Las novelas en décimas: Imprentas olvidadas, melodramas populares y memorias citadinas (Cuba, 1938–1959)

Abstract:This article proposes an approach to the processes of making, circulating, and receiving melodramas in verses known as "novelas en décimas." Published in low-cost brochures and written by popular poets, residents of cities and towns, these stories of impossible love between rich and poor invaded rural and urban homes in the mid-twentieth century. In these stories and their social uses we find new possibilities to think about the functioning of popular commercial advertising, the role of popular sectors before mass culture, and the relationship between print and radio. To explore these complex dialogues in the next few pages we will perform diverse operations, which range from the analysis of the novel Amores Montaraces to the secrets of a local poet to construct his melodramas. Finally, we will focus on reflecting, in a general way, on the characteristics of the reception of the brochures.