Set against the lush backdrop of rural El Salvador at the turn of the century, Claudia Lars' richly evocative memoir is a simple, yet profound tribute to the folklore, customs, and traditions of her people. It is a lyrical exaltation of her land's beauty, brimming with warm, vibrant imagery. Born to an Irish-American father and a Salvadoran mother, Lars takes readers on an enchanting journey that celebrates her dual heritage and reveals, with innocence and charm, the gradual self-awareness of a child who, from a very young age, was endowed with the soul of a poet.

"Land of Childhood" was first published in El Salvador in 1958. Currently in its seventeenth edition, it is an award-winning book that has become a beloved national classic as well as required reading for students in secondary schools and university classrooms.

Set against the lush backdrop of rural El Salvador at the turn of the century, Claudia Lars' richly evocative memoir is a simple, yet profound tribute to the folklore, customs, and traditions of her people. It is a lyrical exaltation of her land's beauty, brimming with warm, vibrant imagery. Born to an Irish-American father and a Salvadoran mother, Lars takes readers on an enchanting journey that celebrates her dual heritage and reveals, with innocence and charm, the gradual self-awareness of a child who, from a very young age, was endowed with the soul of a poet.

"Land of Childhood" was first published in El Salvador in 1958. Currently in its seventeenth edition, it is an award-winning book that has become a beloved national classic as well as required reading for students in secondary schools and university classrooms.