Manuel Zeno Gandía
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Dr. Manuel Zeno Gandía (January 10, 1855 – 1930) born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, wrote the novel "La Charca" (The Pond), which is considered to be the "first" Puerto Rican novel.
Gandia's parents were wealthy land owners in the city of Arecibo, where he was raised. As a child, Gandia witnessed firsthand the harsh working conditions of the poor farm workers. After receiving his primary and secondary education in his hometown, Gandia went to Spain where he studied medicine at the University of Barcelona's school of medicine. He graduated with the titles of Doctor in Medicine and Surgeon. He developed his love for political literature during his stay in Spain. His interest in politics led him to become an outspoken advocate for Puerto Rican independence.
When Gandia returned to Puerto Rico, he set up his medical practice in Arecibo. In 1894, he published "La Charca" (The Pond), the first serious Puerto Rican novel, which dealt with the harsh life in the remote and mountainous coffee regions in Puerto Rico. It tells about the injustices that the poor farm hand suffered against the rich landowners. La Charca is a Puerto Rican classic and is one of four novels in "Las Cronicas de un Mundo Enfermo" (Chronicles of a Sick World). The other three are "Garduña", "El Negocio" (The Business) and "Redentores".
After Puerto Rico was invaded during the Spanish-American War in 1898, Gandia traveled to Washington D.C. where, together with Eugenio María de Hostos, he proposed the idea of independence for Puerto Rico. The men's ideals were disappointed when the United States rejected them and converted the island into a territory.
Gandia returned to the island and continued to write and to be politically active. He died in Arecibo in 1930.
Puerto Rico has honored his memory by naming a school and avenues after him. In Arecibo the Credit Cooperative and an industrial park are named after Gandia.
