Manuel Zeno Gandía
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Manuel Zeno Gandía | |
|---|---|
 Dr. Manuel Zeno Gandía |
|
| Born | January 10, 1855 Arecibo, Puerto Rico |
| Died | 1930 |
| Nationality | Puerto Rican |
| Notable work(s) | La Charca |
Dr. Manuel Zeno Gandía (January 10, 1855 – 1930) born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, wrote the novel "La Charca" (The Pond), which is considered to be the "first" Puerto Rican novel.
Contents |
[edit] Early years
Zeno Gandia's parents were wealthy land owners in the city of Arecibo, where he was raised. As a child, Zeno Gandia witnessed firsthand the harsh working conditions of the poor farm workers. After receiving his primary and secondary education in his hometown, he went to Spain where he studied medicine at the University of Barcelona's school of medicine. He graduated with the titles of Doctor in Medicine and Surgeon. He developed his love for political literature during his stay in Spain. His interest in politics led him to become an outspoken advocate for Puerto Rican independence.
[edit] Novelist
When Zeno Gandia returned to Puerto Rico, he set up his medical practice in Arecibo. In 1894, he published "La Charca" (The Pond), the first serious Puerto Rican novel, which dealt with the harsh life in the remote and mountainous coffee regions in Puerto Rico. This naturalist novel tells about the injustices that the poor farm hand suffered against the rich landowners. La Charca is a Puerto Rican classic and is one of four novels in "Las Crónicas de un Mundo enfermo" (Chronicles of a Sick World). The other three are "Garduña", "El Negocio" (The Business) and "Redentores". In the 1960s, Zeno Gandia's best-known novel, "La Charca" was translated to English by Kal Wagenheim. It remains in print as "The Pond", published by Markus Wiener Publishers of Princeton NJ.
[edit] Anti-colonial advocate
After Puerto Rico was invaded during the Spanish-American War in 1898, Zeno Gandia traveled to Washington D.C. where, together with Eugenio María de Hostos, he proposed the idea of independence for Puerto Rico. The men were disappointed when their ideas were rejected by the government of the United States and the island was converted into a territory. Zeno Gandia returned to the island where he continued to write and was politically active. As a member of the Puerto Rico Union Party, he also advocated allowing voters to choose among non-colonial options, including annexation, an independent protectorate and autonomy. He died in Santurce, Puerto Rico in 1930.
[edit] Honors
Puerto Rico has honored his memory by naming a school and avenues after him. In his native Arecibo, the Credit Cooperative and an industrial park are named after Zeno Gandia.
An eleven-foot high statue of him was unveiled on March 27, 2007 by Senate President Kenneth McClintock on the grounds of Puerto Rico's Capitol, to honor Zeno Gandía, with grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren in attendance.
