Raised in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, Isandra Collazo Rivera is a self-proclaimed citizen of the world. She's an enthusiast of international cuisine and foreign music, devoted to learn from other people's cultures, and sharing their life stories with the purpose of breaking down the walls of fear and prejudice.
She'd majored in Foreign Languages and Tourism with the goal of becoming a tour guide one day, but all of her plans changed when she felt a calling to serve the community within her Caribbean Island, as well as beyond its beautiful, white sand beaches. Committed to help bring change into the world, Isandra is now a Christian missionary, human rights defender, orator, and philanthropist.
With her debut novel; Across the Border: Interview with a Refugee, she hopes to raise awareness on many social issues happening today, and that way inspire others to raise a voice for those in need.
1. What inspired you to
write Across the Border: Interview with a Refugee?
While living in the
Netherlands, I met several individuals of different countries who spontaneously
shared part of their life stories with me, particularly their testimonies of
how they abandoned their countries of origin due to wars, persecution and lack
of opportunities, and of the challenges they encountered abroad. However, it
was when I listened to the story of an Iraqi refugee, when I knew that I had to
write a book about what I saw and experienced with each one of them.
2. Did you relate to the
main character, Isabel, in any way? If so, what?
I definitely relate to
Isabel in many aspects, seeing that most of her experiences in the Netherlands
were actually my own. But in terms of personality, we are a little different.
3. What was the hardest
part about writing this book?
I would say that the
hardest part was to remain neutral when describing the persecution of
Christians in the Middle East from Samir’s perspective. It is not always easy
to remain “politically-correct” when you write or speak about these type of
subjects, or when you feel somewhat obligated to criticize a particular
religion or culture.
4. What are some of the
main issues that you explore in this book and why did you explore them?
The book explores several
issues and situations that occur to diverse immigrants while living within a
modern society. However, the main issues discussed in this novel are the
persecution of Christians in the Middle East (particularly towards the Assyrian
nation), and the dangers that refugees encounter when fleeing their war-torn
countries. I explore them because they are happening in this day and age, in a
rather relentless and brutal manner.
5. What do you hope
readers will gain from your book?
Apart from being
captivated by Isabel and Samir’s escalating intercultural romance, I hope
readers will become aware of the hardships and tribulations refugees face when
trying to reach a safe haven. I also hope they learn the importance of uniting
in solidarity with those who suffer discrimination and persecution, to learn of
the different social causes, and realize that integrating with people of other
cultures and beliefs can be both culturally and spiritually enriching.
6. What do you like best
and what do you like least about being a writer?
The creative process is
invigorating and exciting, especially when you write down those lines which
give you chills no matter how many times you read them. That would be my
favorite part. On the other hand, my least favorite part is the fact that the
creative process itself can be very lonely. In order to write, I’ve had to
isolate myself more than I ever imagined.
7. Who are some of your
favorite authors?
I enjoy Paulo Coelho’s
novels for the quick way they transport me to other places. I have experienced
that also with Dan Brown’s work, as well as Isabel Allende’s novels. I can’t be
too specific when it comes to choosing an author, but I will grab anything that
I find intriguing and compelling. At the moment I’m reading some of Brian
Weiss’ work, never imagining that I would be into the “past life regression”
subject. It is quite amazing. And next in line is a memoir by Camilo Mejía as
his testimony as a sergeant in Iraq; another obsession of mine.
8. If your book would be
turned into a movie, who would you imagine playing the part of the main character? (Actor can be
ANYONE, living or dead.)
Isabel’s look was inspired
on actress Angelica Celaya. When I first saw her playing “Zed” in the
Constantine series, I knew she was the one. So if there’s a movie, I will move
heaven and earth to get her to play Isabel. As for Samir, that’s tricky. No one
can be Samir except for Samir himself, the real-life one, because there are two
essential attributes he possesses that are difficult to match; his deep,
heavily-accented voice and his gaze. However, I’ve thought about a few actors
that could portray the mysterious Iraqi quite well; Manu Bennett (For his epic
role in Spartacus), Tamer Hosny, and Turkish actors Engin Akyurek or Burak
Ozcivit.
9. Are you working on
anything right now?
Definitely. I’m working on
the sequel of my novel, as well as on the Spanish edition. I am really looking
forward to completing the series, but also to seeing this first book translated
into many languages.
10. And, finally, what
do you think is in store for the future of Latino literature?
I feel that Latino
literature focuses a lot on identity, social criticism and nationalism. When it
comes to our community there’s always a tendency to write mainly about these
particular subjects. Surely that’s a good thing, for it shows that we strive to
highlight our history and our social battles. No matter what the genre may be;
fiction, non-fiction, poetry or any other, controversy is somehow present in
Latino books. And it should be, because as writers we want to make an impact on
our readers. So I truly feel that Latino literature has been inspiring
throughout the years, and lately it’s been heading towards new horizons, for
example; LGBT literature. This may not be my cup of tea, but it’s “the new
thing” nonetheless, and there’s a huge market for it.
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