Feb 22 • 04:00 UTC 🇮🇹 Italy Il Giornale

Bogota, city of drug dealers, saints and assassins

The article explores how the noir genre effectively depicts the complexities of Colombian society through the works of author Santiago Gamboa.

The article discusses the impact of the noir genre as a means of storytelling in Colombia, particularly through the lens of Santiago Gamboa's works. Gamboa believes that noir allows for unique intersections with elements of magical realism, fitting for a country where extraordinary events frequently occur. The duality of violence and miracles, narcotraffickers and saints, as well as assassins and mythical beings associated with tribal cults, illustrates the chaotic tapestry of Colombian life.

Santiago Gamboa, born in Bogota in 1965, integrates various literary styles and themes into his narratives, blending elements of poetry, stark violence, and sharp irony. French writer Pierre Le Maitre praises Gamboa's ability to mix genres and maintain a consistent dark tone throughout his novels. His book 'Colombian Psycho' is highlighted for its rich combination of classical investigation, unsolvable mysteries, and sociopolitical commentary, offering readers a multifaceted view of Colombian culture and the complexities within it.

Ultimately, the article underscores the significance of Gamboa’s literary contributions to understanding the socio-political landscape of Colombia, where narratives of beauty and brutality coexist. His works invite readers to grapple with the strange intersections of life in Colombia, characterized by its historical struggles and cultural richness, thereby establishing a framework through which one can appreciate the depths of Colombian narratives in modern literature.

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