Terrazo facts for kids
Terrazo is a famous book from 1947. It was written by Puerto Rican author Abelardo Diaz Alfaro. The book won many important awards. It became well-known in libraries across Latin America. Diaz Alfaro was a respected writer in many countries.
Contents
What is Terrazo About?
Terrazo is a collection of fictional stories. These stories are about different villages and people in Puerto Rico. Most of the tales are told from the point of view of "jibaros." Jibaros are simple country people. They often had little to no formal education.
The Language of the Jibaros
The stories in Terrazo use "jibaro language." This is a type of slang Spanish. It shows how people in the countryside really spoke. The author's father was a social worker. He heard many stories from country people. He shared these stories with Abelardo Diaz Alfaro. Even though the stories are made up, they are based on real experiences.
Stories from the Countryside
The book has 20 chapters. Each chapter tells a different fictional story. They often describe the lives of poor people in a funny way. For example, the book shows how they talked about things like "Santa Claus."
Why is Terrazo Important?
Many people believe Terrazo helped Puerto Ricans understand their own history. It showed the lives, stories, and ways of the poor people in Puerto Rico's past. The book gave a voice to those who were often not heard. It helped people learn about their culture and heritage.
