Feb 13 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Fantasy Returns, or How Galicia Has Always Been There

The article discusses the resurgence of fantasy literature, particularly focusing on Nerea Pallares's debut novel 'Punto de araña', and its reflections on societal issues through gothic themes.

In the article from El País, the author presents Nerea Pallares's debut novel, 'Punto de araña', which reimagines Atlantic ancestral imagery through a gothic narrative centered on weavers, linking it to the works of Rosalía and the Victorian gothic tradition. The discussion posits that fantasy has become a dominant literary discourse in our time, not merely as an escape from reality, but as a means of confronting and articulating the repressed aspects of reality that society often chooses to ignore. The author contrasts the rise of various political movements with the resurgence of specific literary themes, suggesting that literature often reacts to sociopolitical climates by uncovering truths that may be uncomfortable for the present to acknowledge.

The piece further explores the relationship between literature and historical context, arguing that fantasy serves as a vehicle for addressing harsh realities. By tracing the interlinks between historical fascism and the resurgence of gothic narratives, as well as the socio-political implications of contemporary figures like Trump, the article emphasizes how fantasy can reflect and critique the troubles of its time. The exploration of these themes in Pallares's work highlights the interconnectedness of the narrative tradition and the contemporary political landscape, lending weight to the idea that literature can provoke critical thought about the societal issues we face today.

Ultimately, the article argues for a deeper understanding of the role of fantasy, proposing that it is not just a fanciful genre but a profound commentary on reality, demanding that readers recognize and confront the darker undercurrents of their social context, much like the gothic themes prevalent in both past and present literature.

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