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Most writers would be satisfied to be considered important in any single genre of literature, biography, fiction, non-fiction, comedy, children's books, poetry but Jorge Reyes, a 36-year-old Miami author, sincerely feels he wants to tackle them all. And, he is well on his way to proving that a controversial scribe with progressive leanings can do it, even if he sometimes seeks unconventional ways to deliver his message and display his talent with words.
Reyes an intellectual with a lust for producing unusual literature, shows a new side of his talent by publishing in 2008, of all things, his second book of poetry since 2001, a self-examined look at a love affair gone sour and finding one's self. Not only is the story told in poetic form, but it is done in collaboration with Neith Nevelson, the granddaughter of the great sculptor Louise Nevelson. Neith, an extraordinary artist in her own right, supplies the dark canvases which illustrate Reyes' poetic venture, "Day's Night".
A book of poetry particularly one which so passionately describes his personal life, is not what one would ordinarily expect from a writer who made his mark just a few years ago when he returned to his birthplace in Santiago de Cuba and resonated that trip by turning it into a memoir about what he terms a country in “disharmony” with the world.
"Rediscovering Cuba: A Personal Memoir" told of Reyes' return to Cuba in 1999 to visit the town of his birth and see his maternal grandmother, who was dying of cancer. It was Reyes' first return to the island since emigrating as an 8-year-old child. The poignant retracing of his heritage was Reyes' attempt also to look at the differences of Cubans still living on the island and those Cuban-Americans he knew in South Florida.
Although the book itself is merely a look at one's heritage, much like numerous Irish, Jewish, Italian writers have done when they became hyphenated Americans, some considered the book controversial, even if they hadnít read it. Some didn't like the idea of an American traveling to Cuba at all, and when photographs of Reyes' trip were scheduled to be shown at a city hall, more controversy resumed.
You should be mindful that Reyes book was and is non-political, but in the exile community of 1999 Miami, any excuse to rally against communist Cuba, real or imagined, is a goal.
"Rediscovering Cuba: A Personal Memoir" catapulted him to what he has often called 'infamy' within certain members of the Cuban exiled community. At a time when Cubans shunned upon anyone visiting the "enemy" back in their homeland, a reference to Fidel Castro's Cuba, Reyes broke with tradition and went even against the express wishes of some members of his family. After his return, his scribbles, notes and pages of diaries formed the basis for the book, which actually deals not so much with Cuba as it does about self-identity, memories, time and distance.
His first book came several years ago, long before his return to Cuba tome. "Guia Para Descubrir Tu Cuerpo", a kids' book about the human anatomy written in English and translated into Spanish, has been made mandatory reading material in many Central and South American countries.
Then came "Rediscovering Cuba", still on the bookshelves.
His next book in 2001, a book of poems called "My Words Mean Something", demonstrated his ability to experiment in a different variety of writing style, not just prose. He admits his first attempt at poetry was difficult as he tried to find a comfortable style for his craft.
In a similar vein, his new book is another book of poems. But, he has learned the literary form well. In style and form, (some may say even in quality), "Day's Night" is totally different from anything he's written before. Based on what he describes as a “bad personal relationship,” his ability of self-analysis shows his amazing talent. Not everyone, certainly not such a young man, could find the fervor to express such personal feelings. It will be published this month.
As he has said in some interviews, all his previous writings set the tone for this book, an opus that posed a new set of challenges to a writer who penned the original manuscript while still in college in his early twenties.
Is prolific the proper term to describe Reyes? Friends of Reyes are not surprised at the output of this talented author.
Lorraine E. Kelly, to whom the book is dedicated and who now lives in the UK, says that "Day’s Night" wasn’t even on Jorge’ mind to write, much less publish: “It was such a personal thing for him. I don’t know how he had the courage to sit down and write. Somehow he did; it just happened, like a miracle unfolding. To this very day, I read the poems and I can only say, ‘Wow!”
"Day's Night," was originally written in 2003, but the project was shelved for unspecified reasons until 2008, though specified has been set for its publication. Much has also been written about another book which was shelved for unspecified reasons, "Caramelo's Dream," Reyes's first collection of short stories, yet to be published.
Reyes may think that way, but in reality, a literary profession is being carved for him in many ways, every time he scribbles in his handy notebook.
Published in Entertainment News Weekly, subject to copyright.