El hombre, la hembra y el hambre (Autores Espanoles E Iberoamericanos)
Winner of Spain's prestigious Azorin prize for best fiction, this novel takes place in present-day Havana. Two friends meet after many years and begin to discuss their problems. Ruben, an art professor expelled from his teaching position, sells leather goods to tourists, while economist Gilberto works as a butcher. Planning to leave Cuba someday, they reminisce about the women they loved but have lost. Claudia had an art degree but was also expelled from her job in a museum after vehemently opposing the sale of art works. La Mora was a single mother who unwillingly resorted to prostitution in order to feed her child. As the story unfolds, the reader discovers that the two women are one and the same. When Ruben was taken to prison, Claudia found herself pregnant and alone. After she had her baby she met Gilberto but never revealed her true identity. This powerful novel is an indictment of the hardships and injustices afflicting Cubans today. The Cuban-born Chaviano now resides in Miami. Recommended for public libraries.?Jorge GonzalezCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.