Books Beyond Borders: An Exploration of Latin American Literature, Film and Culture

Welcome to Books Beyond Borders, my new literary review that will see all the best works from the exotic climes of Latin America discussed and dissected in excruciating detail.

I’ve been intrigued by Latin American literature for a long time. It’s a strikingly varied canon that never ceases to surprise me. Often characterised by the works of seminal writers such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez or Jorge Luis Borges, many tend to forget that the continent is always producing a fresh array of literary talent.

This understanding is what has motivated me to create this blog. I wanted to establish a place that honoured and celebrated the vast range of works coming out of Latin America every day.

Why Books Beyond Borders?

Immigration has become one of the 21st century’s most inescapable topics. National borders are more contested than ever, and liberal ideas are quickly giving way to conservative, isolationist modes of thought that look to stem the freedom of movement.

From Donald Trump’s infamous border wall proposal to Jair Bolsonaro’s portentous anti-immigration rhetoric and Venezuela’s great exodus of peoples, it’s clear that, much like Europe, some countries in Latin America are teetering on the verge of a humanitarian crisis.

With the way modernised countries are struggling with the aftereffects of late 20th century globalisation, I believe that literary freedom and artistic creativity must be preserved and spread across online mediums.

What’s Coming Up?

My first few posts will take a look at works from the untameable tundras of Patagonia to the sun-baked sands of Puerto Rico. But first, to one of Colombia’s most beloved fictional towns - Macondo.

All designs and illustrations featured in this blog have been lovingly crafted by Roman Stevens.