Manuel Vilas, one of the most renowned contemporary Spanish writers, has been a featured artist in Shanghai during his participation in a series of cultural events focused on the literary interrelationship between East and West. From the Cervantes Institute in Shanghai, Vilas reflected on the important role literature plays in building bridges of understanding between seemingly distant cultures.
According to his statements, Literary translation becomes a driving force for mutual understanding between countriesAccording to Vilas, "those nations that commit to translating and exchanging their literary works are doomed, for good, to understanding each other." He conveyed this message before a meeting with local author Chen Danyan, emphasizing the need for a greater flow of works between Spain and China, as he still considers the presence of Chinese literature in the Spanish market to be limited.
The role of literature in connecting cultures
During the colloquium held at the Cervantes InstituteVilas insisted that literature serves as a vehicle for unraveling the idiosyncrasies of other peoples. "By reading Chinese novels, a Spaniard can begin to better understand China, and vice versa for Chinese readers with Spanish literature," he noted. The Aragonese writer confessed that Europeans, and Spaniards in particular, have traditionally tended to be more familiar with French or English literature, which has facilitated understanding between those countries.
Winner of the 2023 Nadal Award with 'Nosotros'Vilas also shared his impressions of the reception of his work in China. He highlighted the success of "Ordesa," which was translated into Chinese in 2022 and attracted numerous followers interested in his work and learning more about his literary world. The Mandarin version of "AlegrÃa" will soon be available in Chinese bookstores, and the translation of "Nosotros" is also underway.
Universal themes and international projection
The international appeal of his literature lies in the universality of the themes he addresses.Using "Ordesa" as an example, Vilas explained that both the story of a family facing adversity and the evolution of the middle class are themes with which readers from diverse cultures can identify. Chinese people are drawn to stories of families struggling to get ahead and reflections on upward mobility after World War II., the author noted during his stay in mainland China.
This interest has generated a feeling of joy and perplexity in the author. He admitted to having a sincere fascination with learning about and delving deeper into Chinese culture, as this was his first visit to mainland China. Furthermore, Vilas is open to transcending national boundaries when discussing literature, proposing to conceive "literature in Spanish" as a broad category that encompasses all authors who write in this language, regardless of their country of origin.
Recognition and work of Manuel Vilas
Manuel Vilas, born in Huesca, is the author of novels, essays and poetry.Her style has been praised for its ability to transform personal and family stories into universal reflections, touching on themes such as the passage of time, parenthood, loss, and the yearning for beauty. Throughout her career, autobiography serves as a starting point for exploring the human condition in an intimate way that is open to diverse interpretations.
As his books gain international recognition, Vilas emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in Spanish literature. and the richness that comes from having different cultural sensibilities come together in a single language. According to him, transcending national borders contributes to broadening horizons and fostering more understanding coexistence among peoples.
The activities carried out in Shanghai and the ongoing translation of his works into Chinese demonstrate that literature remains a privileged avenue for global understanding. The interest of Chinese readers and the dialogue with local authors and translators reinforce Vilas's belief that books can build bridges where cultural differences seem insurmountable.
