Carmen Boullosa

Carmen Boullosa[1†]

Carmen Boullosa (born September 4, 1954, in Mexico City, Mexico) is a renowned Mexican poet, novelist, and playwright[1†]. Her work is recognized for its focus on the issues of feminism and gender roles within a Latin American context[1†]. Boullosa’s contributions to literature have been praised by a number of prominent writers, including Carlos Fuentes, Alma Guillermoprieto, Roberto Bolaño, and Elena Poniatowska, as well as publications such as Publishers Weekly[1†].

Early Years and Education

Carmen Boullosa was born on September 4, 1954, in Mexico City, Mexico[1†][3†]. She is the daughter of Fernando Boullosa and Esther Velázquez[1†][3†]. From an early age, Boullosa showed a keen interest in literature and the arts, which would later shape her career as a writer[1†].

Boullosa’s educational background is not extensively documented. However, it is known that she studied Hispanic language and literature in Mexico[1†]. This academic foundation provided her with a deep understanding of literary traditions and techniques, which is evident in her diverse body of work[1†].

Before embarking on her writing career, Boullosa worked on the Mexican Dictionary of Spanish[1†]. This experience likely honed her skills in language and expression, contributing to her distinctive literary style[1†].

Boullosa’s early years were marked by a rich cultural environment and a strong academic foundation, which played a significant role in shaping her literary career[1†]. Her work reflects a deep understanding of the complexities of language and a keen insight into the human experience[1†].

Career Development and Achievements

Carmen Boullosa has had a prolific career as a novelist, poet, and playwright[1†][4†]. She has published eighteen novels, each distinct in theme and form, showcasing her unique literary style[1†]. Her work often explores themes of feminism and gender roles within a Latin American context[1†].

One of her notable novels is “Son vacas, somos puercos” (1991), translated into English in 1997 as "They’re Cows, We’re Pigs"[1†]. The novel is narrated by an old man reflecting on his life, from being kidnapped at the age of thirteen and sent from his native France on a slave ship to the West Indies, to gaining his freedom by joining a group of pirates[1†].

In “La milagrosa” (1993), the protagonist is a girl who has the power to heal the sick and perform other miracles while she sleeps[1†]. “Duerme” (1995) tells the story of Claire, a French woman who arrives in Spain dressed as a man to escape the profession of her mother, a prostitute[1†].

Boullosa’s work extends beyond novels. She writes and prints art books, mixing image and text, which have been exhibited at the Museo de Arte Moderno de la Ciudad de México, the Sala Pablo Ruiz Picasso del Museo de Arte Moderno de Madrid[1†][4†]. Her poems have also appeared in the art books of leading painters such as Juan Soriano, Magali Lara, Othón Tellez, and Philip Hughes[1†][4†].

In addition to her writing, Boullosa has had a distinguished teaching career, holding visiting appointments at San Diego State, Georgetown, La Sorbonne, and lecturing at institutions in England, Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Argentina, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, and elsewhere[1†][4†]. She was a fellow of the New York Public Library’s Center for Scholars and Writers in 2001[1†][4†].

Boullosa’s contributions to literature have been recognized with several awards, including the Rosalia de Castro Award by PEN Galicia in 2018, Café Gijón Award in 2008, and the Xavier Villaurrutia Prize in 1989[1†][5†]. She was also a recipient of a fellowship from the Guggenheim Foundation[1†][5†][6†].

First Publication of Her Main Works

Carmen Boullosa has an extensive portfolio of works, including novels, poetry, and plays[1†]. Here are some of her main works:

• “Son vacas, somos puercos” (1991, translated into English in 1997 as “They’re Cows, We’re Pigs”) is narrated in the first person by an old man looking back on his life. He was kidnapped and sent from his native France on a slave ship to the West Indies at the age of thirteen. To gain his freedom, he joins a group of pirates (or “pigs”), allowing Boullosa to compare two very different societal and political systems—traditional Europe and carefree pirates[1†].
• “La milagrosa” (1993) features a protagonist who has the power to heal the sick and perform other miracles while she sleeps. She falls in love with Aurelio Jimenez, a detective sent to discredit her, even though she fears that her powers will disappear if she spends time with people[1†].
• “Duerme” (1995) tells the story of Claire, a French woman whose mother was a prostitute. Attempting to escape the same profession, she arrives in Spain dressed as a man. To save a subject of the Spanish king, she reveals herself as a female and prepares to take his punishment of death by hanging[1†].
• “Teatro herético” (1987) is a compilation of three parodies in play format[1†].
• “A Narco History: How the United States and Mexico Jointly Created the ‘Mexican Drug War’” (2015) is a non-fiction work co-authored with Mike Wallace[1†][7†].
• “Before” (1989) and “Texas: The Great Theft” (2013) are other notable works[1†][7†].
• “The Book of Eve” (2020) and “The Book of Anna” (2016) are recent additions to her portfolio[1†][7†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Carmen Boullosa’s work is characterized by its focus on feminism and gender roles within a Latin American context[1†]. Her novels often explore themes of love, eroticism, the body, and the pleasures that can be experienced through the senses[1†][8†]. This could be seen as a reaction against the repressive Catholic education of her childhood[1†][8†].

