World-wide Latin American literature interest started in the 1960's driven by what is known as the boom, where writers such as Gabriel García Márquez, Jorge Luis Borges, Mario Vargas Llosa, and Julio Cortázar obtained international recognition. Little attention had been given to women writers and poetry even though the Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral had received the Nobel Prize of Literature in 1945, making her the first Latin American writer to receive this honor. According to Susan Bassnett, a translation theorist and scholar of comparative literature, it was not until the 1980's that an interest arose in Latin American women poets, especially when referring to anthologies translated into the English language.
Bassnett notes that much of Latin American poetry translations are found mainly in journal articles and other types of magazines lacking a presence in the book industry. Today, a number of poetry translations may be found in small presses and academic presses, although men poets tend to lead the publishing production. For this reason, with a desire to highlight the magnificent literary work of Latin American women poets, we have compiled a sample of poetry showcasing the numerous subjects covered in this literary genre by female poets.
Bassnett, Susan. "Latin American Poetry in Spanish." The Oxford Guide to Literature in English Translation. Oxford University Press, 2020.
