Con la sangre despierta

This is a collection of 11 essays by different authors about their first experiences in a new city. Each voice narrates that memorable first impression in a unique way, sometimes with humor, other times with nostalgia, but always from the viewpoint of a writer confronted with something entirely new. Santiago Rocangliolo recounts his arrival in Madrid as a young and naive student; he is confident about becoming a recognized artist there and yet realizes that all of his Latin American friends have the same dream. Full of humor, Santiago's narration explains how his experience is a reverse migration, since he and most of his friends used to have a better life back in their home countries. Rodrigo Rey Rosa's piece focuses on his literary sojourn in Tangier, Morocco. He narrates how, when he was 21 years old, he met Paul Bowles at a writer's workshop and established a very close friendship with him, eventually translating some of the famous American writer's works. (Bowles also helped him publish some of his poems in English.) Francisco Goldman's narration of his visits to Mexico City is full of nostalgia, as he recounts, among other things, how he witnessed the devastation caused by the terrible earthquake of 1985. This book offers an exceptional gathering of writings that will be deeply appreciated by people interested in travel literature. Highly recommended for all bookstores and libraries with popular literature collections.—María Elena Cruz, Boston, MA