Gabriela Wiener

Gabriela Wiener[1†]

Gabriela Wiener, born in Lima, Peru, in 1975, is a celebrated Peruvian writer, poet, and journalist. A prominent figure among the new Latin American chroniclers, she has resided in Spain since 2003. Wiener's extensive repertoire delves into various subjects and themes, showcased in collections like "Llamada perdida" and "Sexografías" (Sexographies) translated into multiple languages. Additionally, her poetry collection "Ejercicios para el endurecimiento del espíritu" exemplifies her literary diversity. Wiener remains a significant contributor to esteemed publications across the Americas and Europe[1†][2†].

Early Years and Education

Gabriela Wiener was born in 1975 in Lima, Peru[1†]. She is the daughter of the prominent political analyst and Peruvian journalist Raúl Wiener and social worker Elsi Bravo[1†]. There is a possibility that she is a descendant of the Austrian-French explorer Charles Wiener[1†][4†].

Wiener’s early education laid the foundation for her future career. She studied linguistics and literature at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru[1†]. This academic background provided her with a strong understanding of language and its power, which would later become evident in her writing.

After completing her undergraduate studies in Peru, Wiener moved to Spain in 2003[1†]. In Spain, she pursued a master’s degree in historical culture and communications from the University of Barcelona[1†]. This further education broadened her perspectives and enriched her understanding of culture and communication, which are central themes in her work.

During her time in Barcelona, from 2003 to 2011, Wiener immersed herself in the local culture and academic environment[1†]. This period was formative for her, influencing her writing style and the themes she explores in her work.

Career Development and Achievements

Gabriela Wiener’s career is marked by her diverse roles as a writer, chronicler, poet, and journalist[1†]. After completing her master’s degree in historical culture and communications from the University of Barcelona, she began her professional journey in Spain[1†].

Wiener worked for the newspaper El Comercio and was a member of the editorial board of Lateral magazine[1†]. She also held the position of editor-in-chief of the Spanish magazine Primera Línea and the Spanish edition of Marie Claire magazine[1†]. These roles allowed her to hone her journalistic skills and establish a strong presence in the media industry.

Wiener’s writing has been featured in a variety of publications, including Corriere della Sera, Words Without Borders, The White Review, Virginia Quarterly Review, Orsai, Esquire, Revue XXI, Clarin, El Universal, El Mercurio, and La Vanguardia[1†]. She is currently a columnist for the Peruvian newspaper La República, a correspondent for the magazine Etiqueta Negra, and a frequent contributor to El País[1†]. Her work spans multiple genres and topics, reflecting her versatility as a writer.

Wiener’s books have garnered significant attention. Her collections of crónicas, including “Llamada perdida”, “Sexografías”, “Nueve Lunas”, and “Mozart, the iguana with priapism and other stories”, have been translated into English, Italian, and French[1†]. Her book “Undiscovered”, originally written in Spanish, was longlisted for the International Booker Prize 2024[1†][5†].

In addition to her writing, Wiener is known for her interviews for La República and La Mula[1†]. Her ability to engage with a wide range of individuals and topics has made her a respected figure in the field of journalism.

Despite her achievements, Wiener has faced challenges. Now in her mid-40s, she has had to navigate assumptions about her role as an immigrant[1†][4†]. Yet, she continues to break barriers and make significant contributions to literature and journalism.

First Publication of Her Main Works

Gabriela Wiener is a prolific writer with a diverse portfolio of works. Her writing spans various genres, including memoirs, gonzo journalism, and contemporary sex culture[6†]. Here are some of her main works:

• “Cosas que deja la gente cuando se va”: Published by Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Estudios Generales Letras in 2007[6†][1†].
• “Llamada perdida”: Published by Editorial Estruendomudo in 2014, and later by Malpaso Ediciones in 2015[6†][1†].
• “Sexografías” (Sexographies): Published by San Isidro, Lima, Perú: Editorial Planeta in July 2015[6†][1†]. It was later translated into English and published by Restless Books in 2018[6†][1†].
• “Nueve Lunas” (Nine Moons): Published by Lima, Perú: Seix Barral in 2015[6†][1†].
• “Mozart, the iguana with priapism and other stories”: This is another one of her notable works[6†][1†].
• “Ejercicios para el endurecimiento del espíritu”: A book of poems published by Lima, Perú: Pesopluma in 2016[6†][1†].

Each of these works reflects Wiener’s unique style and approach to writing. They cover a wide range of topics, providing insightful perspectives on various aspects of life, society, and culture.

Analysis and Evaluation

Gabriela Wiener’s work is characterized by its depth, breadth, and the wide range of topics it covers[6†]. Her writing style is unique, and she often grapples with complex themes through the means of autofiction[6†][4†]. In her book “Undiscovered” (Pushkin Press, 2023), Wiener explores questions of personal history, family lineage, and the legacy of colonialism[6†][4†]. She shows how these elements can shape a person’s personality, sense of self, and even influence their choices of romantic partners[6†][4†].

