Dr. Chen Hsiao-chuan, Chair of Institute of the Americas recently released her new book The Magical Cuba (in Chinese) which unveils the mysterious Central American country by introducing its literature, cuisines, music, etc. Dr. Chen, who used to study in the National Autonomous University of Mexico and acquired her doctorial degree on Latin American Studies there, has traveled many countries in Latin Americas. She is especially interested in Cuba.

“Cuba in the 19th century is a harbinger for modernism,” Chen noted. Then in the 20th century, Cuba found itself in the atmosphere of magic realism, she added. She said she hopes readers can forsake their bias views on the nation’s political stance and learn the country from an artistic perspective to truly appreciate the diverse cultures and mysterious literature of Cuba. ( ~Yeh Yun-kai )