The Diaries of Alfonso Reyes
The article discusses the presentation of the latest volumes of Alfonso Reyes' diaries at the Capilla Alfonsina in Mexico, reflecting on nostalgia and personal connections.
The article recounts the author's attendance at the presentation of the latest volumes of Alfonso Reyes' diaries, specifically covering the years 1924 to 1959, which took place on September 25. Despite rainy weather and heavy traffic that could have deterred attendees, the event saw a full house at the Capilla Alfonsina where Reyes once resided. The volumes presented included the fifth volume edited by Javier Garciadiego, the sixth by Víctor Díaz Arciniega, and the seventh co-edited by the author along with Belem Clark and contributing writer América Viveros. The session was moderated by Alberto Henríquez Perea, and the author's jest regarding Javier's tardiness due to flight delays pokes fun at the ongoing political uncertainties in Spain.
The author expresses nostalgia not only for Reyes but also for personal ties to Alicia Reyes, Alfonso's granddaughter, who now directs the Capilla Alfonsina. This location holds significant meaning for the author, as it has been a sanctuary during various political exiles throughout his academic career. The reminiscences during the presentation reveal deeper connections to the place and the historical context, underlining the importance of Reyes' work and its resonance in the present day. The emotional weight carried by these diaries goes beyond mere historical accounts, serving as a bridge between the past and current sentiments regarding identity and belonging.
Overall, the presentation of these diaries underscores not just the literary contributions of Alfonso Reyes but also the embodiment of memory and personal history within the cultural fabric of Mexico. As attendees gathered to celebrate this legacy, it became a moment that interconnected the literary, personal, and historical narratives surrounding Reyes and his impact within the realm of literature and politics in Mexico.