Prison Diary XLI Huge Prize for Pequeño

Prison Diary XLI: Huge Prize for Pequeño / Angel Santiesteban
Posted on August 2, 2013

The Cuban writer José M. Fernández Pequeño, through his important work,
has set the stage for reversing the meaning of his name ("pequeño" means
"small"), and again has grown like the giant of letters that he surely
is and will remain.

I still haven't read his book, "The Secret Weapon." But I can assure you
that the secret weapon of my friend Pequeño is his goodness, the quality
of his heart, that emanates indelible feelings to those around him, and
his sacrifice for others is bulletproof.

Pequeño, after receiving me in his home, where he hosted me along with
his wife and children, took it upon himself, through another Cuban, to
get me a job in the local subsidiary, of a major foreign publisher, with
the intention of not returning to Cuba.

Here I am, in this horrible prison, happy that Pequeño will continue to
be a leading exponent of Cuban literature, unfortunately in exile, in
the second home country that the Dominican Republic represents for many
Cubans, suffocated by poverty and the ideological pressure of the
totalitarian regime.

They went there to escape the torment of socialism, to write their works
without hunger and, especially, without their children being hungry, and
it could bring them a horizon,that they enjoy today, thanks to the wise
decision to emigrate and then managing to get them out.

Congratulations friend Pequeño, soon we will celebrate in a free Cuba
that will open its arms to receive you once again, as the great writer
you are, and that you would like to enjoy.

Inspired by your prize, I send you the most affectionate hug.


Ángel Santiesteban-Prats, 1580 Prison

30 July 2013

Source: "Prison Diary XLI: Huge Prize for Pequeño / Angel Santiesteban |
Translating Cuba" -
http://translatingcuba.com/prison-diary-xli-huge-prize-for-pequeno-angel-santiesteban/