BooksChatter: ℚ♫ Song of the Boricua [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Olivia Castillo to talk about Song of the Boricua (19 June 2018, Olivia Castillo, 337 pages), a Contemporary Fiction novel.

"A first novel is like first love.

Everything is new, breathless, a journey into the unknown and inexplicable.

This was the feeling that touched me reading Olivia Castillo’s delicate meanderings through three generations of women seeking love and fulfilment on the magical (sometimes black magical) island of Puerto Rico." ~ Clifford Thurlow

|| Synopsis || Trailer || Teaser: KCR Preview || Author Q&A || About the Author || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

A very warm welcome to Olivia Castillo; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

Here at BooksChatter we love music, so Olivia Castillo has shared with us her music playlist for Song of the Boricua - enjoy!

What was the inspiration for Song of the Boricua ?

"My inspiration was leaving a legacy for my children and grandchildren. I wanted them to understand their Puerto Rican side."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"I love humor, the ocean, and music. I tried to incorporate it all in my book."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Song of the Boricua - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"We had two covers, both done by the same artist Joseph Figueroa. The first was a young Josephina on a horse in the Valley of Yauco. I wanted to capture the time period and the innocence.

The second is a more realistic one and it is of the fort El Morro. I feel it captured the resiliency and the pride of the Puerto Rican people.

Joseph Figueroa is a wonderful illustrator and artist. He has a whimsical, romantic style, which I felt fit the book."

Why should we read Song of the Boricua and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"I would recommend this book and upcoming series because it is a version of Puerto Rican history that isn’t in the textbooks. It is from a Puerto Rican American’s perspective and one that needs to be told."

Can you tell us something quirky about Song of the Boricua , its story and characters?

"A lot of the story is based on family stories."

Who would you recommend Song of the Boricua to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"This is a book for those who want to understand a Puerto Rican American’s experience. It is based on true events and this is the toned down version compared to real life."

If you could / wished to turn Song of the Boricua into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"My dream team would be director Fernando Gonzalez Molina.

For one of the main characters, Alejandro, he would be played by Mario Casas. For Josephina, maybe Lily James would best fit the character."


Fernando Gonzalez Molina	Mario Casas	Lily James

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular Contemporary Fiction novel or do you like to explore different ones?

"I love history, so I’m a big fan of historical fiction. I haven’t explored another genre yet, but would like to try sci-fi."

What is your writing process?

"I write on my iPhone, usually late at night when no one can bother me or in between errands."

What is in store next?

"I plan to do a second book based on Song of the Boricua called, Daughter of the Boricua and a third book called, Spirit of the Boricua."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?