Today, I want to share a special moment from my upcoming novel, “Under The Flamboyant Tree,” and the inspiration behind it. As a Dominican author, I often draw from my cultural experiences to create authentic and relatable stories. One such inspiration came from Elizabeth Acevedo’s “Clap When You Land.”

A Beautiful Moment: Clap When You Land

Elizabeth Acevedo’s “Clap When You Land” beautifully captures a significant cultural moment for Dominicans. The title itself reflects a tradition where Dominicans clap when the plane lands back on Dominican soil. This act is more than just a gesture; it symbolizes the joy and relief of returning home, a sentiment deeply ingrained in our culture.

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A Bittersweet Homecoming

In “Under The Flamboyant Tree,” I wanted to incorporate this cultural nuance into a pivotal scene. In one of the chapters, Isabella wakes up to the sound of clapping as the plane lands in Santiago, Dominican Republic. However, for Isabella, this moment is bittersweet. Unlike the joyous homecoming many experience, Isabella feels a sense of failure. She had always imagined returning home as a success, but circumstances have brought her back in a way she never envisioned.

Juxtaposition of Emotions

By juxtaposing Isabella’s bitter return with the joyous clapping, I aimed to highlight how the same moment can evoke different emotions in different people. This scene reflects the complexity of returning home and the mixed feelings that can accompany such a journey. It also pays homage to the cultural practice Elizabeth Acevedo so beautifully described, showing how a shared tradition can carry diverse meanings.

Stay Tuned for More

I hope this glimpse into one of the scenes in “Under The Flamboyant Tree” has piqued your interest. The novel will be published in November 2024, and I can’t wait for you to read it. Thank you for your continued support and joining me on this literary journey.