Song of the Boricua by Olivia Castillo

Today I welcome Olivia Castillo to my blog to talk about her book, "Song of the Boricua" 

The book is set in Puerto Rico, near where I grew up in the Caribbean, so of course I'm interested!

1. Can you tell me a little about yourself, and how you became an author?

Olivia: I am an artist, mom, grandma and entrepreneur. I have always loved books and writing. I decided one day to write a book to leave to my children about their Puerto Rican side.

2. What is your book about?

Olivia: Song of the Boricua is a sweeping, multi-generational story about three generations of women, the conflicts and issues they have being Puerto Rican and American.

3. Who is your hero/heroine? Is he/she based on someone in real life?

Olivia: One of my heroes is my mother. She is a person that never gives up and has gone through many trials and tribulations.

4. What are your favorite times for writing? Morning? Evening?

Olivia: I write mostly at night when everyone is asleep.

5. Who are your favorite authors? Did they influence your writing, and if so, how?

Olivia: Some of my favorite authors are Gabriel Gonzalez Marquiz, Alex Haley, Alice Walker, Margaret Mitchell, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

They all inspired me, especially telling a story through multiple generations. I loved the history and depth of Alex Haley, and the humor of Gabriel Marquez. I also loved Fitzgerald’s descriptions and dreamy way of writing.

6. Did you have a favorite book as a child? Did it influence your choice to become an author?

Olivia: One of my favorites is, The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams. The book inspired me to want to be real and understanding, to love you and be real.

Song of the Boricua

by Olivia Castillo

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GENRE:   Fiction

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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:

Josephina

Yauco, Puerto Rico, February 1932

A young man Josephina had never seen was toiling alongside the workers. He had black hair and was very tan. She watched him work and felt an unfamiliar feeling come over her.

It was something she had never experienced before. She heard Marie chuckle beside her. “Il est beau,” Marie said with a knowing little smile.

Josephina’s cheeks turned as bright as a Poinciana flower. 

“Mon enfant, he’s like you, an orphan. Le pretre asked if we could hire him. How could I deny him, fille?” Marie asked, shaking her head wearily. “We have nothing, but when our priest speaks, how can we refuse direction from up high?” Marie kissed the rosary she had around her neck and made the sign of the cross. She closed her eyes, fanning herself.

Josephina peeked at him, trying not to be obvious. The young man stood up, wiping the sweat from his brow, and took off his hat. He looked toward the house and spotted Josephina staring at him.

She quickly turned away, embarrassed. Again, with telepathic clarity, Marie spoke gently beside her. “His name is Alejandro. He is such a nice boy. I will introduce you aprés mon somme—after my nap.”

A flushed Josephina quickly protested “Mère, no, you must not.” 

Marie chuckled louder, the wrinkles around her eyes deepening. “Listen to your old mère.

You need to be with people your own age, not us vieux gens, old people.”

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.

Author website and blog:  www.oliviacastillo.org

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/songoftheboricua/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviacauthor

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/oliviacauthor/

Buy on Amazon now:  https://amzn.to/2P63Wh9

The book will be on sale for $0.99.

Olivia Castillo will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
  a Rafflecopter giveaway