Latin American literature celebrated

Latin American literature is a rich and complex world of diverse themes, styles and forms. It rose to international prominence in the 20th century after 'The Boom', with the success linked to magical realism, and literary greats such as Octavio Paz, Gabriel García Marquez and Jorge Luis Borges. However, the literature of Latin America is still very much alive, with an abundance of talented writers continuing the legacy that has been firmly planted by previous ground-breaking authors.

Indeed, this week sees a celebration of literature from both Latin America and Spain, with the 3rd Festival of Ibero-American Literature taking place in London. The festival has grown from strength to strength, and this year it is set to be a great display of some of the finest modern literary works written in Spanish.

The Festival will take place in Foyles bookshop, which is internationally known for its wide range of foreign language literature, and is supported by the Association of Cultural Attaches of Latin America, Spain and Portugal (ACALASP) and the Ibero-American Embassies in the UK.

The event, which began on the 14th of November and will run until the 18th, will comprise of a mixture of round-table discussions, book launches, debates and workshops, transporting the public across the Latin American continent and Spain, through distinct writing styles and subject matters, from the emerging Spanish writer Almudena Solana to celebrated Argentinian author Tomás Eloy Martínez. The event will begin with a fascinating discussion about one of Colombia´s most celebrated modern authors, Evelio Rosero, who was awarded the National Literature Prize by the Colombian Ministry of Culture in 2006.

However, London is not alone this month in celebrating the marvels of Latin American literature. Some of the U.S.’s leading universities are too. Cornell University is celebrating 50 years of teaching Latin American Studies throughout November, with a series of film showings and lectures, as well as guest speakers all set to praise the diverse and unique products of Latin America’s cultures. In addition, The University of Arizona’s Centennial Lecture Series will also explore the history of Latin American authors, and their impact on the development of US Literature, discussing how the rich literary foundations have lead to it being one of the most fascinating and inspiring literary cultures in the world. And if that weren’t enough, St. Louis University presented Mario Vargas Llosa with the University’s prestigious Literary Prize this week, for his truly inspirational literary output.

From London to Arizona, this month is set to highlight the amazing feats of literature from Latin America and Spain, further cementing the importance and influence of Hispanic culture and the Spanish language throughout the United States and the UK.