This book is unique because it is the first work in English devoted to study of the fictional oeuvre of Ecuadorian writer Adalberto Ortiz, who is one of the pioneers in African diaspora studies in the Americas. Using a variety of analytical methods, including ecocritical, postcolonial, and postmodern approaches, Lewis explores all of Ortiz's novels, short stories, and poetry. Lewis's intent is to present the evolution of Ortiz as a writer in different genres in order to underscore the need for more discussion of his writing as well as to challenge and expand relevant studies in the African literary diaspora. According to the author, Ortiz viewed his literary expressions as inseparable from his biological heritage. Lewis claims that Ortiz applied an insider's perspective of black culture in writing about slavery, race, and social issues and narrating the genetic exchange involving Indians, Africans, and Europeans in Ecuador. Lewis concludes that Ortiz's prose and poetry went from the 'ethnic margins to the literary mainstream,' going beyond generations and parochial cultures. This book is of greatest interest to scholars of Latin American and African diaspora literature, particularly in Ecuador. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty.

Choice Reviews

Marvin Lewis makes a determined case for including Adalberto Ortiz in the literary canon of Latin American and diasporan studies. His study encompasses the major genres in Ortiz’s literary production, with detailed analysis of individual works in each genre. . . .[R]eaders come away with a very good grasp of the major outlines, thematic content, and trajectory of Ortiz’s work.

Research in African Literatures