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by Staff | Oct 29, 2010 7:45 am

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Posted to: Citizen Contributions

Contributed Photos New Haven Public Library communications director Kathie Hurley sent in the following writeup about a recent fundraiser.

The power of myth to hurt and/or heal was one of the main ingredients mixed throughout three presentations at the Patrons of New Haven Public Library’s annual Book Lover’s Luncheon held on Wednesday, October 20. As Roberto González Echevarría, Carlos Eire and Gustavo Pérez Firmat explored “Myths about Cuba”, the Union League Café audience who attended the fundraising luncheon to support New Haven Free Public Library, was visibly engaged.

Roberto González Echevarría, Sterling Professor of Hispanic and Comparative Literature at Yale University introduced the idea of myth as “mass misinformation.” The writer of “Cuban Fiestas” one of the highlighted books at the luncheon, suggested three falsehoods about Cuba that are held by the US public: “Castro was a baseball pitcher, the mafia owns Cuba, and Che Guevara was a freedom fighter.”

Carlos Eire, T. Lawrason Riggs Professor of History and Religious Studies at Yale University, spoke about the integrative role myth plays in literature and religion. Briefly describing his personal journey from Cuba to the United States, Eire inspired the audience to reflect on the question: “Where have myths led you?” His first memoir, “Waiting for Snow in Havana” portrayed the story of his Cuban childhood which was suddenly interrupted at age 11 when his family sent him along with his brother to Miami on the 1962 “Operation Peter Pan Airlift.” “Waiting for Snow in Havana” received the National Book Award in nonfiction for 2003 and has been followed by his recently published memoir highlighted at the Book Lover’s Luncheon- “Learning to Die in Miami.”

Gustavo Pérez Firmat, David Feinson Professor of Humanities at Columbia University was the third writer to speak. Using a series of visuals, Gustavo displayed various myths that the United States holds about Cuba. Portraying both fantasy and romance, the myths have conjured an image that Cuba is “an island that is near yet so far away.” Recognized as an island noted for its cigars, rum and rhythm or captured in celluloid as “Deano Latino”—Dean Martin’s Hollywood interpretation-the glamorized myths have abounded. Gustavo Pérez Firmat’s newest book “Havana Habit” was the third book highlighted at the luncheon.

Flamenco guitarist Val Ramos (pictured) added seasoning to the Book Lover’s Luncheon. Also on the menu was the introduction of the new City Librarian Christopher Korenowsky along with the opportunity to take home all three authors’ signed books. The Seedlings Foundation was the luncheon’s Presenting Sponsor and Fusco Corporation was Supporter. In the end, the luncheon’s just desserts delivered more than $20,000 to benefit the New Haven Free Public Library.

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