In this interview from Barcelona, the renowned writer Ildefonso Falcones discusses his career and his latest work, a novel titled Slave to Freedom. The author, who published his first major work at age 46 with La catedral del mar in 2006, has since become a global literary figure. Seventeen years later, he released a sixth book that follows two protagonists across two centuries: a Black woman in 19th century Cuba and a contemporary Spanish woman. Falcones worked on this new project during his cancer treatment, balancing operating rooms and chemotherapy with his writing. He is scheduled to appear next Friday, February 24, at Club FARO. [Attribution: Interview context]
– You propose a journey to colonial Cuba and the history of slavery in 1853. Why this setting?
– The topic is relatively unknown and often overlooked in textbooks. The author says the central impulse was intimacy with the past: Spain was the last Western country to abolish slavery in its colonies. His grandmother lived through slavery, which influenced his decision to explore not only Cuba’s history but its lingering effects in the present day. The novel thus links past exploitation to 21st century realities, combining historical slavery with contemporary themes rather than telling a simple historical tale. [Attribution: Author’s stated intention]
– Do you want to emphasize that the problem persists by connecting past and present?
– The issue remains urgent. Racism persists and ideologies or policies in recent years have tended to perpetuate xenophobia and racism, sometimes hidden. International studies and resolutions recognize the ongoing impact of colonial history. When slavery ended, many displaced people faced job scarcity and new forms of exploitation tied to capitalist systems, with consequences that echo through generations. [Attribution: Context from UN studies]
– You shifted focus for health reasons. What was writing like while undergoing treatment?
– The topic was already being researched and was heavily documented, yet the author approached it with a blend of realism and fiction. The writing process fluctuated between overwhelming moments and small, hopeful paragraphs written in difficult circumstances. Continuing as a lawyer would have been impossible during treatment, so writing became a therapeutic refuge. [Attribution: Writing process during illness]
– Are two heroines essential to portray the role of women in history?
– Yes. Slavery existed as a visible legal condition in colonies, with Britain abolishing the trade earlier and Spain joining later through political agreements. The narrative centers on women because they faced unique and brutal roles within the system. A female descendant of a slave becomes the hero of the 19th century, underscoring gendered experiences within oppression. [Attribution: Historical context]
– Was it difficult to step into the mouths of two Black women?
– The author notes no trouble entering women’s perspectives, having explored female voices in previous works. He emphasizes that his aim is not personal experience alone but the depth of the story, acknowledging that the reality of slavery remains far beyond what a single author can fully convey. [Attribution: Author’s approach to perspective]
– Do themes of racism, colonialism, and social precarity stem from the author’s legal background or from life experience?
– The ideas arise from lived reality and observation of power structures that persist even in modern democracies. Slavery is viewed as a historical benchmark for comparing abuses of power, with genocide representing an extreme form of oppression. [Attribution: Thematic motivation]
– Is the goal to educate readers while entertaining them?
– The aim includes engaging stories driven by passion, ambition, money, and revenge. The author challenges clichés about slavery and highlights the emotional and social dimensions, such as the painful necessity of music among enslaved people and the cruel realities behind those rhythms. The portrayal seeks to strip away stereotypes and show the human experience behind historical violence. [Attribution: Intent and portrayal]
– What shocked you most during your research for this novel?
– The brutality on slave farms and the harsh punishments faced by enslaved workers are stark reminders of cruelty. The narrative contrasts punishments with forced sexuality and the dehumanizing practices that accompanied plantation life. [Attribution: Research takeaways]
– How did you approach Orishas, the religious syncretism tied to African roots?
– The religious layer adds unity to the story. The author wanted to move beyond folkloric depictions and treat Orishas as a powerful, living element of enslaved communities, recognizing holidays controlled by owners rather than freedom. The religion is presented as intricate and capricious, reflecting the resilience of cultures under pressure. [Attribution: Religious themes]
– After La catedral del mar, what changed for you as a writer who published late in life?
– The author notes a shift toward greater confidence and consistency. With more time and experience, he believes future works will align with his evolving voice, and the priority became delivering quality work rather than balancing multiple careers. He left behind the legal profession to focus on writing. [Attribution: Career evolution]
– Have there been moments when giving up crossed your mind?
– There were years of discouragement, yet perseverance paid off with a publisher and continued exploration of slavery-themed topics in Cuba. The resilience of the author is highlighted, emphasizing patience and ongoing curiosity about new subjects. [Attribution: Personal perseverance]
– How does one manage the weight of international success?
– The author describes balance and stability in life, noting that the achievement came at a personal turning point with family responsibilities. The experience is framed as a mature evolution rather than a meteoric rise. [Attribution: Managing success]
– What fictional project would you still like to undertake?
– The author would enjoy writing stories in entirely different universes, such as a magical adventure or a humor-driven work. He admires authors who can make readers laugh with words and would relish the opportunity to explore new horizons. [Attribution: Future aspirations]
– Which stage of novel creation is most enjoyable for you?
– The final phase brings satisfaction, but daily work in the office remains demanding and essential. Writing is not about moments of joy alone; it also requires steady, focused effort. [Attribution: Creative process]
– Do your children read your work?
– Two readers in the family have engaged with his books, but he notes that younger generations may not read as much. It might be beneficial to encourage broader reading, though the exact approach is left open. [Attribution: Reading habits]
– Are you worried about comprehension and education today?
– There is concern about the ability of young people to understand written material. The link between reading and knowledge is strong, and improving literacy remains a key educational goal. [Attribution: Literacy concerns]
– If you could travel back in time, which moment would you visit and which figure would you meet?
– The author would choose ancient Rome to meet Julius Caesar, a historical figure whose life invites reflection on leadership and power. [Attribution: Time travel fiction]
– Is historical fiction more necessary now, to learn from the past while enjoying the story?
– The value lies in readers choosing their own date to study history and in recognizing that people may repeat mistakes if they do not study them. The author notes that some will seek to learn from the past while others ignore it. [Attribution: Role of historical fiction]
– Finally, are we witnessing a period of oppression where information and freedoms are at risk?
– The author argues that freedoms can be eroded when information access diminishes. He notes a troubling trend where knowledge historically opened doors, while now it may be used to justify restrictions. This perspective underscores the importance of open information and informed citizenship. [Attribution: Social commentary]