Oct. 2-3, we had the pleasure of hosting Bolivian author Giovanna Rivero, a celebrated alumna of our Ph.D. program in Spanish. Giovanna visited several classes and events across campus, including Associate Instructional Professor Antonio Sajid López’s IDS2935 Fiction vs. Reality course, Professor Mary Ginway’s SPW6902 Latin American Gothic seminar, and the Latin American Studies Book Club, coordinated by Professor Luis Felipe Lomelí.
During her visit, students enjoyed a unique opportunity to delve into Giovanna’s powerful works, “Tierra Fresca de su Tumba” (Fresh Dirt from Her Grave) and “Para Comerte Mejor” (To Devour You Better). “Tierra Fresca de su Tumba” is celebrated internationally for its exploration of violence, trauma, and mysticism in Latin America, often using elements of magical realism and gothic horror to portray life’s darker undercurrents. Its stories challenge readers with their portrayals of resilience and survival in complex social landscapes. “Para Comerte Mejor” offers an equally haunting collection, delving into myths, primal fears, and the supernatural, examining themes of cultural legacy and personal transformation.
These sessions prompted rich discussions, allowing students to explore Rivero’s innovative approach to storytelling, which combines folklore, horror, and deep social commentary to reflect on Latin American identity. Students left inspired, with fresh perspectives on the power of literature to address themes of cultural and existential significance.
