Tomas Fernandez Robaina

Mass for an Angel. Tomas Fernandez Robaina

Tomás Fernández Robaina considers Misa para un ángel (Ediciones Unión, 2010) [Mass for an Angel] to be a testimonio literario, straddling the novel and testimonial narrative. This small tome is also an elegy of sorts; it was written, says the publisher, "so that the soul of [Cuban writer] Reinaldo Arenas, who committed suicide in the United States, may reach eternal peace." Robaina, who refers to his late friend as l´énfant terrible of Cuban literature, offers a fascinating combination of heartfelt reminiscences, gossip, musings, letters, article excerpts, and interviews, this book draws attention to the many stages of Arenas' life, including his literary production; his outlook on life, work, and pleasure; his relationships in Cuba and abroad; his exile; and his subsequent battle with AIDS.