Pedro Páramo, Juan Rulfo
May 24, 7pm (BST)
“Vine a Comala porque me dijeron que acá vivía mi padre, un tal Pedro Páramo. Mi madre me lo dijo. Y yo le prometí que vendría a verlo en cuanto ella muriera.”
Come and join us on Friday May 24, 7pm (BST), for a discussion of Juan Rulfo’s classic of Latin American literature, Pedro Páramo. There is a new translation by Douglas J. Weatherford that I feel captures the original better than previous versions. I reviewed it here for the London Magazine, if you are interested in knowing more about it.
We will also discuss this classic piece of scholarship by Joseph Sommers (1968): “Through the Window of the Grave: Juan Rulfo”. Top tip: read it after the book to avoid a massive spoiler!
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About the book: Pedro Páramo is a landmark of Latin American literature, weaving a mesmerising tale of a son’s journey to a ghostly town to fulfill his mother's dying wish. Set in a desolate Mexican village haunted by echoes of the past, the novel unfolds a labyrinth of memories, secrets, and the ruthless power of one man’s obsession.
About the author: Juan Rulfo, an iconic figure in Latin American literature, is renowned for his masterful storytelling and profound exploration of the human condition. His unique narrative voice and haunting imagery have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, cementing his legacy as one of the 20th century’s most influential writers.