Pilar Quintana

Pilar Quintana[1†]

Pilar Quintana is a renowned Colombian writer, born on January 1, 1972, in Cali, Colombia. She is recognized for her significant contributions to Latin American literature and has been honored with several prestigious awards. Quintana published numerous novels and short stories that have been translated into multiple languages. Her works, including ‘La Perra’ and ‘Coleccionistas de polvos raros’, have garnered international acclaim. In 2007, she was selected by the Hay Festival as one of the most promising young writers in Latin America. Her novel ‘La Perra’ was translated into 16 languages, and her novel ‘Los abismos’ won the Premio Alfaguara de Novela. Quintana’s work is characterized by its profound exploration of human nature and society, making her one of the most influential contemporary writers in Latin America[1†][2†][3†].

Early Years and Education

Pilar Quintana was born on January 1, 1972, in Cali, Colombia[1†]. From an early age, she showed a keen interest in literature and the arts. Her upbringing in Cali, a city known for its vibrant cultural scene, played a significant role in shaping her creative sensibilities.

Quintana pursued her higher education at the Javeriana University in Bogota[1†]. This period of her life was instrumental in honing her literary skills and shaping her as a writer. The university environment provided her with the intellectual stimulation and resources to explore her passion for writing.

In 2011, she attended the International Writing Program of the University of Iowa as a writer-in-residence[1†]. This experience exposed her to a diverse range of literary styles and perspectives, further enriching her own writing. In 2012, she was a visiting writer at the International Writers Workshop of the Baptist University of Hong Kong[1†]. These international experiences broadened her horizons and had a profound impact on her subsequent works.

Throughout her education and early career, Quintana demonstrated a deep commitment to her craft. Her experiences, both in Colombia and abroad, have contributed to her distinctive voice as a writer and her significant contributions to Latin American literature.

Career Development and Achievements

Pilar Quintana began her writing career in Colombia, where she was born and raised[1†]. Over the years, she has published five novels and a short story collection[1†]. Her works have been translated into multiple languages, reflecting her international acclaim[1†].

Quintana’s first novel, ‘Cosquillas en la lengua’, was published in 2003[1†]. This was followed by ‘Coleccionistas de polvos raros’ in 2007[1†], ‘Conspiración Iguana’ in 2009[1†], ‘La Perra’ in 2017[1†], and ‘Los abismos’ in 2021[1†]. Each of these works showcases Quintana’s unique narrative style and her ability to explore complex human emotions and societal issues.

Her novel ‘La Perra’ (translated from Spanish to English by Lisa Dillman and published by World Editions under the title ‘The Bitch’) was translated into 16 languages[1†]. It was shortlisted for the Colombian Premio Nacional de Novela in 2018 and the National Book Award for Translated Literature in the US in October 2020[1†]. It also won the English Pen Award and the Premio de Biblioteca de Narrativa Colombiana in 2018[1†].

In 2021, her novel ‘Los abismos’ won the Premio Alfaguara de Novela[1†][4†][5†]. In September 2023, the English translation, ‘Abyss’, translated by Lisa Dillman, was longlisted for the National Book Award for Translated Literature[1†].

Quintana’s screenplay ‘Lavaperros’, written with Antonio García Ángel, has won two grants by Fondo para el Desarrollo Cinematográfico, Proimágenes, and the Premio Manuel Barba of Huelva’s Press Association for best script in 2020[1†].

Throughout her career, Quintana has demonstrated a deep commitment to her craft. Her works have not only earned her numerous awards but also established her as one of the most influential contemporary writers in Latin America.

First Publication of Her Main Works

Pilar Quintana’s literary journey is marked by the publication of several notable works that have significantly contributed to Latin American literature[1†][6†][7†].

• “Cosquillas en la lengua” (Tickling the tongue): Published in 2003, this was Quintana’s first novel[1†]. It introduced readers to her unique narrative style and her ability to weave intricate stories[1†].
• “Coleccionistas de polvos raros”: This novel, published in 2007, won the Premio de Novela La Mar de Letras in Spain[1†]. It further established Quintana’s reputation as a compelling storyteller[1†].
• “Conspiración Iguana” (Iguana conspiracy): Published in 2009, this novel continued to showcase Quintana’s narrative prowess and her ability to explore complex themes[1†].
• “Caperucita se come al lobo” (Little Red Riding Hood eats the wolf): This collection of short stories, published in 2012, demonstrated Quintana’s versatility as a writer[1†].
• “La Perra” (The Bitch): Published in 2017, this novel was translated into 16 languages and shortlisted for the Colombian Premio Nacional de Novela in 2018 and the National Book Award for Translated Literature in the US in October 2020[1†]. It was also the announced winner of the English Pen Award and the Premio de Biblioteca de Narrativa Colombiana in 2018[1†].
• “Los abismos” (The Abysses): This novel, published in 2021, won the esteemed Premio Alfaguara de Novela[1†][7†]. In September 2023, the English translation, “Abyss”, translated by Lisa Dillman, was longlisted for the National Book Award for Translated Literature[1†].

Each of these works has played a significant role in shaping Quintana’s literary career and has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Latin American literature[1†][6†][7†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Pilar Quintana’s work has been the subject of extensive analysis and evaluation, with critics and scholars alike recognizing her unique narrative style and thematic explorations[8†][9†][10†].

