Cirrus@Austlit

'In this selection of Ricardo's work, the themes of migration and of a profound love of cultural diversity stand out. However, the link to his homeland can also strongly be seen. Heroic chapters in the history of his native Bolivia have inspired Ricardo's literary creation. In 'Song for a Freedom Fighter' and in a poem dedicated to the memory of the internationalist revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara - who died fighting in Bolivia - Ricardo empathizes with the long struggle of his people (and the Latin American people in general) for social justice and political freedom.

In showing his flexibility and broadmindedness, there is also another side to Ricardo's work. For example, the more gentle and personal verse of 'Night Butterfly', 'From Afar' and 'A Faraway Shelter' - this last one a poem inspired by the tragic life of a friend of his, Jaime Saenz, one of Bolivia's best contemporary poets.'

- Phil West, Introduction.