Spanish Author Victor Fuentes Visits CSU Dominguez Hills

As part of the “Hispanic Authors Writing in the USA: A Conversation with the Author” series presented by the Department of Modern Languages, Spanish author Victor Fuentes visited California State University, Dominguez Hills to discuss his novel “Morir en Isla Vista (To Die on Vista Island)” which Fuentes wrote under the pseudonym Floreal Hernandez.

“Since I was a young child at age 7, I already had a passion for literature and stories,” said Fuentes.

“Morir en Isla Vista” is an autobiographic novel about Fuentes, his emotions, and his experiences as an exile living in another country.

Fuentes was invited to speak at CSU Dominguez Hills by Dr. Benito Gomez, associate professor of modern languages, who is teaching a seminar about Hispanic authors writing in the United States.

“How many times in your life do you have the opportunity to read a book and then be able to ask the author about it?” asked Gomez.

Fuentes, who has published 14 books, was a Spanish professor at CSU Santa Barbara from 1965 to 2002. He offered this advice to those students who aspire to become authors: “You have to study the classics, authors and novels; and believe in yourself,” he said.

The author also addressed his unorthodox writing style.

“I have my own writing style, as I break the proper spelling and write in metaphors,” said Fuentes, who read from the book in Spanish.

Fuentes’ enthusiasm had the audience captivated.

“This was a very motivating experience for me as a student,” said Magdalena Arreola, a senior majoring in Spanish literature. “I am humbled and inspired by his presence, as we consider him (Fuentes) one of the great authors like Gabriel Garcia Marquez or Jorge Luis Borges.”

“I consider Fuentes a raw and brave writer who comes across sincerely,” Gomez said. “He reveals his most intimate feelings making his writing therapeutic [to read].”

Fuentes stated his intentions as a writer, saying that “I write so people can read and I feel the more we know, the better we will be.”

The “Hispanic Authors Writing in the USA” series began with veteran journalist Ron Arias on Feb. 16. The series continues with authors Jesús Torrecilla who will talk about his book, “Guía de Los Ángeles” on Thursday, Apr. 8 and Gonzalo Navajas, who will present “La última estación” on Tuesday, May 11. For more information, contact (310) 243-3315.

For more information on the Department of Modern Languages at CSU Dominguez Hills, click here.

- Fredwill Hernandez

Fredwill Hernandez is a communication major and an intern in the Office of Communication and Public Affairs and a reporter for the student newspaper, The Bulletin.

Photo above: Author Victor Fuentes autographs a copy of his book, "“Morir en Isla Vista" for senior Magdalena Arreola, a Spanish literature major.

Photo by Fredwill Hernandez