Jaime Bayly: "We must escape from the dictatorship of truth," he says about his novel 'The Coup Plotters'
Jaime Bayly reflects on happiness and its absence in literature while promoting his new novel.
In an engaging interview, Jaime Bayly discusses his latest novel 'Los golpistas' (The Coup Plotters) and the complexities of happiness in writing. Known for his provocative style during the 90s, Bayly expresses that true literature often arises from discomfort rather than happiness, which he finds himself experiencing in his personal life lately. He humorously describes his current state as a content 'pet' in his domestic life, suggesting a contrast to the intense emotional turmoil that typically fuels great storytelling.
Bayly acknowledges the influence of his new sense of tranquility, largely due to his wife Silvia Núñez del Arco and their daughter Zoe, who have introduced him to a laid-back form of happiness he previously overlooked. This newfound perspective has led him to explore alternative narratives, drawing on the lives of others for inspiration in his writing. He candidly reflects on his past persona as the 'terrible child' of journalism and how those days have shaped his creative approach today.
As he prepares to present his novel in Madrid, Bayly's shift from a controversial public figure to a more subdued, reflective individual emphasizes the evolving nature of art and the writer's life. His statement about escaping the 'dictatorship of truth' suggests a broader commentary on creative freedom and the need for novelists to explore beyond their immediate experiences to craft compelling narratives, illustrating the tension between personal happiness and the quest for authentic storytelling.