Dayana
I was aware of the situation that El Salvador faced during the recent civil war, however, it was not until I opened your book “One Day of Life” that I really understood what had happened. Your book also made me remember the stories that my ex-husband shared with me about how he had to deal with the government and how much his family suffered in El Salvador. However, the book made it seem more realistic because I was able to relate to what the main characters dealt with. I can understand in some way because I am from Guatemala and also my country had to deal with 30 years of war. By turning each page, I was able to imagine how much the people suffered and were killed by those inhuman people. It was really sad to learn how many people were murdered in the hands of others who thought that they were superior. The character of Lupe was incredible because she had the willpower to continue her life despite the killing and death of her family members.
On the other hand, your book had good passages that made me feel happy. Since I grew up in Guatemala, I can relate to the wonderful stories in your book. They made me reminisce about the old folklore that I used to hear as a child. For example, my grandmother used to tell me about La Llorona. Your book made me appreciate what I have: freedom, security, rights, and health.
Sincerely yours,
Dayana Salazar
Dayana wrote this piece for the 5th Annual Writer to Writer Challenge – a contest sponsored by the California State Library and the California Center for the Book. This contest asks adult learners from across the state to write a letter to the author, living or dead, of a book that they read and was meaningful to them.
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