Panorama of the MountainsBook Review: Old Rosa by Reinaldo Arenas
Around the World for a Good Book selection for Cuba
Author: Reinaldo Arenas
Title: Old Rosa
Publication Info: New York : Grove Press, 1994, c1989.
Summary/Review:
Old Rosa is a short book with two related stories. The title story is about a woman, abandoned by her husband, who runs a farm and raises her children on her own. When the Cuban Revolution comes she refuses to surrender the farm with tragic consequences. The second story, “The Brightest Star,”is set some years later when Rosa’s youngest son labors on a prison farm for men arrested for homosexuality. The stories are as grim as you can imagine and Arenas’ evocative writing captures the point of view of these distinct characters.
Rating: ***1/2