Quintana’s novel “La Perra” (2017), translated into English as “The Bitch”, is a particularly poignant example of her ability to explore complex themes such as loss, violence, isolation, and loneliness[8†][10†]. The protagonist, Damaris, attempts to foster an intimate relationship with a makeshift child, a stray puppy. However, this relationship is complicated by the inability to dialogue with the latter in plain terms[8†]. The subsequent disconnect between mother and child compels Damaris to reflect on other disintegrating familial ties from her past, which despite having been silenced and repressed, continue to inform her identity crises in the present[8†].

Quintana’s exploration of these themes is not limited to “La Perra”. Her other works, including “Conspiración Iguana” (2009) and “Coleccionistas de polvos raros” (2010), present thematic and formal explorations relevant to her later works[8†][9†]. Quintana’s writing often challenges societal norms and expectations, particularly those related to gender[8†][9†]. She has spoken about her experiences as a woman writer in a cultural landscape still dominated by men, and how this has influenced her writing[8†][9†].

In conclusion, Pilar Quintana’s work offers a profound exploration of human experiences, particularly those related to loss, trauma, and identity. Her narrative style, characterized by its depth and insight, has left an indelible mark on Latin American literature[8†][9†][10†].

Personal Life

Pilar Quintana leads a private life, with limited information available about her personal relationships[1†]. She was born in Cali, Colombia, and later studied at the Javeriana University in Bogota[1†][11†]. Quintana’s personal experiences have significantly influenced her writing. For instance, her concerns about motherhood and her childhood fear of becoming an orphan inspired her to write "Los Abismos"[1†]. This novel tells the story of a young girl reflecting on her parents’ troubled marriage with extraordinary perception and sensitivity[1†].

Quintana has a son, and she believes that motherhood helps one reconnect with their childhood and understand it better[1†]. This connection to her past and her personal experiences have been a driving force in her writing[1†].

Quintana’s personal life is also intertwined with her professional life. In 2011, she attended the International Writing Program of the University of Iowa as a writer-in-residence[1†]. In 2012, she was a visiting writer at the International Writers Workshop of the Baptist University of Hong Kong[1†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Pilar Quintana’s work has left a significant impact on the literary world, particularly in her home country of Colombia and beyond[9†][12†]. Her novels, such as “La Perra” and “Los Abismos”, have been translated into multiple languages, demonstrating her global reach[9†][12†]. Quintana’s unique narrative style and thematic explorations have resonated with readers across different contexts[9†].

Quintana’s work has been recognized with several prestigious awards. Her novel “La Perra” won the Biblioteca de Narrativa Colombiana Prize and was selected for several best books of 2017 lists[9†]. Furthermore, “Los Abismos” won the esteemed Premio Alfaguara de Novela in 2021[9†][4†].

Beyond her literary contributions, Quintana has also made significant strides in advocating for gender equality in literature. She has spoken out against the labeling of her work as “feminine” or “erotic”, arguing for the recognition of literature by women as simply literature[9†].

Quintana’s legacy continues to grow as her work reaches new audiences. Her novels continue to be celebrated for their depth and insight, and her influence as a writer and a feminist continues to resonate in the literary world[9†][12†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Unknown
• Born: Pilar Quintana was born on the 1st of January in 1972 in Cali, Colombia[1†].
• Died: Unknown
• Nationality: She is a Colombian author[1†][3†][13†].
• Occupation: Quintana is a widely respected author[1†][13†]. She has published five novels and a short story collection[1†].
• Notable Works: Her best-known works include “La Perra” and "Coleccionistas de polvos raros"[1†]. Her novel “La Perra” was translated into 16 languages[1†]. Her latest novel, “Los abismos”, won the prestigious Alfaguara de Novela Prize[1†][3†].
• Notable Achievements: In 2007, Hay Festival selected her as one of the most promising young authors of Latin America[1†][3†][13†]. Her novel “La Perra” won an English PEN Translates award and was a finalist for the National Book Award in the US[1†][3†]. Her screenplay “Lavaperros”, written with Antonio García Ángel, has won two grants by Fondo para el Desarrollo Cinematográfico, Proimágenes, and the Premio Manuel Barba of Huelva’s Press Association for best script in 2020[1†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Pilar Quintana [website] - link
2. Wikipedia (Spanish) - Pilar Quintana [website] - link
3. National Book Foundation - Pilar Quintana [website] - link
4. AP News - Pilar Quintana reconnects with childhood and wins Alfaguara [website] - link
5. The Independent - Pilar Quintana reconnects with childhood and wins Alfaguara Mother AP Author girl Child [website] - link
6. Goodreads - Author: Books by Pilar Quintana (Author of La perra) [website] - link
7. Unknwon error - link
8. JSTOR - Ahogarse en un mar verde [website] - link
9. Latin American Literature Today - Animality and Writing: A Conversation with Pilar Quintana [website] - link
10. Latin American Literature Today - La perra by Pilar Quintana [website] - link
11. Goodreads - Author: Pilar Quintana (Author of La perra) [website] - link
12. Words Without Borders - The National Book Award Interviews: Lisa Dillman and Pilar Quintana [website] - link
13. BookBrowse.com - Pilar Quintana author information [website] - link