The Birdcage Archives

Thursday 15 November 2018

Fernando del Paso, Dies Aged 83


Hello Gentle Reader

Fernando del Paso was one of the giants of Mexican literature, with company including: Carlos Fuentes, Nobel Laureate Octavio Paz, Sergio Pitol, and Elena Poniatowska. Much like Sergio Pitol and Octavio Paz, Fernando del Paso also served as a diplomat for the Mexican Consul, while also working for the BBC, while living in London and Radio France. Beyond his work in broadcasting and diplomacy, Fernando del Paso forged a career in literary pursuits, and became one of Mexico’s most renowned and internationally successful authors. His most successful novel “News from the Empire,” depicts the short reign of Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico. Yet it defies traditional historical tropes, and has been described as a ‘histographic,’ novel, one in which intends to explore the multiple possibilities and versions of events and controversial moments. Beyond writing novels, Fernando del Paso wrote essays, poetry, and children’s books, as well as painting and explore the visual media arts. Fernando del Paso was awarded the Miguel de Cervantes Prize in two-thousand and fifteen, and before his death was the librarian overseeing the Octavio Paz Library.

The passing of Fernando del Paso is a loss to Mexico’s cultural and literary scene, as well as their arts. His novels were unique and exploratory; his interest in promoting and preserving Mexican cultural evident and apparent.

Rest in Peace, Fernando del Paso.

Thank-you For Reading Gentle Reader
Take Care
And As Always
Stay Well Read

M. Mary

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