Joaquin Balaguer was born in Villa Bisono, Navarrete Dominican Republic, in 1906; from a very early age Joaquin felt atracted to literature, componsing verses that were published in local magazines even he was very young. He became involved in politics due to the American military occupation in 1916 to 1924. Durong the dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo, Balaguer gained recognition both as a writer and as politician, his particular fields of literature was about history and international affairs and he wrote a number of books of this topics. He was a prolific author he wrote very importante books for contemporary Dominican literature, the most famous of which is his only narrative novel called Los carpitenros (The Carpenters). He also wrote poetry and many songs. The most controversial of his works was Memorias de un cortesano, in which Balaraguer shielded by his political power admitted knowing the truth about the misterious death of the revolutionary journalist Orlando Martinez, who wrote a lot of critical articles about the bad government of Balaguer. He left a blank page in the middle of the book: "to be filledn at the time of his dead. The mystery was never solved and he took to his grave.
Joaquin Balaguer explored several branches of literature, as a thorough researcher, he published many biographical books still used as reference, along with compilations and analysis of Dominican folk poets. Was a poet, an enssayist (in which genre he was considered the best, an speech writer and with his only work, a novelist.
He died 14th of July in 2002.
Joaquin Balaguer was one of the most important characters of the Domincican Republic, and example for to many writers and and icon for those who want to be. He was consedered the best president of my country and even though he was critized for a lot of journalists, people loved him. During his government were built monuments and homes for poor people.
Dominicans still talk about him, still love him and remember him as an incredible man. He will live forever in the history of a country that he love more than his own life.