Her novel “Son vacas, somos puercos” allows Boullosa to compare two very different societal and political systems—traditional Europe and carefree pirates[1†][8†]. In “La milagrosa,” the protagonist is a girl who has the power to heal the sick and perform other miracles while she sleeps[1†][8†]. “Duerme” tells the story of Claire, a French woman whose mother was a prostitute[1†][8†]. These novels emphasize what is invariably suppressed from traditional histories: the fact that history is lived by sensual beings, by men and women who experience life through their bodies and their emotions[1†][8†].

Boullosa’s poetry also has a cumulative effect, giving an almost narrative feel as a result of accretion and repetition[1†][9†]. Her work in both fiction and poetry is marked by its distinctive personality[1†].

Boullosa’s work has been praised by a number of writers, including Carlos Fuentes, Alma Guillermoprieto, Roberto Bolaño, and Elena Poniatowska, as well as publications such as Publishers Weekly[1†]. Her versatility as a writer is evident in her ability to publish in multiple genres, including novels, poetry, and plays[1†][8†].

Personal Life

Carmen Boullosa’s personal life is as vibrant and diverse as her professional career. She had two children, Juan Aura and actress María Aura, with her former partner, Alejandro Aura[1†]. She is now married to author Mike Wallace[1†]. Boullosa currently resides in Brooklyn, where she teaches in the Department of Foreign Languages at City College, CUNY, and co-hosts a program on CUNY-T.V[1†][10†].

Boullosa’s personal experiences, cultural background, and relationships have undoubtedly influenced her work and worldview. Her life reflects a blend of personal and professional pursuits, demonstrating her commitment to literature, education, and family.

Conclusion and Legacy

Carmen Boullosa’s work has left a profound impact on the literary world. Her novels, which often encompass historical themes, have provided unique interpretations of different eras[11†]. Her concepts of memory and the authority of the author are intrinsic to her historical interpretation[11†].

Boullosa’s work is not only recognized for its thematic richness but also for its distinctive style. Her novels, such as “They’re Cows, We’re Pigs” and “La Milagrosa,” showcase her ability to create complex narratives that challenge societal norms and expectations[11†][1†].

Her work has been praised by numerous writers and publications, affirming her place in contemporary literature[11†][1†]. Despite the acclaim, Boullosa remains a humble and dedicated writer, continuing to contribute to the literary world with her unique voice and perspective[11†][1†].

Boullosa’s legacy extends beyond her published works. As a professor at City College, CUNY, she has influenced a new generation of writers[11†][1†]. Her commitment to literature, education, and social issues demonstrates the lasting impact of her work and her significant contribution to society[11†][1†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Unknown
• Born: Carmen Boullosa was born on September 4, 1954, in Mexico City, Mexico[1†].
• Died: Unknown
• Nationality: Mexican[1†]
• Occupation: Carmen Boullosa is a renowned Mexican poet, novelist, and playwright[1†].
• Notable Works: Boullosa has published eighteen novels[1†], including “Son vacas, somos puercos” (1991, translated into English in 1997 as “They’re Cows, We’re Pigs”)[1†], “La milagrosa” (1993), and “Duerme” (1995)[1†].
• Notable Achievements: Boullosa’s work focuses on the issues of feminism and gender roles within a Latin American context[1†]. Her contributions to literature have been praised by several notable writers, including Carlos Fuentes, Alma Guillermoprieto, Roberto Bolaño, and Elena Poniatowska, as well as publications such as Publishers Weekly[1†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Carmen Boullosa [website] - link
2. The Modern Novel - Carmen Boullosa [website] - link
3. Prabook - Carmen Boullosa (born September 4, 1954), Mexican educator, writer [website] [archive] - link
4. Carmen Boullosa - About the Author [website] - link
5. Macaulay Honors College - Carmen Boullosa [website] - link
6. Awards & Winners - Carmen Boullosa - Awards & Nominations [website] - link
7. Goodreads - Author: Books by Carmen Boullosa (Author of A Narco History) [website] - link
8. BOMB Magazine - Carmen Boullosa by Rubén Gallo [website] - link
9. Latin American Literature Today - Three Poems by Carmen Boullosa [website] - link
10. Library of Congress - Carmen Boullosa [website] - link
11. Encyclopedia.com - Boullosa, Carmen (1954–) [website] - link