Ashes of Izalco

Clara Isabel Alegría Vides (born May 12, 1924) is a Nicaraguan poet, essayist, novelist, and journalist who is a major voice in the literature of contemporary Central America. She writes under the pseudonym Claribel Alegría. She has been called "one of the region's finest writers" by The Washington Post. She has published over forty books including fifteen collections of poetry, and is a recipient of the Casa de las Americas Prize of Cuba. Her works in English include Ashes of Izalco, Luisa in Realityland, and Family Album. In 1947 Alegría married the U.S.-born journalist Darwin J. ("Bud") Flakoll; they had three daughters and one son. Flakoll coauthored some of her novels and translated much of her work into English. He died in 1995. Alegría's Sorrow, a collection of love poems, was written for her deceased husband.

""One of the most important Central American novels of the 20th Century."" -- Carolyn Forché|""A haunting short novel that sets a story of love and passion against feverish peasant uprising..."" -- Kansas City Star |""Explores the impossibilities of love and freedom in a traditional society overwhelmingly stifled by subtle as well as brutal force."" -- Mid-American Review