José Martí-Gevleugeld uit leed geboren

José Martí: Born To Sorrow-Description of Book

Synopsis: The life of José Martí in its relation with the Cuban War of Independence of 1895; the poetry of Versos sencillos and its connection with the song Guantanamera; a short segment about Marti's poetry in relation to the literary world; an explanation of the words “guajira” and “guajiro” as used in Cuba instead of the words “campesina” / “campesino” which are the ones commonly used in other Spanish-speaking countries.

The Prologue explains why Verbrugge chose to publish his work independently instead of through a very well-known Dutch publishing house that felt the name of José Martí was not sufficiently recognized by readers in the Nederlands. “Deel l” or Part l justifies the choice of translating 12 poems of Versos sencillos, keeping the original rhyme. “Deel ll” or Part ll includes 45 poems without the rhyme.

The translator/writer feels that at last the time has come in Holland to make the work and life of José Martí better known and appreciated, as both so well deserve. He hopes his book, published 150 years from the birthdate of this extraordinary writer and defender of liberty, will accomplish this.