My Native Land is Memory: Stories of a Cuban Childhood

A new memoir by a California-based Professor of Women's Studies, Dr. Oliva Espín. Espín's life and work as a scholar and teacher moves between Cuba and the United States in a moving narrative authored by a feminist educator who left her mark in the United States and Latin America. Published by the oldest university press in the California State University system, San Diego State University Press.Advance Word on My Native Land is Memory“Reading My Native Land is Memory: Stories of a Cuban Childhood, through my own memories of my teacher, allowed me to discover a new story, something different from the person I knew as a teenager and her student, but fascinating and enriching at the same time. This book helped me discover the brave nakedness of her soul. It made me understand again that each human being can be a source of enlightenment for others if that person is able to write down dreams, losses, weaknesses, and triumph. In reading this book I discovered my own life anew, the life I left behind when I left Cuba and I understand.”Virginia Aponte | Theater Director and Professor Emerita | Universidad Católica | Andrés Bello, Caracas, Venezuela“Right from the beginning, My Native Land is a raw, compelling journey to a Cuba about to be changed forever. Oliva Espín’s unique perspective and powerful writing emotionally captures an immigrant’s story that resonates across countries and is relevant today.”Ronnie Ramos | Executive Editor - The Daily Memphian“Oliva Espín gives us a personal and moving view of her life as a girl looking for her identity and independence in those difficult days in Cuba. Beautifully written.”Teresita Yániz de Arias Movimiento de Mujeres | Secretaria Nacional del Plan Alimentario Nutricional Diputada de la República 1999-O4. 2004-O9 | Panama