Literature and Censorship in Latin America: Dream Within a Dream, Occasional Papers José Agustín ed. by John Kirk and Don Schmidt (review)

LITERATURE AND CENSORSHIP IN LATIN AMERICA: DREAM WITHIN A DREAM, OCCASIONAL PAPERS BY JOSE AGUSTÍN EDITED BY JOHN KIRK and DON SCHMIDT (Denver University of Denver Press, 1978. Pp. vi + 47. $2.00 paper.) This collection oflectures by Mexican writer José Agustín offers a general history of 20th century Latin American literature. The first lecture presents the trajectory of faction as a gradual move toward liberation from oppression . Latin American narrative has evolved from a narrow naturalistic vision to more universal treatment; the period between 1958 and the early 1970's is most influential for internationalization. Speaking extensively ofthis period Agustín names key writers: Garcia Márquez, Fuentes, Vargas Llosa, and Cortázar, singled out for giving readers creative alternatives. The reader is no longer a passive spectator but an active participant in the creative act. These writers abandon traditional naturalistic, provincial tendencies; fantasy, linguistic neologisms, critical or social realism, humor, and irony dominate. Agustfn's second lecture addresses Mexican fiction since the 1910 Revolution . Landmark novels like Azuela's Los deabajoand Guzman's Eláguilay la serpiente catapulted Mexico into new, significant spheres of expression. Since then, writing by Carlos Fuentes, Emmanuel Carballo and Octavio Paz represent cosmopolitanexpressiveness. However, because ofthe 1968 student massacre, Agustín feels that Mexico has undergone deep cultural, social, and consequently, literary transformation. New styles and techniques showa vast plurality. Contemporary writers have their own conceptions and styles, each attempting to avoid international stylistic looting. The third and most enlightening lecture treats irrational and extreme censorship measures in Latin America, especially Mexico. Government authorities determine "what is correct or beneficial." If Mexico's art and culture are to survive, government censorship must be abolished; "only when there is true liberty ofexpression," says Agustín, "can the artist reallygive the best of himself." In sum, Agustín calls attention to continuing production of quality Latin American fiction which not only perseveres on a national and international scale, but will grow in the future. JUNE DJCKINSON CARTER* •JUNE D. CARTER teaches at the University of New Mexico. Her specialization is Latin American literature. She has published work on the internationally known Mexican novelist, Carlos Fuentes. VOL. 33, NO. 4 (FaU 1979) ...