2 pm

Norma Elia Cantú will read from her new novel, Cabañuelas (University of New Mexico Press, 2019), the successor to her award-winning Canícula: Snapshots of a Girlhood en la Frontera, which chronicles her childhood experiences on the border. Nena leaves Laredo, Texas, and moves to Madrid, Spain, to research the historical roots of traditional fiestas in Laredo. Immersing herself in post-Franco Spain and its rich history, its food, music, and fiestas, Nena finds herself falling for Paco, a Spaniard. Nena’s research and experiences teach her about who she is, where she comes from, and what is important to her. As her work comes to a close, Nena must decide where she can best be true to her entire self: in Spain with Paco or in Laredo, her home, where her job and family await her return. After reading, Cantú will talk about the craft of writing a novel—in celebration of National Novel Writing Month (November).

This event is free and open to the public

Presented in conjunction with the University of New Mexico Press