Land of Childhood

Book excerpt: Set against the lush backdrop of rural El Salvador at the turn of the century, Claudia Lars' richly evocative memoir is a simple, yet profound tribute to the folklore, customs, and traditions of her people. It is a lyrical exaltation of her land's beauty, brimming with warm, vibrant imagery. Born to an Irish-American father and a Salvadoran mother, Lars takes readers on an enchanting journey that celebrates her dual heritage and reveals, with innocence and charm, the gradual self-awareness of a child who, from a very young age, was endowed with the soul of a poet. Land of Childhood was first published in El Salvador in 1958. Currently in its seventeenth edition, it is an award-winning book that has become a beloved national classic as well as required reading for students in secondary schools and university classrooms.