Literary traces of cultural links

Cuban author’s award-winning work explores Chinese influence in his country’s literature

HAVANA—Rogelio Rodriguez, 74, won Cuba’s 2020 National Book Critics Circle Award for a book that examines Chinese influence on Cuban literature.

Published under the title Chinese Traces in Cuban Literature, Rodriguez’s award-winning work provides readers with an in-depth analysis of how novels like My Uncle, the Employee by Ramon Meza and Paradiso by Jose Lezama Lima portray China’s intangible cultural heritage.

The author, also president of the Cuban Academy of the Spanish Language

and a senior professor at the University of Havana, said: “Chinese descendants have substantially contributed to enhancing historical links that unite the two countries.”

His literary essays have gained popularity among writers, critics and university students interested in getting insights into different processes and tendencies in the history of the island’s national literature.

“Our literature has not only portrayed China through literary characters and symbols but also through a fluent dialogue with Chinese customs and traditions embedded in the very heart of the Cuban people,” he said.

He also praised the “positive” steps China has taken to promote Spanish language learning among its population as a “clear proof of Chinese government’s will to strengthen bilateral relations with Latin America and Caribbean countries”.

“Cuba could become a platform to increase dialogue between Chinese people and the Spanish speaking world,” he said, adding that he has never been to China but would love to visit.

An author of a dozen books and a columnist for national and international magazines, he also conducted research on exchanges between Chinese and Cuban people over the years in the 1990s.

The writer is now working on a second edition of his book, which will include new findings gleaned from a relevant study he has been carrying out while sheltering in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hosted by the Cuban Book Institute, the contest for the National Book Critics Circle Award is held annually to recognize the most relevant literary works released by the country’s publishing houses throughout the year as well as to promote creative writing nationwide.

This year’s award ceremony will take place during the 30th Havana International Book Fair, although dates for the event have yet to be confirmed.