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Author Carlos Fuentes shares his unique view of Mexico with the world through his books, plays, stories and essays
At age 8, Carlos Fuentes began his publishing career. He made a magazine using crayons and drawing paper and stuck it up on a wall of the Mexican embassy in Washington, D.C. His father worked there as a diplomat, representing the Mexican government. He encouraged young Carlos' interest in writing. Carlos grew up to become a diplomat and a writer. Fuentes' novels have had a strong influence on Latin American literature. Today, at 72, he is known around the world for his novels, short stories, plays and essays on literature and politics.Politics, Passion and a Pen
Fuentes' stories and books help foreigners understand his homeland. His award-winning novels help people everywhere understand Mexico, its history and its social problems.
Many book critics say Fuentes' novels are accurate portraits of Mexico because he sees the country from two points of view — with the passion of an insider as well as the distance of an outsider. Fuentes was born in Panama City, Panama, in 1928 and lived in both the U.S. and South America as a child. He and his Mexican parents moved to Mexico when Fuentes was a teenager. Today he spends half the year in Mexico and the rest in London and the U.S. The author, who loves to debate social, political and cultural issues, also appears at international meetings about issues that concern Mexicans, who, he says, "are splendid, hardworking people."
A Man of Controversy
Fuentes is a strong believer in the virtues of mixed cultures. He says the presence of millions of Spanish speakers in the U.S. is good for the nation. "The United States has become a multicultural nation, which makes it stronger, not weaker," says Fuentes.
Fuentes' political point of view and criticism of U.S. policy on Latin America has cost him dearly. He was barred from the U.S. for much of the 1960s. U.S. Senator William Fulbright supported a campaign by writers all over the world to let Fuentes back in.
Whether they agree with his views or not, critics worldwide consider Fuentes a wonderful storyteller who brings Mexico's history to life. Fuentes says it is good for all people — especially kids — to express themselves in writing: "Kids have plenty of imagination, and teachers and parents should try not to stunt it."
