We asked visiting professor Carmen Boullosa for her Hispanic Heritage Month reading list. She responded with three of her favorites, each one unique in style and voice. They’re now yours to discover. Enjoy!
Thus Were Their Faces
by Silvina Ocampo
Writing during a time of formidable authors, Silvina’s vision was unique and uncompromising. She would later be credited as the main author of Fantastic Literature, a genre that fascinated her companions, Borges and Bioy.
Published by New York Review Books, this story collection is introduced by Helen Oyeyemi, with a preface by Borges, and translated by Daniel Balderstein.
Recollections of Things to Come
by Elena Garro
Published in 1963 and considered to be the first “Magical Realism” novel, Garro blends history and fantasy to create a truly singular work. Translated by Ruth L. C. Simms, the novel is published by the University of Texas Press.
Iphigenia (The Diary of a Young Lady Who Wrote Because She Was Bored)
by Teresa de la Parra
This masterpiece, a beautiful coming-of-age novel, was written by the Venezuelan, feminist writer to great acclaim. Translated by Berti Acker and published by the University of Texas Press.