Antonio's Life by Jose Garcia

This book is based on the life of my grandfather, Jose Antonio Bermudez, who was born a Basque in the late 1800s and immigrated to Puerto Rico by way of Barcelona and Cuba.

My grandfather was an exceedingly kind man, but through a series of events which influenced his life, became extremely violent.

He was one of the leaders of the Puerto Rican rebellion of 1950, during which time there was an attempt on President Truman’s life at Blair House in Washington, DC., on the same day in which the Puerto Rican nationalists attacked the national assembly and wounded several legislators . My grandfather was one of the organizers of the rebellion and personally led the attack on the Governor’s mansion in San Juan for which he was sent to prison for life.

My father was able to obtain a pardon for him because in 1948 he had personally saved the governor’s life. After one year in prison, thanks to my father’s intercession my grandfather was released based on medical reasons. My grandfather never forgave my father, nor spoke to him again because he had wanted to die in prison with his fellow nationalists.

It is his story that I have tried to capture through the eyes of Antonio Barradaz in my novel, Antonio’s Life. From his leaving Bilbao at age 13, to being raised by nuns in Barcelona, to having adventures with life-long friends that lead them to Puerto Rico, to the life-changing events of the Spanish-American War, Antonio’s Life is filled with as many causes for celebration as for grief.

You can purchase your own copy here for $35, including shipping and handling. Proceeds from the sale benefit AIM. Click on the PayPal link below to order. If you have any questions or would like your book dedicated to someone from Jose Garcia please contact Tracy Bowie, 226-2273 ext. 104, or tracy.bowie@aimcharity.org.