This image is the cover for the book Fiesta in April

Fiesta in April

Originally published in Spanish in 1981, Fiesta in April is a story about political prisoners, and the abuses and psychological torture they face. As opposed to using conventional prose, the author weaves dramatic poetry into a reportage-type of narrative, capturing the heavy emotion and raw expression of people in unthinkable situations. This new English-language edition stays true to the original musicality and poetry of the Spanish, and rings heavy and true with current events and the state of the world.


“Poetic impact is obtained by merging seemingly incongruous things and repeating resonating songs and phrases. Some verses have a rhythmic accent together with a variety of cadences. The final passage of the book, composed in the form of a dialogue, possesses a marked poetic quality.”

— Harvey L. Johnson, University of Houston, on the 1981 original Spanish-language edition.

Berta Reich, Ph.D.

Berta Reich, formerly known as Berta Savariego, is the author of bilingual texts for use in medical and business settings. She has also published a compilation of poems and short stories, and other academic works related to Sephardic life and culture. She has been writer and producer in educational television series and has received awards for her work in academic and community circles. Fiesta in April was first published in its original Spanish-language edition in 1981.

Austin Macauley Publishers