Esmeralda Santiago is the author of three groundbreaking memoirs; When I was Puerto Rican and Almost A Woman, which she adapted into a Peabody Award-winning movie for PBS’s Masterpiece Theatre, and The Turkish Lover. Her novels include America’s Dream, the national best seller Conquistadora, and Las Madres. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Esmeralda lives with her husband documentary filmmaker Frank Cantor in Westchester County, New York.
Esmeralda Santiago, a name synonymous with resilience and the power of storytelling, was born in 1948 amidst the sugarcane fields of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. The eldest of eleven children, her early life was shaped by the struggles of a poor, rural family. Raised primarily by her single mother, Mami, Santiago learned firsthand the tenacity required to survive on the land.
Moving to Brooklyn New York
In 1961, at the tender age of thirteen, Santiago's life took a dramatic turn. Her family migrated to Brooklyn, New York, seeking a better economic future. This shift, however, brought immense challenges. The bustling city, a stark contrast to their rural existence, presented a harsh cultural divide. Language barriers, economic hardship, and the sting of discrimination became their new reality.
Despite these obstacles, Santiago possessed an unwavering determination. She quickly mastered English, a testament to her intellectual agility. Her academic prowess earned her a place at the prestigious High School of Performing Arts in New York City. There, she immersed herself in the world of theatre and dance, harboring dreams of artistic expression.
However, the financial realities of her family forced Santiago to postpone her artistic aspirations. For eight years, she juggled multiple jobs to support her family while attending community college part-time. This period of sacrifice instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility and a burning desire for a brighter future.
Harvard and Beyond
Santiago's turning point arrived when she received a life-changing scholarship to Harvard University. This opportunity propelled her into a world she could only have dreamed of. Excelling in her studies, she graduated magna cum laude in 1976. This academic achievement marked a significant milestone, not just for her personally, but for her entire family.
Following Harvard, Santiago pursued a Master of Fine Arts degree from Sarah Lawrence College. Throughout this period, the seeds of her literary voice began to take root. The experiences of her childhood, the cultural clashes of immigration, and her journey of self-discovery simmered within her, yearning for expression.
In 1993, Santiago's powerful memoir, "When I Was Puerto Rican," burst onto the literary scene. The book chronicles her childhood in Puerto Rico and the challenges of adapting to life in New York City. It resonated with readers of all backgrounds, offering a poignant and unflinching portrayal of the immigrant experience. The memoir's success catapulted Santiago to national prominence, establishing her as a leading voice in contemporary American literature.
Collection of her Work
"When I Was Puerto Rican" was followed by a string of successful works, including "America's Dream" and "Almost a Woman," which further delved into themes of identity, cultural navigation, and the struggles and triumphs of Latina women. Santiago's writing is characterized by its raw honesty, vivid imagery, and a deep empathy for the human condition.
Beyond her memoirs, Santiago has authored children's books, novels, and essays. Her work has been translated into multiple languages, reaching a global audience. Her impact extends far beyond the literary realm; she has actively championed media literacy and encouraged others to find their voices through storytelling.
Esmeralda Santiago's life story is a testament to the power of education and perseverance. She navigated a path from the sugarcane fields of Puerto Rico to the hallowed halls of Harvard, becoming a celebrated writer and an inspiration for millions. Her voice continues to resonate, reminding us of the strength found in facing adversity and the transformative power of sharing our stories.
Best Selling Books by Esmeralda Santiago
Esmeralda Santiago’s story is as vivid and evocative as her name. The oldest of eleven children, she began life in a rippled zinc shack in rural Puerto Rico, where the coqui tree frogs sang at night in mango groves. At the age of thirteen, she left this magical landscape when her mother gathered her huge family and set off for New York with dreams of a better life
In a decaying Brooklyn tenement, forbidden to go outside near the dreaded “projects,” Esmeralda kept her bothers and sisters enthralled with stories while her determined mother supported them all by working in a bra factory. The chance (a long shot) that would eventually lead to Harvard and a career comes at an audition for the High School of Performing Arts, delivering a dramatic monologue of which neither she nor the judges can understand one word.
Esmeralda Santiago’s Puerto Rican childhood is one of sorcery, smoldering war between the sexes, and high comedy. Hers is a portrait of a harsh but enchanted world that can never be reclaimed.
Almost a Woman is a sequel to When I Was Puerto Rican, the memoir of Esmeralda Santiago's childhood. The story covers her life as an adolescent and young woman when she lived in Brooklyn, New York, with her mother (Mami) and 10 siblings during the 1960s. As Puerto Rican immigrants, the family suffered through periods of poverty exemplified by the author's trips to the welfare office with Mami, where she translated her mother's Spanish so that they could obtain benefits. Esmeralda’s good humor, zest for life and fighting spirit permeate her chronicle and moderate the impact of the hard times she describes. She studied acting at the prestigious Performing Arts Public High School and, despite feeling out of place because of her heritage, she was able to obtain acting work in a children's theater company and had a small role in the movie Up the Down Staircase. She had to lose her Puerto Rican accent to widen her acting range but she never lost her connection to her family and her heritage. Mami prevented her from dating until she was 17, but Esmeralda details several romantic involvements, including a tumultuous affair with a Turkish filmmaker.
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