Author : Esmeralda Santiago

Esmeralda Santiago is a distinguished Puerto Rican author and screenwriter celebrated for her poignant memoirs and essays that vividly convey the immigrant experience and the complexity of cultural identity. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1948, Santiago moved to the United States at the age of thirteen, an upheaval that laid the foundation for much of her literary work. She earned her undergraduate degree from Harvard University and her MFA from Sarah Lawrence College, demonstrating an impressive commitment to her education despite significant socioeconomic challenges. Santiago's debut memoir, *When I Was Puerto Rican*, has garnered critical acclaim for its evocative depiction of her childhood and adjustment to life in mainland America, resonating with readers for its honesty, lyrical prose, and insightful exploration of heritage and personal growth. As a prolific voice in contemporary literature, Esmeralda Santiago continues to contribute to an enriched understanding of bicultural and bilingual identities through her powerful narratives.