Leonel Alvarado

Leonel made Aotearoa his home in 2002 after living in the United States, when he came to lecture in Spanish language and Latin American literature and culture at Massey University. He has published several award-winning books of poetry, fiction and criticism in Latin America and the USA. In 2013, his book Retratos mal hablados, was judged runner-up in Latin America’s most prestigious poetry award, Casa de las Americas, and has just been published in Cuba and New Zealand. His latest book, Xibalbá, Texas, was awarded the 2014 Central American Literary Award Rogelio Sinán in Panama.

Whilst living in Palmerston North Leonel has published poems in The Listener, Bravado, Swampthing Magazine and local newspapers and been an active contributor to the vibrant cultural life of the city.

To see more of his story, check out this in-depth feature article on his quirky take on life in New Zealand (by Carly Thomas of the Manawatu Standard, 11 July 2014). 

Hear Leonel talk on RNZ's 'Standing Room Only' about his recently published book of poetry (HauNui Press 2014) Driving with Neruda to the the Fish 'n' Chips.

Or watch this bilingual (Español/English) reading by Leonel of the poem Advantages of Moving the TV to the Bedroom from Driving with Neruda to the the Fish 'n' Chips:

Books by Leonel Alvarado: