Literary works

In this segment of the page you will discover excerpts from the most celebrated works that were officially translated to English language of the most prominent Ecuadorian authors.

Jorge Icaza - Novel: "Huasipungo" 1934

(Authorized English translation by Bernard Dulsey "The Villagers" 1964)

A foundational piece of Ecuadorian literature that presents a strong critique of the social and economic oppression of indigenous populations in the nation. 

Juan León Mera

Lyrics of the National Anthem 1948 (Translation by BBC music magazine 2022)

At the age of 33, Juan León Mera wrote the lyrics of the anthem on November 15, 1935. In just one night Mera wrote 6 stanzas full of libertarian sentiment, patriotism and history. 

Chorus

O homeland, we greet you a thousand times!
Glory be to you, oh homeland glory be to you!
Your breast overflows with joy and peace
And see your radiant face shining
(repeat)
more brightly than the sun. (repeat this line)

2nd Verse

The worthy sons of the soil
Who magnificently adorned Pichincha,
They always declared you as their sovereign lady
And shed their blood for you.
God observed and accepted that sacrifice,
And this blood was the prolific seed
Of other heroes who amazed the world,
And in turn, of thousands arising around you.
Arising in thousands around you,
Arising in thousands around you.

Medardo Ángel Silva - Poem:

"Inter Umbra" from the book "El árbol del bien y el mal" (Translation by Indira Rodriguez 2018)

This is a poem from the book “El árbol del bien y el mal”, a poetry collection. The poem talks about the essence of the human soul and how it is imprisoned in the physical body and doomed to exist in this inferior world.

 

Inter Umbra

How you prevail in your black clay prison
In perennial vigil interred, oh, soul of mine!
In the muck of the world in genuflection
You who are all grace, all harmony and light!
Sapphire drop, divine blood of the stars,
that destiny into a faulty anaphora poured!
Exceptional creation of gold and alabaster
Forever within the saline sea obscured…!
In the flushed horizon the time approaches
Gabriel beats his wings in the azure garden
Return from your dark night into the limpid dawn
And let the stars know the shade of your garb!

Medardo Ángel Silva - Poem

"My Soul on My Lips" 1919(Translation by Richard Gabela 2024)

A moving contemplation on love, desire, and passion. This poem is an outstanding work of Ecuadorian modernism by one of the most respected poets of the ‘Generación decapitada’ [Decapitated Generation]. 

 

My Soul on My Lips

 
When you see the passionate flame of our love
extinguished within your loving breast,
knowing only for you is life dear to me,
the day you are gone, I will end my own life.
 
For my thoughts, steeped in this deep affection
which made me your slave during that joyous hour,
away from your gaze, are as desolate as a child
who falls asleep dreaming of your soothing voice.
 
To shower you with kisses, I yearn to be the wind,
and long to become everything your hand touches.
To be your smile, to be even your very breath,
just to be nearer your lips.
 
I live on your words and forever await
to call you mine, like one who seeks a treasure.
Away from you, I truly understand how much I love you,
and weeping over your letters, I tenderly miss you.
 
Forgive me if I lack the words to convey
the ineffable passion that consumes me.
To show my love, all I can do
    is to tear open my chest, beloved, and into your silken hands
lay my throbbing heart that adores you.

 

Alicia Yánez Cossío

"La cofradía del mullo del vestido de la Virgen Pipona" 1985 (Translation by Amalia Gladhart "The Potbellied Virgin" 2006)

A book that fuses aspects of magical realism with sharp social commentary. With its intricate characters and captivating storyline, Yánez Cossío presents a deep and poignant perspective on the Ecuadorian society of his era. 

Alfredo Pareja Diez-Canseco - Novel:

"Baldomera" 1938 (Translation by the authors 2024)

It narrates the tale of Baldomera, a determined, lower-class Afro-Ecuadorian woman residing in Guayaquil in the 1920s. This book is regarded as an important piece in Ecuadorian literature, admired for its social observations, engaging main character, and perceptive examination of human nature.