In the frame 48th edition of the Buenos Aires International Book Fairliterary culture witnessed an outstanding event where Luis Gusmanrenowned writer and psychoanalyst, was interviewed by Silvina Friera, cultural journalist. This meeting took place in the Alfonsina Storni Room and was presented by Graciela Araozpresident of the Society of Writers of Argentina (SEA). During the interview, Gusmán’s years of career were reviewed, from his emblematic work The bottle until his most recent novel I don’t want to say goodbye.
Luis Gusmanborn in Buenos Aires in 1944, he has contributed significantly to literature with a collection of both fiction and non-fiction works. This year marks the half century of The bottle, recently republished by Edhasaamong other notable novels such as In the heart of June and Tennessee, some of which have been adapted to film.
According to critics and fans, Guzmán is an essential figure in the literature of Argentinabeing awarded with awards such as National Endowment for the Arts and the Konex Platinum Award in literature. Additionally, he is the author of influential nonfiction texts such as “Virgil’s wheel”, “Epitaphs” and “Love”. For its part, “Profane Hazelnut”published by the publisher Ampersand under the direction of Graciela Batticuore, offers an intimate tour of her reading memories, linking personal experiences with the literary world. Gusmán, through his work, shares with his readers his literary and personal influences that have forged his path as a writer, as well as his childhood, adolescence marked by the love of tango and soccer, and his first work experiences in renowned bookstores.
At the meeting, Gusmán especially emphasized how internal voices have shaped his narrative style and the relevance of cultural magazines in Argentine literature. “It’s the other way around, those voices worked on me,” Gusmán revealed when asked about the evolution of his writing since The bottle until his last novel, I don’t want to say goodbye. This statement highlights his intuitive and reflective approach to writing, considering the influence of internal voices as a determining factor in his creative process.
Furthermore, the author highlighted the importance of cultural magazines in his career, mentioning his participation in publications such as Literal, Place and Guess. For Gusmán, these platforms are not only fundamental for debate and community building within the literary sphere, but they also represent a critical space for political and theoretical expression. “Magazines are very important, it seems to me, in Argentine culture and literature, they build community,” he stated, underscoring the vital role of these publications in the development and dissemination of culture.
In his reflection on writing and criticism, Gusmán openly recognized the change and evolution in his work. He shared personal anecdotes about how he has faced criticism, even self-criticism, towards his writing and how it has influenced his perspective on literary creation. “You never know”he said, raising the possibility of venturing into poetry, a genre he has explored but not published widely.
The interview also touched on the influence of great writers on Gusmán, highlighting the impact that Jorge Luis Borges had on his way of reading and, possibly, on his writing style. “I would love to write like him or like Kafka,” he confessed, honoring iconic figures of world literature.
Another relevant aspect of the conversation was the current topic in Argentina, where Gusmán expressed his concern about the “degradation of speeches.” This perspective provides a social and political context that, without a doubt, influences the cultural and literary sphere of the country. Finally, he reflected on the beginning of his career as a writer, attributing an important role to interactions with a librarian during his youth, which defined his path in literature: “I owe my profession to the literary recommendations of the Racing librarian.”
The interview with Luis Gusmán in the Buenos Aires International Book Fair Not only did it offer an in-depth vision of the creative process of an outstanding writer but it also reflected on the cultural and social situation of Argentina. Through his words, the influence of internal narrative voices, the importance of cultural publications and the need for constructive criticism in the art of writing are highlighted. These reflections invite a greater appreciation of the complexities of literary work and its relevance in the contemporary social fabric.
[Fotos: Prensa Feria del Libro]
