Una isla llamada Virgilio

Una isla llamada Virgilio, edited by Jesús Jambrina, is a compelling collection of essays, testimonies, and poems dedicated to the multifaceted Cuban writer Virgilio Piñera (1912-1979). This volume, originally a dossier for La Habana Elegante magazine celebrating Piñera's centenary, explores novel approaches to his work, with a special focus on his poetry and narrative.

The book delves into Piñera's connections with other prominent figures like Wilfredo Lam and the *Orígenes* group, examining the Afrocuban presence in his work and his role as a literary critic. It also illuminates his collaboration with Witold Gombrowicz in Buenos Aires and the pervasive use of paradox in his writing as a tool to dissect national identity and cultural institutions.

From exploring Piñera as a correspondent through his letters to analyzing his critique of poetry, Una isla llamada Virgilio paints a vivid picture of a writer who, despite challenging Cuba's official cultural narratives and often being marginalized, left an indelible mark on Latin American literature. The collection closes with celebratory poems from distinguished figures like José Lezama Lima and Severo Sarduy, affirming Piñera's enduring influence across generations and his secure place in literary posterity.