The Book of Eve

Conversation with Prof. Carmen Boullosa

Posted on October 26, 2023 by isajubes in Literature, Journalism, Philosophy, Philanthropy..., Radio Show "Atenea Americana", SHOW ENG // 0 Comments

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Today we are talking with author Carmen Boullosa, in and on-air live interview on radio from New York, New York all the way to Stanford, California. Born in Mexico City, and currently residenced in New york, Boullosa is a multifaceted writer, known for her prowess as a poet, novelist, and playwright. Her literary work revolve around the intricate themes of feminism, the interaction between religion, superstition and skepticism, and the reevaluation of gender roles within the rich tapestry of Latin American culture and hispanic traditions.

With an impressive oeuvre of nineteen published novels, Boullosa’s work also dwells in different periods, locations and characters, but with her unique and unmistakable stylistic imprint.

In “The Book of Eve”, Carmen Boullosa reinterprets of the Book of Genesis, but from Eve’s point of view, effectively deconstructing the patriarchal norms that have long underpinned our understanding of the world. From the origins of gastronomy to the domestication of animals, and even the cultivation of land and pleasure, Boullosa weaves a narrative that shifts the focus to the feminine perspective, while explaining the stories of the creation.

“The Book of Eve” traverses the narratives that have shaped perceptions of womanhood for centuries with in most cases make narratives that have contributed to the unfortunate and groundless notion of women as only servant companions to men, a mindset that has, in some cases, enabled violence against women. Through this exploration, Boullosa challenges and dismantles this deeply ingrained, perilous perspective.

Her contributions to literature have earned her a Guggenheim fellowship and among other awards and recognitions. Boullosa holds the esteemed title of Distinguished Lecturer at Macaulay Honors College of CUNY and her literary creations have found their way into multiple languages, including Italian, Dutch, German, French, Portuguese, Chinese, and Russian.

As women from all around the world loose ground in the fight for equality, as mainstream education acknowledges that traditional history is told from the perspective of the winners and the strongest, and it doesn’t always portraits the real account of what happened, we are presented with a “what if” storyline that also explain the main points bringing a fresh, fun but also frightening side.

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