The New Latin American Novel: A Literary Boom
1. The Rise of New Narrative Forms (1940s-1950s)
The 1940s and 1950s witnessed a period of experimentation with new storytelling forms in Latin American literature. This shift coincided with significant social transformations across the continent, including rapid urbanization and a move away from the post-colonial rural landscapes of the 19th century.
Several literary trends emerged during this time:
- Metaphysical narratives by authors like Jorge Luis Borges and José Lezama Lima.
- Existentialist narratives by Juan Carlos Onetti and Ernesto Sabato.
- Magic realism by Miguel Ángel Asturias, Alejo Carpentier, and Gabriel García Márquez.
Formal Features of the New Narrative
Narrator: The omniscient narrator, while not entirely abandoned, gave way to protagonist, character, or witness narrators. Multiple perspectives and techniques like interior monologue and stream of consciousness became prominent.
Time: Linear time was disrupted through techniques such as flashbacks, parallel or interwoven stories, and temporal breaks or chaos.
Language: Emphasis was placed on syntactic processing, prose rhythm, and evocative imagery, often resulting in a baroque style (e.g., Carpentier’s “The Cathedral”).
Key Trends and Authors
a) Metaphysical Narrative (Focus on Transcendent Themes)
Jorge Luis Borges: Known for works like “A Universal History of Infamy” (1935), “Fictions” (1944), and “The Aleph” (1949), exploring themes of immortality, infinity, knowledge, and human destiny.
José Lezama Lima: Achieved fame with “Paradiso” (1966), a complex exploration of its protagonist’s life using baroque language.
b) Existential Narrative (Reflection on the Human Condition)
Juan Carlos Onetti (Uruguay): Offered a pessimistic view of existence.
Ernesto Sabato (Argentina): Explored the mysteries of human existence, influenced by existentialism and psychoanalysis. His works include “The Tunnel” (1948), a story of love and madness, and “On Heroes and Tombs” (1961), which examines themes of frustration, social hypocrisy, and corruption.
c) Magic Realism
This style blended mythical, legendary, and fantastical elements with everyday reality, creating a credible yet extraordinary narrative.
Miguel Ángel Asturias: “Mr. President” (1946) exemplifies the “dictator novel” genre.
Alejo Carpentier: “The Kingdom of This World” (1949) and “The Cathedral” (1962) showcase his magic realism and baroque style.
Julio Cortázar: “Hopscotch” (1963) offers a non-linear reading experience and explores existential themes.
Augusto Roa Bastos: “I, the Supreme” (1974) portrays the corrupting influence of power.
Juan Rulfo: “Pedro Páramo” (1955) features innovative time manipulation and stylistic devices.
2. The Latin American Boom (1960s Onward)
The 1960s marked a period of international recognition for Latin American literature, often referred to as the “Boom.” This period saw the rise of new novelists and the publication of major works by established authors. The presence of Latin American writers in Europe further contributed to their growing popularity.
Boom writers often combined modernist techniques with the established tradition of magic realism.
Key Authors of the Boom
Gabriel García Márquez: “One Hundred Years of Solitude” (1967) chronicles the Buendía family in Macondo.
Carlos Fuentes: “The Death of Artemio Cruz” (1962) offers a critical perspective on the Mexican Revolution.
Mario Vargas Llosa: “The City and the Dogs” (1963) satirizes the military institution.
Other Notable Novelists
Augusto Monterroso: Known for his short stories, including the shortest story ever written.
Isabel Allende: “The House of the Spirits” (1982) traces Chilean history.
Laura Esquivel: “Like Water for Chocolate” (1989) tells a family saga set during the Mexican Revolution.