“... not a story of economic migrants but rather the loss and sadness felt by the family and friends that are left behind... sensitively handled.” The School Librarian“...this evocative and thought-provoking story is to be enjoyed by adults and children alike.” CubaSi“I became interested in Cuba after studying Cuban history... about the wet foot, dry feet policy during this and also about those people who tried to escape from Cuba in search of a better life in Florida and beyond. I really wanted to know more about these extraordinary flights for freedom but there seemed to be little in the way of accessible information... I'm sure many of you who know about Cuba's history have guessed that this children's story isn't really a happy one. It's hard to read because it's rooted in deep and troubling truth. Many have lost their lives in the pursuit of a better life and the acknowledgement and realisation of this makes for hard reading... It's a simple story but one encompassing true emotion and the hope of youth. Enrique Perez Diaz has not shied away from heartbreaking content, however, the book is not overly explicit about Alain's fate. This really gives the reader the opportunity to dwell on the themes of hope and friendship but grief and loss too... The voyages of the Boat People are absolutely fascinating but incredibly sad too. I am pleased that this book has been translated into English because I think it will hopefully show many children and adults too that there is another side to this immigration.” May, GoodreadsLetters from Alain by Enrique Perez Diaz translated from Spanish by Simon Breden (Aurora Metro Press, 2008)The panel welcomed the first ever entry from Latin America, a novel by Enrique Perez Diaz (a Cuban author who has won awards in his own country). Letters from Alain, reflecting the experiences of illegal immigration, is the moving story of 12-year-old boy Arturo, who tries to understand why his good friend Alain has leftsecretly. Adults confuse him by providing conflicting views on whether Alain's move was selfish, brave or necessary. The author writes from a clear perspective about complex contemporary issues, which are relevant to the current generation of readers.Award-winning translator Simon Bredon translated Las Cartas de Alain, first published in Spain in 2001. Literary Awards.com.au
