Song of the Boricua
by Olivia
Castillo
GENRE: Fiction
BLURB:
Puerto Rico an island of contradiction, serves as an enchanting
backdrop following three generations of women.
Elena: Resilient and ambitious, but trapped by duty to her children.
Maria: Passionate and headstrong, but married to a man she
does not love. Josephina: Optimistic and romantic, but in love with an
alcoholic.
Isabella: Clairvoyant and spiritual, but denies her heritage and
roots.
Like the land these women are held hostage, unfulfilled and unable to find their happiness. Each generation like the land is cursed. Can they defy the powerful bond of the curse and free themselves to find love everlasting?
New Author, Olivia Castillo, like the jibaros of the past weaves a tale of sorrow and joy. Castillos' fiction is timely, offering a glimpse into the islands rich history and offering insight into the story that has plagued women for all of time, the search for true love and acceptance of self.
Excerpt:
Maria
Bronx,
NY, February 1957
As
Maria glanced around she spotted the most gorgeous guy she had ever seen. He
was tall and broad-shouldered, with thick brown hair pulled back in a shiny
pompadour. He had olive skin and his eyes were a deep onyx. Under a letterman's
jacket he was wearing a tight-fitting sweater.
She
watched him from across the room, unable to look away. When he looked up, their
eyes met. She felt a shiver go down her spine; he smiled at her, flashing
dimples. Maria, trying to be nonchalant, walked over to the table and poured
herself a glass of fruity punch, aware of his eyes still on her. She kept her
eyes down and swayed to Elvis singing
“Jailhouse
Rock.” Only seconds later she felt someone step beside her.
“Hi,
doll,” the dark-haired guy said to her. “Are you new? I’m Rick, by the way.” He
held out his hand in a friendly gesture.
Wow,
he is tall! Maria thought in awe. Giving him her most beguiling smile she said,
“I’m Maria, and no, I’m not new, but this is the first school dance I’ve ever
been to.”
“Boss,”
Rick said enthusiastically, showing dimples again, and brilliant white teeth.
“So, who are you here with? Or rather, where is he?” Rick asked, looking
around.
“No
boyfriend,” Maria admitted, laughing a little. “My mother would flip.
Unfortunately, I am here with my little sister,” Maria said raising her voice
so Corinna could hear. Corinna, who had not gone too far, looked up upon
hearing her name and waved.
Interview with Olivia
Castillo
Can you tell us a little
bit about the characters in Song of the Boriuca?
Song of the Boricua is a
multi-generational story about four women, conflicted, searching for self
acceptance. Elena who is über responsible and studious, yet gives up her dreams
for love. Maria who is impulsive and passionate, is married to someone she
hates. Josephina who is a hopeless romantic, is married to an alcoholic,
and Isabella, who is clairvoyant, but not in touch with herself.
Can you tell us a little
bit about your next books or what you have planned for the future?
I am planning write two
more books based on this book, Song of the Boricua. After I have
written them, I have another book that is the same genre, but based in England
and America.
How long would you say it
takes you to write a book?
For this book it took six
years. It was mostly done in four, but then I let it go for two more. I plan to
have the second book finished by next summer.
What is your favorite
childhood book?
My favorite childhood
book is, The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams.
If you could spend the
day with one of the characters from Song of the Boriuca who
would it be? Please tell us why you chose this particular character, where you
would go and what you would do.
The character I would
choose from Song of the Boricua to spend the day with is
Josephina. I would love to go back to the Puerto Rico of the 1930’s and visit
Yauco, the coffee plantation I wrote about.
What was the hardest
scene from Song of the Boricua to write?
I think the hardest scene
from Song of the Boricua is the rape scene. I am a survivor of
rape, and I know what it’s like to be used, abused, and then not believed.
What made you want to
become a writer?
As a child books were a
way I could escape my home. I loved how you could be transported to another
time and place just by picking up a book.
Just for fun:
a) Favorite song- “Moonlight Sonata”
b) Favorite
book- Gone with the Wind
c) Favorite movie- “Cinema Paradiso”
d) Favorite TV show- “Naked and Afraid”
e) Favorite Food- Seafood
f) Favorite drink- Pina colada
g) Favorite
website- Anything with travel.
Thanks
so much for visiting with us today!
AUTHOR
Bio and Links:
Olivia Castillo is a New York
native. After going to the prestigious Fiorello H. Laguardia High School of
Music & Art and Performing Arts, she went on to study graphic design at
Otis Parson's College in Los Angeles. Along with being an entrepreneur, she is
the mother of three children, and grandmother of two. When not writing or
spending time with her family, she travels the world and paints. Song of the
Boricua is her first novel.
Buy
on Amazon now: https://amzn.to/2P63Wh9
The book will be on sale
for $0.99.
Giveaway:
$10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC
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5 comments:
How long did it take you to write your book? Congrats on the release. Bernie Wallace BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com
Really loved the blurb, sounds great!
Which author had the biggest influence on your career as a writer? Best wishes on your books release. Bernie Wallace BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com
Loved the excerpt can't wait to read this.
On behalf of Author Olivia Castillo: I have limited internet access until Wednesday. I will respond to all comments as soon as I can. Thank you all for following.
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