Daniel Miyares on His Graphic Novel How to Say Goodbye in Cuban
Author Daniel Miyares discusses family history, Cuban immigration, and his creative process for graphic novels.
1Personal History as Narrative
Author Daniel Miyares explores his family's immigration journey in his first graphic novel, How to Say Goodbye in Cuban. The work fictionalizes his father's experience as a young boy fleeing the country during the Cuban Revolution. Miyares emphasizes the importance of capturing these personal stories before they are lost to time.
2Artistic Process and Medium
Miyares chose to illustrate the entire book by hand using India ink and watercolors rather than digital tools. He notes that this tactile approach mirrors the era of his father’s departure in the early 1960s. The process involved physical corrections, such as gluing paper cutouts, which added a unique, authentic texture.
3Waves of Cuban Migration
The author distinguishes between different waves of emigration from Cuba, noting that motivations shifted significantly over time. Early departures were often driven by opposition to the Batista dictatorship, while later waves followed the nationalization of businesses and farms. These distinct historical periods created varied political perspectives within the Cuban diaspora community.
4The Cost of Leaving
Miyares recounts the extreme dangers faced by those attempting to flee the island after the revolution. He highlights that the Cuban Coast Guard actively monitored the coast and frequently executed those caught trying to escape. This environment created a desperate struggle for families seeking to preserve their future and personal agency.
5The Brain Drain Phenomenon
Following the revolution, the departure of educated professionals created a significant brain drain that impacted the nation's ability to govern. Castro’s government relied on the rural poor for military support but lacked the legal and administrative expertise held by the middle class. This tension influenced the state's restrictive policies on emigration.
6Family Motivation and Resilience
Miyares shares that his grandfather was a self-made furniture maker who built his life through hard work and a lottery win. When his shop and home were nationalized, the loss of his life's work became a primary catalyst for the family's decision to leave. His story reflects broader themes of displacement.
7Political Context and Sanctions
The discussion touches on the long-standing U.S. sanctions against Cuba, which continue to intensify under recent administrations. Miyares notes that migration became a political football between leaders like John F. Kennedy and Castro. These geopolitical dynamics often dictated the limited windows of opportunity for families to leave the island safely.
8Legacy of Storytelling
Collaborating on this project allowed Miyares to connect deeply with his father, who passed away before the book was completed. By documenting these memories, he preserves a specific historical perspective on the Cuban experience. The work serves as both a personal tribute and a broader reflection on the immigrant experience.
Original article: Literary Hub — Daniel Miyares on His Graphic Novel How to Say Goodbye in Cuban