Broad and Aliens is the World – Ciro Alegria

Broad and Aliens is the World - Ciro AlegriaBroad and Aliens is the World is a classic novel by Ciro Alegria first published in 1941. Written originally in Spanish, it is known for its vivid depiction of the lives of indigenous people in the Andes of Peru in the early 20th century. The novel centers around the life of a young man named Ernesto, who grows up witnessing the struggles and injustices experienced by his fellow Quechua-speaking people at the hands of Peruvian landowners and politicians. Through his journey, Ernesto comes to understand modernity, colonialism, and the contradictions of self-determination within the context of broader historical forces.One of the most notable aspects of the novel is the way Alegria creates a narrative that is both deeply personal and political. While the story follows Ernesto’s personal growth and development, it also offers a penetrating analysis of the social and economic conditions that shape his life and that of his community.Ultimately, Broad and Aliens is the World offers a unique perspective on the intersection of race, nation, and identity in the Andean region of South America. Alegria's novel offers a powerful reminder of the ways in which politics, culture, and language are intertwined, and the importance of resistance and solidarity in the face of power.