Latin America has produced some of the best writers the world has ever known: Jorge Luis Borges, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Carlos Fuentes, Isabel Allende, Octavio Paz and Pablo Neruda among them. As the nations of the region move towards more democratic forms of government, their citizens are becoming increasingly connected to the world around them. And, of course, literature assumes its usual role as a conduit of culture and ideology. It goes without saying that political freedom allows a populace to consume anything it wants to read. Just ask residents of the former Soviet Union. But, amidst the glory of Latin America’s revitalization, Venezuela seems mired in literary seclusion. According to Roger Michelena, owner of Librerias Michelena and founder of Ficcion Breve (Short Fiction), an independent literary trade publisher in Caracas, barely 1% of titles published in Spanish ever make it to Venezuela.
The nation isn’t just dealing with the usual problems involving distribution and marketing. It has to contend with a government that imposes strict exchange controls – much like the former Soviet Union did to its literary elite and what China often does now to its own writers. It shouldn’t be a surprise to even a minor student of international politics.
Since assuming the presidency in 1999, Hugo Chavez has ruled Venezuela like…well, like Stalin. As with many Latin American leaders, Chavez came to power with a socialist agenda; promising radical changes for the poor and daring to take on the “predatory oligarchs” of the old order. But, in the 13 years since, he’s become more of an autocrat; holding onto his position in much the same way any dictator does. And, when the power and wealth of a nation go into the hands of a few, the lower classes suffer the most. And, among the first things they’re forced to sacrifice is education.
It’s up against this backdrop that Michelena finds himself. In this interview with “Spanish World Book News,” Michelena explains his mission and his passion.
Chief Writing Wolf 