WATCH: Israel Rolón-Barada Honors Spanish Icons Through His Literary Works

In a recent exclusive interview with the Q Agenda, the charismatic and accomplished author, professor, and specialist in Spanish literature and culture, Israel Rolón-Barada, opened up about his fascinating journey from his upbringing in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to his remarkable career as a literature professor. Alongside these revelations about his background, the interview took a deep dive into his pioneering work on one of Spain’s most beloved icons, Sara Montiel.

A Glimpse into Israel Rolón-Barada’s World

Israel Rolón-Barada, affectionately known as Paolo among friends and family, was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and shares a dual cultural identity. Raised on the enchanting rhythms and vibrant tapestry of Hispanic culture, he developed an early passion for the arts, theater, and music, thanks to his parents who worked at the Telemundo radio station and newspaper during the 1960s. Growing up amidst the studios and immersed in the music of that era, he fostered a deep connection with the world of arts and culture, which would later shape his academic pursuits.

An academic powerhouse, Israel Rolón-Barada is a dedicated member of the Modern Language Association (MLA), the oldest academic association in the United States, which celebrates more than a century of literary exploration and discourse. This connection led him to a fortuitous encounter that would alter the course of his career.

At one MLA conference in Los Angeles, he found himself amidst fellow literature enthusiasts, discussing iconic Spanish divas like Rocio Jurado, Rocio Durcal, and Isabel Pantoja. However, one name was conspicuously absent from the conversation—Sara Montiel. Rolón-Barada pointed out this omission, sparking his profound interest in the legendary Spanish actress and singer. This marked the start of his journey to uncover the untold story of Sara Montiel.

The interview transitioned from his background to his passion for Sara Montiel as he discussed the lack of recognition she received during that gathering of literature professors. The conversation highlighted Montiel’s incredible career, spanning the ’50s and ’60s, both in Spain and on the international stage. Her influence on popular culture was emphasized by the parallel drawn between Montiel and contemporary superstar Jennifer Lopez.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Almuzaralibros (@almuzaralibros)

Jennifer Lopez, known for her versatile talent as a singer, dancer, and actress, has often cited Sara Montiel as an early influence, acknowledging the impact of Montiel’s movies on her formative years, said Israel. Both artists have forged parallel paths, making Montiel a historical precursor to the modern-day J.Lo.

The anticipation surrounding Israel Rolón-Barada’s forthcoming book was palpable. He discussed his book’s focus, which would not only shed light on Montiel’s illustrious career in film and music but also unveil the intriguing details of her private life, lovers, and deepest desires. Of particular note was Montiel’s expressed wish that, if her life story were ever adapted into a biographical work, it should be brought to life by Jennifer Lopez.

The Profound Legacy of Carmen Laforet

Among Israel Rolón-Barada’s life’s works, there is his monumental biography of the legacy of Spanish writer Carmen Laforet, which holds a prominent place in his career.

It all began in 1987 when a young Rolón-Barada attended a talk by Spanish author Carmen Laforet, an event that left an indelible mark on him. Laforet, the author of the iconic novel “Nada,” which means ‘nothing,’ had won the prestigious Premio Nadal prize for Spanish literature. This was a remarkable feat for any author, and especially so for a female writer in the era of Franco’s Spain.

Carmen Laforet’s journey bore striking similarities to the later fame and seclusion of J.D. Salinger, author of “A Catcher in the Rye.” Laforet, much like Salinger, chose to step away from the limelight and reduced her literary output, becoming reclusive. She became an enigmatic figure who found solace in writing letters, which eventually became her favorite form of communication. Israel Rolón-Barada highlighted the pivotal role of Ramon Sender, a California professor and prolific Spanish author, in Laforet’s life. Sender, whom Laforet met during her six trips to the United States, became a significant recipient of her letters.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Arden Toomis (@ardentoomis)

Intriguingly, Laforet’s desire to write also waned in her later years due to a condition she referred to as “graphophobia,” a phobia of writing. Her health deteriorated significantly in the final decade of her life, making writing a distant memory. Israel Rolón-Barada, a literature professor, embarked on a quest to bring back the enchanting magic he had experienced during his encounter with her at Georgetown. His fascination led him to undertake an extensive research project focused on Laforet’s life and works.

As he delved deeper into his research, he discovered that aside from her groundbreaking debut novel “Nada,” many of Laforet’s other works were out of print. Recognizing this as a marketing opportunity, Rolón-Barada approached Ediciones Destino, a renowned Spanish publishing house that had previously published Laforet’s works. His request to re-edit Laforet’s entire literary repertoire was met with enthusiasm, and he took on the role of editing and publishing four of her novels, including “La Mujer Nueva” (The New Woman), which he considers her masterpiece.

In his quest to revive Laforet’s literary legacy, Rolón-Barada also collected a treasure trove of her letters. This collection would serve as a cornerstone for the biography he co-authored with fellow professor Anna Caballe, titled “Carmen Laforet: Una Mujer en Fuga” (A Woman on the Run), which has now entered its fourth edition. This comprehensive volume, primarily based on the hundreds of letters he gathered, sheds light on the life and work of Carmen Laforet.

His dedication to bringing Laforet back into the literary limelight has borne fruit. Laforet’s books have returned to the shelves, and her extraordinary story has been shared in newspapers like El Nuevo Dia, Puerto Rico’s largest newspaper. Israel Rolón-Barada’s tireless efforts in preserving and celebrating Spanish literary history have certainly left a mark on the world of literature.