FICTION
Miguel Angel Asturias (1899-1974) is probably Guatemala’s most famous citizen. He won the Nobel Prize for literature for The President. Read his Nobel Prize bio here. His books include Viendo Fuerte/Strong Wind, Mulata and those listed below:
A new voice in Guatemalan literature recently appeared. In fact, Gaspar Pedro Gonazalez is the first Mayan novelist ever, so this is the first time the Mayas’ story has been told by one of their own. He has written several books of poetry and the following novels:
NON-FICTION
Most of the non-fiction literature of Guatemala recounts the country’s 30-year civil war, the longest in Central America. Although Americans are more familiar with Nicaragua and El Salvador, Guatemala was also aflame. Peace accords were signed in 1996.
For those interested in understanding more about the culture, country, politics and how the United States, in particular, was involved, I recommend learning more through the following books. It is not possible to cover a controversial subject without controversy. This list offers various perspectives on the country, people and politics. Read what interests you and use your own judgment. Either way, you will be more informed and aware through your exploration.
Silence on the Mountain by David Wilkerson
Excellent and compelling account of Guatemala’s thirty-six-year internal war, a conflict that claimed the lives of some 200,000 people, the vast majority of whom died (or were “disappeared”) at the hands of the U.S.-backed military government. Written by human rights worker Daniel Wilkinson.
Bitter Fruit by Stephen Schlesinger, Stephen Kinzer, John H. Coatsworth and Richard A. Nuccio
A highly readable account of the CIA operation that overthrew the democratically elected government of Jacobo Arbenz in Guatemala in 1954. The authors are Latin America experts, and use sources including government documents and interviews with former CIA and other officials. This book is more relevant and timely than ever.
I, Rigoberta Menchu: An Indian Woman in Guatemala
Testimonio of the Nobel Prize Laureate as told to Elizabeth Burgos-Debray. Although controversial, this book has been used in many Latin American studies classes. This book gives a good understanding the Mayan culture and what life was like for highland villagers during the Guatemalan civil war. Read Rigoberta Menchu’s biographpy at http://nobelprize.org/peace/laureates/1992/tum-bio.html
Crossing Borders by Rigoberta Menchu
A memoir written several years after she received the Nobel Prize about her life as a Mayan woman and activist.
Roberta Menchu and the Story of All Poor Guatemalans by David Stoll
Stoll questions the account of Rigoberta Menchu’s childhood and wartime experiences as described in her self-titled book.
The Rigoberta Menchu Controversy edited by Arturo Arias
A collection of newspaper articles, interviews and official statements chronicling the debate about truth and meaning following publication of David Stoll’s book (above).