored countless aspiring writers. Her essays and translations have also left a lasting impact, shedding light on the cultural and social nuances of Cuba and the broader Afro-Caribbean region.

Excilia Saldana's bilingual anthology is a testament to her talent and dedication as a poet. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone who appreciates the power of words to convey emotions, provoke thought, and celebrate the beauty of diversity. By presenting a wide array of her work in both Spanish and English, this collection allows a broader audience to appreciate the richness and depth of Saldana's poetic legacy.

In conclusion, Excilia Saldana's bilingual anthology is a remarkable achievement that showcases her poetic prowess and dedication to literature. Through her diverse range of compositions, she invites readers to explore the depths of the human experience and celebrate the richness of Afro-Caribbean culture. This collection is a testament to Saldana's enduring influence and will continue to inspire and resonate with generations to come.

Weight: 232g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813064291