In his latest novel 'Civilizations', Laurent Binet explores an imaginative scenario where the expedition of Christopher Columbus fails, leading to a chain of events that sees Inca emperor Atahualpa discovering Europe instead. This twist on history raises significant questions about the dynamics of colonization and the historical narratives surrounding it. Binet spoke about the challenge he faced while crafting this narrative, particularly how Brazil's existence complicated the story, given that he wanted to maintain a plausible historical framework.

To address this challenge, Binet revealed that he had to creatively adapt historical events, such as positing that Pedro Álvares Cabral originally thought Brazil was an island. This fictional adjustment allows for the seamless arrival of Inca explorers in Lisbon without losing the story's believability. Through careful artistic license, Binet illustrates how historical inaccuracies can be manipulated in fiction to engage readers while prompting them to rethink conventional histories.

'Civilizations', published this month in Brazil by Companhia das Letras and translated meticulously by Rosa Freire d'Aguiar, emphasizes the importance of plausibility in historical fiction for Binet. Despite the speculative nature of his narrative, he strives to ground his work in logical possibilities that resonate with readers. This novel not only entertains but also invites a deeper examination of colonial power dynamics and historical perspectives, making it a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the complexities of history and its retellings.