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:
Maria
Bronx, NY, February 1957
As Maria glanced around she spotted the most gorgeous guy she had ever seen. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with thick brown hair pulled back in a shiny pompadour. He had olive skin and his eyes were a deep onyx. Under a letterman's jacket he was wearing a tight-fitting sweater.
She watched him from across the room, unable to look away. When he looked up, their eyes met. She felt a shiver go down her spine; he smiled at her, flashing dimples. Maria, trying to be nonchalant, walked over to the table and poured herself a glass of fruity punch, aware of his eyes still on her. She kept her eyes down and swayed to Elvis singing
“Jailhouse Rock.” Only seconds later she felt someone step beside her.
“Hi, doll,” the dark-haired guy said to her. “Are you new? I’m Rick, by the way.” He held out his hand in a friendly gesture.
Wow, he is tall! Maria thought in awe. Giving him her most beguiling smile she said, “I’m Maria, and no, I’m not new, but this is the first school dance I’ve ever been to.”
“Boss,” Rick said enthusiastically, showing dimples again, and brilliant white teeth. “So, who are you here with? Or rather, where is he?” Rick asked, looking around.
“No boyfriend,” Maria admitted, laughing a little. “My mother would flip. Unfortunately, I am here with my little sister,” Maria said raising her voice so Corinna could hear. Corinna, who had not gone too far, looked up upon hearing her name and waved.
Why has dance always inspired you?
I think back in my life and I see that dance has always been an outlet. It’s where I met my romantic partners and where I found myself.
When I was thirteen I started going to the church dances. It was at the end of the 1970s, so I remember twirling as I danced to a Donna Summer song. It is where I also started to notice boys. Every week my sister and I got ready for the dances, always hoping for tall, dark, and handsome, but getting small, nerdy and frisky. We had a blast escaping the house and beginning to explore ourselves.
It was also at a church dance where I met the first man who would change my life. We had moved to California and this man was tall, tan, and blonde. He was extremely awkward and I remember him inhaling the helium out of the balloons, talking to me and speaking in a squeaky voice.
It was dancing salsa twenty-three years later where I found myself again. I had gone through a grueling ten years and was going through a divorce. I had always wanted to learn how to salsa dance and one night my girlfriend and I decided to take the leap.
I am so glad I did. It helped me find my passion again. It helped me get in the best shape of my life and it helped me find the love of my life.
I will always try to have dance in my life.
Don’t forget to visit the other stops on the tour.
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.
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