Wiener’s work is not just about exploring personal narratives. It also critically examines the impact of larger societal structures. For instance, in “Undiscovered”, she confronts her unusual inheritance - her great-great-grandfather was Charles Wiener, an Austrian colonial explorer who pillaged artefacts from Peru[6†]. This exploration of her family’s past leads her to question its impact on her own identity as a Peruvian woman living in Spain[6†].

Her work also delves into contemporary issues. In her polyamorous relationship, she explores gender norms and the complexities of desire, love, and race[6†]. These explorations are not just personal; they also reflect broader societal conversations about identity, relationships, and power dynamics[6†].

Wiener’s work has been recognized for its provocative and insightful nature. Her books, including “Nine Moons” and “Sexographies”, have been translated into multiple languages, reflecting her international appeal[6†]. She has also won Peru’s National Journalism Award for her investigative report on violence against women[6†].

In conclusion, Gabriela Wiener’s work offers a critical analysis of personal and societal narratives. Her exploration of themes such as identity, colonialism, and relationships provides a unique perspective on contemporary issues. Her work continues to have a significant impact, influencing readers and critics alike[6†][4†][6†].

Personal Life

Gabriela Wiener was born in Lima, Peru in 1975[1†]. She is the daughter of the prominent political analyst and Peruvian journalist Raúl Wiener and social worker Elsi Bravo[1†]. She is a possible descendant of the Austrian-French explorer Charles Wiener[1†]. Gabriela has lived in Spain since 2003[1†]. She lived in Barcelona while completing her degree from 2003 to 2011[1†]. Since then, she has lived in Madrid[1†].

In her personal life, Gabriela Wiener is known for her provocative and irreverent autobiographical novel that reckons with the legacy of colonialism through one Peruvian woman’s family ties to both colonised and coloniser[1†][7†]. Her work draws from the sources of folk and revolutionary art, mestizo literature, antipatriarchal, indigenist literature, from voices that subvert the social order to raise themselves up, from her migrant community[1†][7†].

Gabriela Wiener’s personal life, like her professional life, is characterized by her commitment to challenging established norms and advocating for underrepresented voices[7†]. She is a strong advocate for migrant, racialised women, especially for those of us who come from the former Spanish colonies[1†][7†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Gabriela Wiener’s work has left a significant impact on contemporary literature, particularly in the realm of autofiction[4†]. Her exploration of personal history, familial heritage, and the reverberations of colonialism through her writing has challenged traditional narratives and offered fresh perspectives[4†].

Wiener’s book, “Undiscovered”, is a testament to her ability to intertwine personal experiences with broader socio-political themes[4†][5†][4†]. In this work, she grapples with her family lineage and the legacy of colonialism, examining how these elements have shaped her personality, sense of self, and even her romantic relationships[4†]. This introspective journey has resonated with many readers, leading to the book being longlisted for the International Booker Prize 2024[4†][5†].

Beyond her written work, Wiener’s legacy also lies in her advocacy for underrepresented voices and her commitment to challenging established norms[4†]. Her work continues to inspire and provoke thought, contributing to ongoing conversations about race, desire, familial heritage, and the impact of colonialism[4†].

Despite the challenges and complexities of her personal life, Wiener has managed to channel her experiences into her writing, creating a body of work that is both deeply personal and universally relatable[4†]. Her courage in confronting and exploring difficult themes has cemented her place as a significant figure in contemporary literature[4†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Unknown
• Born: 1975, Lima, Peru[1†]
• Died: Unknown
• Nationality: Peruvian[1†]
• Occupation: Writer, chronicler, poet, and journalist[1†]
• Notable Works: Llamada perdida; Sexografías; Nueve Lunas; Mozart, the iguana with priapism and other stories; and the book of poems Exercises for the hardening of the spirit[1†]
• Notable Achievements: Gabriela Wiener is part of the group of new Latin American chroniclers[1†]. She has lived in Spain since 2003[1†]. She is the daughter of the prominent political analyst and Peruvian journalist Raúl Wiener and social worker Elsi Bravo[1†]. She studied linguistics and literature at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru and received a master’s degree in historical culture and communications from the University of Barcelona[1†]. She has written for a variety of publications, including Corriere della Sera, Words Without Borders, The White Review, Virginia Quarterly Review, Orsai, Esquire, Revue XXI, Clarin, El Universal, El Mercurio, and La Vanguardia[1†]. She is currently a columnist for the Peruvian newspaper La República, a correspondent for the magazine Etiqueta Negra, and a frequent contributor to El País[1†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Gabriela Wiener [website] - link
2. The White Review - Gabriela Wiener [website] - link
3. Wikipedia (Spanish) - Gabriela Wiener [website] - link
4. Frieze - Gabriela Wiener's ‘Undiscovered’ Tackles Spectres of the Past [website] - link
5. The Booker Prizes - An extract from Undiscovered by Gabriela Wiener, translated by Julia Sanches [website] - link
6. The Booker Prizes - Reading guide: Undiscovered by Gabriela Wiener, translated by Julia Sanches [website] - link
7. The Booker Prizes - A Q&A with Gabriela Wiener and Julia Sanches, author and translator of Undiscovered [website] - link