What’s the meaning of evil? And pain? How do fantasy, horror and science fiction address these themes? Is the ancient battle between good and evil merely a matter of one’s point of view? Do good and evil even exist any more, or is everything more nuanced? The four Spanish-language authors participating in this discussion have explored these topics in some of the literary hits of the season. In Las raíces recuerdan tu nombre [The Roots Remember Your Name], breakthrough author Aitziber Saldias imagines a small village full of spirits, surrounded by a forest that demands sacrifices. Meanwhile, Amparo Montejano’s Tierra de meigas [Land of Witches] brings together seven stories of fear, death and Galician legends featuring her trademark macabre style and illustrations by Tomás Hijo. This year also saw the conclusion of the ambitious Fortalezas Tennen [Tennen Strengths], a trilogy by Toledo-born science fiction and dark fantasy author David Luna that depicts a neo-feudal future lacking technology in which any kind of learning can be a form of submission. Finally, this discussion on the power of shadow will be joined by Toni Sánchez Bernal of Tarragona, author of Ofensa al frío [Slighting the Cold], a thriller on mourning, guilt and supernatural absences. Moderated by Leticia Lara, all four will share their literary descents into hell and how they’ve successfully made it back.

Guests:

Amparo Montejano

Aitziber Saldias

David Luna

Toni Sánchez Bernal

Moderator:

Leticia Lara