Reinaldo Arenas: The Pentagonia (Twayne's World Authors)

Twayne's World Authors SeriesSeries Editors: Frank Day, Clemson University Joseph M. Flora, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Pattie Cowell, Colorado State University Ruth K. MacDonald A volume in Twayne's Authors Series of literary criticism offers a critical introduction to the life and work of a particular writer, to the history and influence of a literary movement, or to the development of a literary genre. Primarily devoted to critical interpretation and discussion of an author's work, the study not only takes account of major literary trends and important contributions in scholarship and criticism but also provides new critical insights and an original point of view. Authors Series volumes are rooted in the original works themselves and address readers ranging from advanced high school students to university professors. The book suggests to the informed reader new ways of considering a writer's work. A reader new to the work under examination will, after reading the Authors Series study, be compelled to turn to the originals, bringing to the reading a basic knowledge and fresh critical perspectives.Groundbreaking in its bold articulation of homosexual desire in an area of the world traditionally known for its machismo and homophobia, the work of the late Cuban author Reinaldo Arenas became widely known to the English reading public with the publication of the English translation of his autobiography, Before Night Falls. The critical and commercial success of this work marked an important milestone in Latin American letters, for it was the first openly homosexual autobiography ever published. Francisco Soto not only explores the significance of this memoir, but also traces for the first time the representation of homoerotic themes and issues in Arenas's entire oeuvre. Arenas's writings--passionate, rebellious, and irreverent--fascinate readers and provoke further dialogue and discussion concerning the homosexual's problematic relationship with society.