Dominican author Miguelina Guzmán de Deveaux bebuts novel “Aquí en la playa”

Santo Domingo.- Psychologist, writer, and cultural manager Miguelina Guzmán de Deveaux has launched her first novel, “Aquí en la playa” (Here on the Beach), at a vibrant event held at the Sheraton Hotel in Santo Domingo. The book release marks a significant milestone for Guzmán de Deveaux, a versatile professional with a rich background.

The launch event, hosted by Paola Feliz, attracted a notable gathering of figures from the Dominican Republic’s literary and cultural scene, including former UASD rector Rafael Nino Feliz and acclaimed actor and theater director José Roberto Díaz. The book was formally presented by Cuban poet and journalist Racso Morejón, who shared his insightful review titled, “What I Found ‘Here on the Beach’ (That Compass of Values in Turbulent Times).”

Morejón lauded the novel for its unique interplay between the tangible and the spiritual, the superficial and the essential, and the physical and the moral. He emphasized that the book serves as a beacon of enduring values often overshadowed in the complexities of modern life. “This novel stands as more than just a captivating narrative of love and passion,” Morejón stated, “it is a standard-bearer for crucial values in a world that frequently appears adrift in a sea of relativism.” He further added that readers will find a story that not only entertains but also educates, inspires, and thoughtfully challenges, leaving a lasting impression.

During the launch, Miguelina Guzmán de Deveaux shared emotional anecdotes about her life, including her enduring marriage of over three decades, her family, her strong faith, and the creative sparks that ignited her writing journey. She revealed that “Aquí en la playa” was born during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, a productive endeavor during a period of confinement. The novel aims to impart a message of chastity, fidelity, faith, and marital love to young readers. Guzmán de Deveaux admitted that becoming a novelist was an unexpected turn, despite her years of crafting spiritual talks which, unbeknownst to her, honed her storytelling skills.

Visibly moved, the author expressed her gratitude to God, her family, and everyone who contributed to her growth in the realm of literary creation. “Today, I am fulfilling a commitment to myself and to our Beloved Creator, to place on the table a lamp that has been lit for a long time, but until now, has only been appreciated by my family, friends, and acquaintances,” Guzmán de Deveaux shared. “This launch is a dream long cherished. I feel like a teenager. Publishing a book for the first time at this age has been a fascinating experience. It’s my way of saying to myself: my life begins today, infinite and full of beauty.” She also announced her work on a forthcoming novel, “Aquí en el campo” (Here in the Countryside).

Racso Morejón, Miguelina Guzmán, and Rafael J. Rodríguez, president of Río de Oro Editores. (Photo: Río de Oro Editores)

Following her remarks, Guzmán de Deveaux enthusiastically answered numerous questions from the audience, eager to delve deeper into the novel’s details and her creative process. The event concluded with a captivating theatrical performance of an excerpt from “Aquí en la playa,” directed by José Roberto Díaz and performed by actors Yelayny Placencia and Francisco Martínez, offering a preview of a potential film adaptation currently in the screenplay stage.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the eastern beaches of the Dominican Republic, the novel not only tells a compelling story but also showcases the region’s natural beauty and tourism potential, often hailed as a true tropical paradise. The narrative is interwoven with themes intended to resonate with young adults, emphasizing the importance of core values.

Miguelina, born in Santo Domingo on June 14, 1966, found solace in writing from an early age, particularly during challenging times. Her background includes a degree in Industrial Psychology and a career in human resources. Alongside her professional pursuits, she and her husband have been actively involved in various Catholic Church movements, leading spiritual discussions.

This debut novel marks a significant new chapter for Miguelina Guzmán de Deveaux, a testament to her lifelong passion for storytelling and her desire to share meaningful messages with a new generation of readers.