Gastón Suárez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gastón Suárez
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| Born | Juan Gastón Suárez Paredes 27 January 1929 Tupiza, Bolivia |
| Died | 6 November 1984 (aged 55) La Paz, Bolivia |
| Genre | Novels, short stories, drama |
| Literary movement | Latin American Boom, magic realism |
| Notable works |
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| Spouse | Edmy Santalla Pabón |
| Children | Patricia, Rossana, Ronald and Ruy Omar |
Gastón Suárez (born January 27, 1929 – November 6, 1984) was an important Bolivian writer. He wrote novels, short stories, and plays. Gastón Suárez was born in Tupiza, a town in southern Potosí, Bolivia.
Contents
A Dream to Write
Gastón Suárez was a self-taught writer. This means he learned mostly on his own. He left elementary school early. However, his mother, who was also a teacher, taught him at home. When he was ten, he read two adventure books: Dick Sand, A Captain at Fifteen by Jules Verne and Jerry of the Islands by Jack London. After reading these, he decided he wanted to become a writer someday.
Becoming a Full-Time Author
By the late 1950s, Gastón Suárez decided to follow his dream. He quit his job at a bank. He bought a truck and traveled all over Bolivia. This helped him learn a lot about his country. During these trips, he wrote many short stories. He also finished the first version of his play, Vértigo. Soon after, he decided to become a full-time writer.
He had many different jobs in his life. He worked on railroads, as a rural teacher, and even as a miner. He also drove a truck and was a journalist. These experiences helped him understand Bolivian life very well. He wrote about city life, the countryside, and the mines.
His Famous Works
Gastón Suárez wrote many books. His first collection of stories was called "A vigil for the last trip" (Vigilia para el último viaje). One story from this book, "Illuminated" (Iluminado), was chosen for many collections of Latin American writers. It was seen as a great example of a short story.
Another important book of short stories was "The Gesture" (El Gesto). Two popular stories from this book are "The stranger and the silver candelabrum (El forastero y el candelabro de plata)" and "The diary of Mafalda" (El diario de Mafalda).
Vértigo: A Play
In 1967, Suárez published his first play, Vértigo. This drama tells the story of a man who is freed from prison after twenty years. He tries to bring his seven children back together. They have all gone their separate ways. Vértigo won first prize at the Jornadas Julianas de la Juventud in 1967.
Mallko: The Condor's Story
His most famous novel is Mallko, published in 1974. This book tells the story of a condor, which is a large bird. In the Aymara language, a condor is called a "Mallko." The novel mixes real life with magic realism. It also shows the tough life of people in the Andes mountains. It makes you think about how people face their destiny and survive when they are alone.
Mallko is a very important book in Bolivia, Spain, and other countries in the Andean region. In 1976, Mallko was added to the Honour List of the Hans Christian Andersen Award. It was called "an exceptional example of literature with international importance."
Books for Young Readers
In 1979, during the International Year of the Child, he published another novel. It was called The adventures of Miguelín Quijano (Las aventuras de Miguelín Quijano). This book uses ideas from the famous story of Don Quixote. It tells a beautiful story that helps children use their imagination. It also makes them interested in the classic book by Miguel de Cervantes.
In 1981, he published Beyond the Winter (Despues del Invierno). This play is about two brothers, Melitón and Benjamin. They have to decide if they will stay and care for their old, sick father or live their own lives.
Gastón Suárez passed away in La Paz in November 1984. He died from a sudden heart problem.
See also
In Spanish: Gastón Suárez para niños
