Pilar Quintana on Jungle Writing and Literary Influences

Colombian novelist Pilar Quintana recently appeared as a guest on a literary podcast to discuss her latest work and the authors who have shaped her writing. The conversation centered on her new novel, Noche negra, which is rooted in a harrowing personal experience. Quintana recounted spending three months alone in the jungle, an ordeal that she described as the direct inspiration for her book. She characterized the novel as a terrifying chronicle of both the external and internal wilderness.

During the discussion, Quintana spoke candidly about her literary heritage. She explicitly identified herself as a spiritual descendant of three masters: Cervantes, García Márquez, and Kafka. The interview also highlighted her deep admiration for the work of García Márquez. She shared a specific anecdote about the impact of his novel Chronicle of a Death Foretold, revealing that the book captivated her so completely that she read it eight consecutive times. The entire interview was conducted at the Museo del Prado.

The core of the discussion focused on the genesis of Pilar Quintana's most recent novel. She provided details about the immersive and isolated experience that fueled the narrative. The author spent a significant period, specifically three months, living by herself deep within the jungle. This solitary time was not merely a setting for her story, but the fundamental catalyst for its creation.

Quintana described this period as a dual confrontation with danger. The novel explores the terror found in the selva exterior (outer jungle) and the selva interior (inner jungle). This suggests a narrative that delves into both physical threats and psychological struggles. She stated that the experience was so overwhelmingly transformative that she felt an imperative to process it through fiction. She noted that she “le tuvo que hacer una novela” (had to make a novel out of it), underscoring the necessity of the artistic response to her survival.

When asked about her literary roots, Pilar Quintana did not hesitate to name her primary influences. She described herself as a “hija de Cervantes, García Márquez y Kafka” (daughter of Cervantes, García Márquez, and Kafka). This declaration places her firmly within a tradition of canonical literature that blends realism, magical elements, and existential themes. By claiming these three authors as her literary parents, she signals a commitment to the depth and complexity found in their works.

The conversation also highlighted a specific and intense connection to the work of Gabriel García Márquez. Quintana shared a personal story regarding her study of his novel Chronicle of a Death Foretold. She revealed that the book had a massive impact on her, leading to a period of obsessive reading. She recounted that she read the book ocho veces seguidas (eight times in a row), a testament to the novel's structural and thematic power in her eyes.

The conversation featuring Pilar Quintana took place as part of a specific media engagement. She was the featured guest on a podcast dedicated to books and literature. The podcast is known for its in-depth discussions with authors about their reading habits and creative processes. The setting for this particular episode was notable, taking place inside the Museo del Prado in Madrid. This prestigious location added a layer of cultural gravity to the discussion about literature and art.

The interview was conducted by Berna González Harbour. The discussion covered not only Quintana's latest novel, Noche negra, but also the broader spectrum of books that have inspired her throughout her career. The format allowed for a deep dive into the author's personal reading history and the specific works that have left a lasting mark on her own writing style.