Juan Manuel Salvat Roque, a prominent figure in the Cuban literary world known for his unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Cuban literature, passed away this Tuesday in Miami at the age of 84. His death was attributed to complications from a diabetic coma after spending a week hospitalized at Doctor Hospital in Coral Gables, as reported by sources close to the family.
Salvat, the visionary behind Ediciones Universal and Librería Universal, was a cornerstone of Cuban culture in exile, as highlighted by Martí Noticias. The respected Cuban journalist Wilfredo Cancio remarked, "With Salvat's passing, we lose a stalwart of Cuban literature and cultural advocacy in exile, and a tireless activist for Cuba's democratization."
Born in Sagua la Grande, Cuba, in 1940, Salvat distinguished himself early on through his anti-Castro activism and was a prominent student leader at the University of Havana. In 1960, after being expelled due to his political activities, he managed to escape Cuba and settle in the United States, where he continued his opposition to the Castro regime.
A Literary Haven for Cuban Exiles
In 1965, Salvat established the Distribuidora Universal, which evolved into Ediciones Universal, and by 1969, he launched Librería Universal on Miami's iconic Calle Ocho. This bookstore became a cultural and literary hub for Cuban exiles, offering a platform for Cuban authors to disseminate their works and encouraging intellectual and political discourse.
Salvat's editorial endeavors resulted in the publication of over 1,000 titles, playing a vital role in preserving Cuba's literary heritage. He provided Cuban writers with a venue to express their voices free from censorship, helping generations of exiled Cubans connect with their cultural roots.
Enduring Legacy Despite Challenges
Even after the physical bookstore closed in 2013, Ediciones Universal continued its mission, maintaining a strong presence at international literary events like the Miami International Book Fair, solidifying its status as a crucial publisher for Cuban literature outside the island.
Renowned writer Zoé Valdés, a close friend of Salvat, remembered him as "a great Cuban, a patriot, a fighter for Cuba's freedom until his last days." Similarly, Daniel Pedreira, president of the PEN Club of Cuban Writers in Exile, emphasized that without Salvat's editorial work, "the literary richness of Cuban exile would not be what it is today."
Salvat is also celebrated for his unwavering commitment to Cuban culture, not only as an editor and bookseller but as a steadfast advocate for democracy and freedom in Cuba. His legacy lives on in every published book and in the hearts of all Cubans who saw in him a guardian of their history and identity.
The Cuban literary community mourns the loss of this iconic cultural leader, who will be remembered for his invaluable contributions to Cuban exile and the preservation of Cuba's historical memory. Rest in peace, dear Juan Manuel Salvat.