LIfe in my father’s Shadow
A novel by
Rocío Velásquez Dresser
In the backdrop of 1960s Colombia, the author's world is defined by her father, a notorious figure known simply to most as 'The Doctor.'
Dr. Velásquez is a rebel, a man of principles and a prodigious communist organizer in the Americas with ties to Fidel Castro and Che Guevara and a prime target of the CIA with a bounty on his head.
The 'Doctor' is forced into hiding leaving his daughter grappling with the void, bereft of the father she adores. Amid the chaos of the era, in an attempt to find him, she unravels the intricate tapestry of his clandestine life that intertwines politics, loyalty, and familial bonds.
As the eldest of four siblings, she shoulders the responsibility of helping to raise her brothers and sister, witnessing her mother's sacrifices to safeguard the family.
‘Life in My Father's Shadow,’ paints a poignant portrait of loss and redemption, exploring the depths of the author's yearning for a father she feels she barely knows as the book delves into the fervent political landscape of Colombia.
A powerful, ravishing story of loyalty, political commitment, belief, hope and family bonds.
“A harrowing tale inspired by true events, Life in my Father’s Shadow by Rocio Velásquez Dresser recounts the life of a man - torn between serving his family and his country - through the lens of his eldest daughter. A historical period piece, this novel sews together the political unravellings of mid-twentieth century Colombia caught in political turmoil with the ephemeral innocence of a father’s young children forced to confront it all.”
About Rocio
Rocío Dresser Ed.D. is a graduate of the University of San Francisco. She is an emerita professor at San José State University California who brought a wealth of expertise and passion to the field of bilingual education and teacher education. Dr. Dresser also served as an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego, contributing to the academic growth and development of students in teaching and learning. Her professional publications have an international focus including multiculturalism, bilingualism, and literacy.
In the 1980s, Rocío Dresser immigrated from Colombia to the U.S., driven by the goal of securing a future for her daughter. Passionate about learning and teaching, she overcame language, cultural, and financial barriers common to immigrants pursuing education. Rocío dedicated her career to teacher education, focusing on multiculturalism, bilingualism, and literacy. An emerita professor at San José State University and adjunct professor at the University of San Diego, she holds an Ed.D. from the University of San Francisco.
In the 1980s, Rocío Dresser migrated from Colombia to the U.S., aspiring to provide a future for her daughter. Overcoming language and cultural hurdles, she devoted her career to bilingual education, specializing in preparing teachers in subjects such as multiculturalism, bilingualism, and literacy. Now an emerita professor at San José State University and adjunct professor at the University of San Diego, holds an Ed.D. from the University of San Francisco.
