We are excited to announce the release of a new podcast episode, produced in collaboration with New Books Network. In this episode, we dive into "Ser libre era bueno: Dos narrativas de esclavos del Caribe angloparlante", a powerful and insightful bilingual edition authored by Dr. Carmen Jiménez and published by Vernon Press. You can listen to the full episode here: Ser libre era bueno – New Books Network.
About the Book: "Ser libre era bueno"
In this landmark publication, Dr. Carmen Jiménez translates and introduces two significant slave narratives from the English-speaking Caribbean:
- Mary Prince, the first enslaved woman from the Caribbean to recount her own life story.
- Ashton Warner, a native of Saint Vincent, whose account of life under slavery provides a unique male perspective from the region.
Both narratives, transcribed by British writer Susanna Moodie in the early 19th century, offer readers a rare glimpse into the brutal realities of slavery and the complex journey toward freedom. This bilingual edition makes these vital testimonies accessible to Spanish-speaking audiences for the first time, while also inviting critical reflection on the comparative study of slave narratives across languages and cultures.
The Podcast Episode: In Conversation with Dr. Carmen Jiménez
In this insightful podcast, Dr. Carmen Jiménez discusses her work on "Ser libre era bueno", providing background on how she came to translate these two stories and the challenges she encountered. Some of the key topics discussed in the episode include:
- The Historical Importance of Mary Prince and Ashton Warner: Dr. Jiménez shares why these narratives are significant in the broader context of Caribbean and colonial history.
- Translating Voices of the Enslaved: She explains the delicate task of preserving the original tone and intention of the authors, while ensuring that their stories resonate with a modern, Spanish-speaking audience.
- Connecting the Past to the Present: The episode also explores the contemporary relevance of these stories, particularly in the context of ongoing discussions about race, freedom, and the legacy of slavery.
- The Role of AI in Bringing Historical Narratives to Life: One unique aspect of this project involves the use of artificial intelligence to recreate a monologue from Mary Prince’s story, offering a new dimension in the presentation of historical narratives.
Listen to this captivating discussion with Dr. Jiménez and gain a deeper understanding of the power and complexity of these two stories from the Caribbean.
Meet the Author: Dr. Carmen Jiménez
Dr. Carmen Jiménez is an expert in Afro-Hispanic literature, with a focus on the critical examination of race, gender, and identity in narrative and poetry. Her academic work includes the translation of slave narratives into Spanish, bridging the gap between the English and Spanish-speaking worlds. Her research sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of Black and Afro-Hispanic individuals to literature and history.
Dr. Jiménez’s translation of "Ser libre era bueno" continues her dedication to illuminating stories that challenge historical narratives and add depth to the study of slavery and freedom in the Americas.
About Vernon Press
At Vernon Press, we are proud to publish works that push the boundaries of scholarship in the humanities and social sciences. Our catalog features books authored by international scholars, and we are committed to making academic research accessible to a global audience. As a bilingual independent publisher, we specialize in both English and Spanish-language monographs and volumes, connecting readers with groundbreaking research across disciplines.
Ser libre era bueno is a testament to our mission of bridging academic scholarship and the wider world. We believe in the power of books to open new dialogues and provide deeper insights into the complexities of history, culture, and society.
Where to Find the Book
Ser libre era bueno: Dos narrativas de esclavos del Caribe angloparlante is now available for purchase here. Additionally, you can find the book through our main distributors and online retailers. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore these remarkable narratives and learn more about the history of slavery in the Caribbean through this essential publication.
