American Masters

How Julia Alvarez was inspired by the working class

While at the Yaddo writing retreat, Julia Alvarez found herself suffering from writers block. Inspiration struck when she befriended the maids, housekeepers and cooks and heard their stories, and eventually put together her book of poetry, "Housekeeping." "I wanted to write about the lore that comes when women are talking as they're doing their housework," said Alvarez.

How Julia Alvarez was inspired by the working class

2m 52s

  • Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimagined: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimagined

    S38 E5 - 1h 23m

    Explore the story of Dominican-American poet and novelist Julia Alvarez, who burst onto the literary scene and blazed a trail for a generation of Latino authors.

  • Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames

    S38 E4 - 1h 23m

    Explore the story of director, screenwriter and producer Blake Edwards, known for cinema classics such as “Breakfast at Tiffany's,” “Days of Wine and Roses” and the “Pink Panther” series.

  • Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames (ASL): asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames (ASL)

    1h 23m

    Explore the story of director, screenwriter and producer Blake Edwards, known for cinema classics such as “Breakfast at Tiffany's,” “Days of Wine and Roses” and the “Pink Panther” series. This version contains on-screen ASL interpretation.

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