Balún Canán

"Balún Canán" is a novel written by the Guatemalan author Miguel Ángel Asturias, published in 1933. The title translates to "The Keeper of the Waters" in the indigenous Mayan language. It tells the story of a young boy named Venancio and his experiences in a rural village during a time of social turmoil caused by foreign exploitation and the clash of cultures. The novel blends magical realism with themes of identity, colonialism, and the natural world, reflecting Asturias's deep respect for indigenous culture and his critique of social injustice, ultimately highlighting the struggle between tradition and modernity.