Karla Suárez

Karla Suárez[1†]

Karla Suárez, born on October 28, 1969, in La Habana, Cuba, is a celebrated Cuban writer whose works have been translated into multiple languages. Despite earning a degree in Electronic Engineering, her passion for literature led to a successful writing career, starting with short stories in various anthologies and magazines. Her debut novel “Silence” (Silencios) won the Lengua de Trapo award in 1999. In 2012, her novel “Havana, Year Zero” (Habana, Año Cero) won the French Prize Carbet and the French award of the insular book. Some of her stories have been adapted for stage and television[1†].

Early Years and Education

Karla Suárez was born on October 28, 1969, in La Habana, Cuba[1†]. From her childhood, she showed a passion for mathematics, writing stories, and music[1†][2†]. This diverse interest led her to pursue a degree in Electronic Engineering[1†][2†][1†], a profession she continues to develop alongside her writing career[1†][2†].

Suárez’s interest in literature was evident from an early age. Despite her technical studies, she never put aside her love for literature[1†]. Her career as a writer began with the publication of some of her short stories in several anthologies and magazines[1†]. This early exposure to writing laid the foundation for her future success as a novelist.

Career Development and Achievements

Karla Suárez’s career as a writer began with the publication of some of her short stories in several anthologies and magazines[1†][2†]. Her debut novel, “Silence” (Silencios), won the Spanish award Lengua de Trapo in 1999[1†]. This novel was later adapted for the stage in France in 2010, and turned into a musical in 2013[1†][2†].

In 2003, she won the Italian award for international short stories I Colori delle Donne[1†]. In 2007, the Hay Festival and the organizers of the Bogotá World Book Capital selected Karla Suárez as one of the 39 highest profile Latin American writers under the age of 39[1†].

In 2012, her novel “Havana, Year Zero” (Habana, Año Cero) won the French Prize Carbet from the Caribbean and Tout-Monde and the French award of the insular book[1†]. In 2019, her short story “El pañuelo” won the 18th annual Julio Cortázar Award for Best Iberoamerican Story[1†].

She has also written stories for books of photo collections with photographers Francesco Gattoni and Yvon Lambert[1†]. She has received scholarships in Cuba and France[1†], and has taught Creative Writing at the Escuela de Escritores in Madrid[1†][2†].

First Publication of Her Main Works

Karla Suárez’s literary journey began with the publication of her short stories in various anthologies and magazines[1†].

Here are some of her main works with their first year of publication:

• “Silence” (Silencios, 1999)[[1†]]: Her debut novel, “Silence” (Silencios), was published in 1999 and won the Spanish award Lengua de Trapo[1†]. This novel has been translated into several languages and was adapted for the stage in France in 2010[1†].
• “The Traveller” (La Viajera, 2005): Her second novel[1†]
• “Havana, Year Zero” (Habana, Año Cero, 2011): Won the French Prize Carbet from the Caribbean and Tout-Monde and the French award of the insular book[1†]

Suárez’s works are not only limited to novels. She has also written stories for books of photo collections with Italian photographer Francesco Gattoni: “Cuba les chemins du hasard”, and “Rome, par-delà les chemins”. And “Grietas en las paredes” with Luxembourgois photographer Yvon Lambert[1†].

In 2019, her short story “El pañuelo” (The Handkerchief) won the 18th annual Julio Cortázar Award for Best Iberoamerican Story[1†]. This recognition further solidified her place in the literary world.

Analysis and Evaluation

Karla Suárez’s work is a unique blend of science, music, and literature[3†]. Her engineering background and passion for music have significantly influenced her writing style[3†]. Suárez’s novels are not just stories; they are symphonies that depict the rhythm of life in Havana[3†].

Her novel “Havana Year Zero” provides a vivid depiction and analysis of Cuban society in 1993, a year marked by scarcity and despair[3†]. Despite the grim setting, Suárez infuses the narrative with humor and acuity[3†]. The novel’s intricate plot and fascinating characters offer readers a glimpse into the Cuba of 1993[3†].

Suárez’s work also reflects her social consciousness. In “The Hero’s Son” (El hijo del héroe), she examines the aftereffects of Cuba’s intervention in the Angolan War of Independence[3†]. Her novels are more than just stories; they are historical narratives that shed light on significant periods in Cuba’s history[3†].

Critics have praised Suárez’s work for its intriguing plotlines and her ability to weave historical events into her narratives[3†]. Her stories are not just about discovery and deception; they are about giving people the recognition they deserve[3†].

In conclusion, Karla Suárez is not just a writer; she is a social historian, a musician, and a scientist. Her multifaceted background and interests have enriched her writing, making her one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Cuban literature[3†].

Personal Life

Karla Suárez leads a private life, and not much is known about her personal affairs. However, it is known that she currently resides in Lisbon[4†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Karla Suárez’s work, particularly her novel ‘Havana Year Zero’, has left a significant impact on literature. The novel, set in the midst of Cuba’s economic crisis known as the ‘Special Period’, intertwines the true facts of Antonio Meucci’s life and the invention of the telephone in a way that avoids turning it into a dry historical novel[5†]. Despite the chaotic nature of the story at times, all the threads are neatly tied together in a satisfying conclusion[5†].

Suárez’s novel is an interesting read that defies genre, combining history, mystery, and romance. It reveals the realities of life during the tough years of Cuba’s Special Period[5†]. By the novel’s end, Suárez’s readers are rewarded with a mostly satisfying conclusion[5†]. Despite the novel’s flaws, Havana Year Zero ultimately does what Julia hoped to achieve: it commemorates a remarkable man who was long denied the recognition he truly deserved[5†].

Karla Suárez’s work has not only brought prestige to Cuba but also to herself, making her one of the notable figures in contemporary literature[5†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Unknown
• Born: October 28, 1969, in La Habana, Cuba[1†]
• Died: Unknown
• Nationality: Cuban[1†]
• Occupation: Writer[1†]
• Notable Works: “Silencios” (Silence), “Espuma”, “Carroza Para Actores”, "Havana, Year Zero" (Habana, Año Cero)[1†][6†]
• Notable Achievements: Winner of the Spanish award Lengua de Trapo in 1999 for her debut novel "Silencios"[1†]. In 2003, she won the Italian award for international short stories I Colori delle Donne[1†]. In 2007, she was among the thirty-nine young writers chosen as the best from Latin America[1†][7†]. In 2012, her novel “Havana, Year Zero” (Habana, Año Cero) won the French Prize Carbet from the Caribbean and Tout-Monde and the French award of the insular book[1†]. In 2019, her short story “El Pañuelo” won the 18th annual Julio Cortázar Award for Best Iberoamerican Story[1†]

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Karla Suárez [website] - link
2. The Short Story Project - Karla Suárez [website] - link
3. Boston University - Core Curriculum - Writing to the Music of Cuba - A Conversation with Karla Suárez [website] - link
4. Wikipedia (English) - Carla Suárez Navarro [website] - link
5. Sounds and Colours - 'Havana Year Zero' by Karla Suárez: Revealing Portrait of Cuba's Special Period [website] - link
6. World Literature Today - Ritual [website] - link
7. World Literature Today - None [website] - link