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A review by lolasebastian
And of Clay Are We Created by Isabel Allende
4.0
When I was a preteen myself, a boy holding a National Geographic flipped it open to the portrait of Omayra Sánchez and said “that’s what you look like”. He was referring to, exaggerating, my big black irises. At the time I was hurt and disturbed. It might have been the first time I ever properly saw a dead or dying person. But I never forgot the picture, and always wondered where it came from.
Years later, I’m studying Latin American history in university and have developed a liking for Isabel Allende. I knew I had to track down a copy of this story. But where?
Believe it or not, I eventually found And of Clay We Are Created in a 10th grade English curriculum PDF. Looking for it there was probably the nerdiest thing I’ve ever done, but a great lifehack to keep in mind for the future. There’s a lot of curriculum online ripe with literature for the picking
To me, this story seems like the purest form of writing. Allende’s muse in Sánchez, who she has fictionalized here, is an honest and vulnerable thing. I think most writers have a tragedy or two that has struck the core of their humanity. It’s important to write about the things that stir you. And while the reporter in the tale is only somewhat able to exorcise his demons, I think the same can be said for Allende, and all writers.
The Armero Tragedy is a story of help that would never arrive. Omayra’s calm dignity and strength changed Colombia, and the world. I can only imagine how difficult it was for Allende to capture this topic with passion, and tact. I guess all I can say is... well done.
Years later, I’m studying Latin American history in university and have developed a liking for Isabel Allende. I knew I had to track down a copy of this story. But where?
Believe it or not, I eventually found And of Clay We Are Created in a 10th grade English curriculum PDF. Looking for it there was probably the nerdiest thing I’ve ever done, but a great lifehack to keep in mind for the future. There’s a lot of curriculum online ripe with literature for the picking
To me, this story seems like the purest form of writing. Allende’s muse in Sánchez, who she has fictionalized here, is an honest and vulnerable thing. I think most writers have a tragedy or two that has struck the core of their humanity. It’s important to write about the things that stir you. And while the reporter in the tale is only somewhat able to exorcise his demons, I think the same can be said for Allende, and all writers.
The Armero Tragedy is a story of help that would never arrive. Omayra’s calm dignity and strength changed Colombia, and the world. I can only imagine how difficult it was for Allende to capture this topic with passion, and tact. I guess all I can say is... well done.