A year abroad led Claire Ibarra to Peru, and inspiration for a novel

Claire Ibarra received her MFA in creative writing from Florida International University. Her work can be found in many literary magazines and anthologies. She currently teaches creative writing in Colorado. Learn more at www.claireibarra.com.

SunLit: Tell us this book’s backstory. What inspired you to write it? Where did the story/theme originate? 

Claire Ibarra: Many years ago, when I was a college student, I decided to study for a year in Peru through an International Program at my university. After completing my year of studies, I extended my stay there and eventually married and started a family. “Fragile Saints” was inspired by living in Peru and 25 years married into a Peruvian family. 

Most of my adult life was spent intimately connected to…