The Buccaneer

Issue date: 4/22/09 Section: Entertainment

Writer-in-residence Ana Castillo

Known as one of the most prominent and versatile Chicana writers in the United States, Ana Castillo is an inspiration through her novels, poetry and many other works.
Her writing reflects deeply on her involvement in the Latino political, and cultural movements.
She received an American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation for her first novel, "The Mixquiahuala Letters".
This is just one of the many awards she has accomplished throughout her career as an author.
Her latest hit "The Guardians" is a gripping novel about the El Paso/Juarez area and how the border has become an eerie passage where family members who dare to venture routinely disappear, and are found murdered.
Castillo's unique voice speaks loudly throughout "The Guardians" just as a voice that spoke to her one morning led her to write this novel. It said, "Someone is on the other side even now, trying to get across. He is hungry, cold and afraid. His family is waiting for him on this side. They are worried to death."
Castillo questions what makes up a 'family', and where one can seek redemption and faith, particularly in such a cruel world? "The story I started that morning by merely listening has become a book. It is the way all my novels begin." she said.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools