CAMAGÜEY.- Reading aloud with my daughter is one of those small wonders that, when they happen, leave a trail of happiness. We don’t always have the time, but when we do, we take turns reading pages, sometimes entire chapters, and let the story wrap around us. This time, the book accompanying us has been a special gem: An Emperor in the Caribbean, by the Camagüey-based writer Evelin Queipo.
This book came into our hands in an almost magical way. Evelin, invited by Jesús Zamora to his literary gathering on Friday, brought a single copy, the only one she could give away that evening. My daughter was the lucky recipient. With a heartfelt dedication, the author gifted her a book that was not only an adventure story but also a symbol of friendship and gratitude.
The story of An Emperor in the Caribbean is, in itself, a feat. The children's novel was a semifinalist for the 2024 Altazor Prize, and, although it didn’t win, it had the fortune of being published alongside three other semifinalists. Evelin shared that the book was edited in just 15 days, an almost utopian achievement in Cuba’s publishing landscape. With vibrant illustrations by Tania Salcedo, it features crisp white pages and a font size that makes reading easy. Its very existence is a small miracle.
But the best part came later, when we started reading it. My daughter, with her sharp humor and enthusiasm, quickly picked up the rhythm of the story. One of the characters, an Atlantic gull, made her laugh with its antics. It’s a bird that repeats phrases like a parrot, and its spinning eyes make it a bizarre yet lovable figure. In one surreal scene, the gull even starts in a nightmare where its eyes turn into rolling barrels on a boat.
A Story That Teaches While It Entertains
Beyond its narrative charm, An Emperor in the Caribbean is also an educational tool about marine wildlife. Through its pages, we learned that there are around 19 types of penguins, and the book introduces us to some of the most fascinating ocean creatures: the gannet, the orca, the shark. Even the eccentric gull contributes to the learning experience when, at a key moment, it squawks the word "School of fish!" Immediately, my daughter asked what it meant, and the answer wasn’t just in the text but also in the illustration, which visually clarified the concept. This seamless blend of storytelling and imagery enhances learning naturally and enjoyably, making reading a space for discovery.
Inclusion at the Heart of the Story
Inclusion is a fundamental pillar here, reflecting one of Evelin Queipo’s central concerns as an author. The story features several characters with disabilities, particularly within the autism spectrum. The mailman, Elmer, has mild autism, while his brother-in-law and a boy at Tomás’ birthday party seem to have more profound forms of the condition. The latter is a withdrawn child, isolated from the rest. Evelin upholds the idea that friendship is a form of therapy, and this is reflected in the characters' development.
The relationship between Tomás and Elmer is key in this sense: the young mailman finds in the child’s company a space for connection, while Tomás—whose hyperactivity goes beyond mere mischief—learns to channel his energy more constructively. Friendship, presented here as a bridge to understanding and empathy, becomes the driving force for positive change in both characters.
A Reflection on Parenthood
The role of parents is another point of reflection in the story. Tomás’ mother, Mrs. Constancia, is a firm-minded woman who detests animals, forcing Tomás to hide the penguin’s presence in his life. Her attitude, beyond just disliking pets, reveals a family dynamic where communication and understanding seem limited. Meanwhile, Tomás’ father is absent from his daily life, a fact the mother highlights with a cutting remark:
"What’s truly strange is a father who doesn’t enjoy spending time with his child!"
This statement not only underscores the lack of paternal involvement but also invites reflection on the importance of shared time in parenting. In this context, Tomás’ bond with Elmer becomes even more meaningful, as the young mailman unintentionally but genuinely assumes a role of companionship and friendship that the child deeply craves.
A Language That Crosses Borders
One of the strengths of An Emperor in the Caribbean is its accessible yet carefully crafted language. Evelin Queipo chooses a tone that, while natural, avoids strong Cuban colloquialisms, opting for a form of Spanish that can be understood in any Spanish-speaking context. The author acknowledges that submitting to an international competition required a conscious decision to make the book more universally accessible.
Although I don’t have the exact details of whether the Altazor Prize guaranteed the publication of semifinalists, the fact that her book was selected suggests both the quality of her writing and the importance the contest places on children's literature. Evelin masterfully balances simplicity and richness of expression, crafting a fluid, engaging narrative without unnecessary embellishments.
The Challenge of Accessing Contemporary Cuban Literature
Access to books like this in Cuba is an issue that cannot be ignored. In literary events featuring Cuban authors who have gained international recognition, I’ve often heard the same question:
“What about Cuban readers who can’t buy books on Amazon?”
Listening to these authors talk about their publishing successes, I noticed that none mentioned donating a copy to a public library. I didn’t ask at the time, but this time, I did ask Evelin. Her response was clear:
"My book is not in the library. I used to donate them, but not anymore."
There is a growing perception among Cuban authors that their work is safer in their own hands. This reality, far from being a trivial detail, highlights a larger issue: the difficulty of accessing contemporary literature within the island and the lack of mechanisms to ensure these books reach the readers who need them most.
A Story That Stays With Us
Reading together is more than just turning pages; it’s about building memories, sharing emotions, and strengthening the friendship that also lives within stories. An Emperor in the Caribbean gave us an unforgettable journey, and more importantly, it reinforced the magic of books as a way to connect.
The climax of the story was particularly intense. I won’t give away spoilers, but the final scene had us on edge: Tomás, the hyperactive boy, and Elmer, the mildly autistic young mailman, are watching over an egg that’s about to hatch. They believe there’s a penguin inside, but they’re not entirely sure.
At that moment, my daughter, anticipating the ending with a spontaneous burst of laughter, exclaimed:
"Don’t tell me it’s a gull!"
She couldn’t have found a more perfect way to close the book—with humor, surprise, and that special bond that only shared reading can create.
Translated by Linet Acuña Quilez