Raised in Puerto Rico by her grandparents, Margarita Barresi grew up hearing stories about the “good old days”—the genesis for A Delicate Marriage, her first novel. She studied public relations at Boston University, and after a successful career in marketing communications, now devotes her time to writing. Her essays have been published in several literary magazines and compilations. Margarita lives in the Boston suburbs with her husband and two Puerto Rican cats, Luna and Rico.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
I initially wanted to title the novel “Commonwealth” because Puerto Rico is a “commonwealth” of the U.S. (whatever that means) and the word can also reference how a marriage works. However, Ann Patchett beat me to it. It ended up being for the best, because I like the title A Delicate Marriage better. It references the marriage between Isabella and Marco and the marriage between Puerto Rico and the U.S., both of which are tenuous at times.
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
The book cover blew my mind! Ronaldo Alves and his team came up with the perfect image, one far beyond my expectations. When I saw it, I teared up. That was the moment the book felt real to me, even more so than holding a copy in my hand, for some reason. I have received so many compliments on the book cover, and I never tire of looking at it!
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
This book is loosely based on the story of my grandparents, primarily their courtship. They had to overcome many obstacles, including the forbidding disapproval of my grandmother’s father, who tried everything in his power to sabotage the romance. I loved hearing those stories when I was growing up, and learning about the Puerto Rico of old. Ever since I can remember, I knew their courtship would make a great book. But my grandparents lived happily ever after, which doesn’t make for interesting reading. I had to spice things up for Isa and Marco once they got married.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I started out in journalism and then had a successful career in marketing communications working for brands like Frito-Lay, Dunkin’ Donuts, Avon, and Bausch & Lomb. Along the way, I was also the New England sales rep for the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and got to take travel agents all over the island. I saw parts of Puerto Rico I’d never visited when I lived there!
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
I’ve wanted to write a novel for as long as I can remember. On my first date with my husband, more than thirty-five years ago, I told him I aspired to write a novel. But work, parenthood, and life happened and I never had the bandwidth to write creatively. So to finally realize this dream at age sixty-two is surreal. And for people to love it as much as they have is almost embarrassing.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
One song in English: “Dancing Cheek to Cheek.” All the rest are Puerto Rican classics, including “En Mi Viejo San Juan,” “Ahora Seremos Felices,” and “Preciosa.” If you want to hear a true passionate performance, listen to Marc Anthony’s rendition of “Preciosa.” It is killer.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
My perfect reader will enjoy the ups and downs of Isa and Marco’s story while learning about the culture and history of Puerto Rico.
What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?
Right now my full-time job is promoting this book! But in early 2024, I’ll be starting my next novel. While conducting research for A Delicate Marriage, I learned that the birth control pill was tested on low-income Puerto Rican women in the late 1950s. However, the women were not told they were participating in a drug trial. Even though the results were problematic, the FDA approved the pill. I want to tell the story of these forgotten women.
How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?
I loved working with Atmosphere Press. I didn’t want to have to jump through hoops and wait years to have my novel traditionally published. Seeing A Delicate Marriage come into the world has been a dream come true. Having a marketing background has been hugely beneficial, too. Writers, you need to promote your books, so work with Atmosphere to do so, get some Bookstagram and blogger tours going, contact bookstores for stocking and events, and get into libraries. Don’t be afraid to ask! I emailed Junot Diaz asking for a blurb and she gave me a great one! Put yourself out there. You have nothing to lose.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.