María Ovelar Discusses New Novel,Toxic Relationships,and Literary Influences

MADRID – María ‍Ovelar,a writer from Alicante,Spain,delves into themes ‍of toxic relationships,power dynamics,and the‍ writing process in her new novel,”His was the Night.” In a ⁣recent interview, Ovelar discussed the book’s characters, its connection to ⁤the #MeToo movement, and her own literary influences.

Addressing ⁣Toxic Environments in Literature and Music

Ovelar acknowledged the rise of platforms providing testimonies from women who have experienced abuse within the literary and editorial world, referencing Paula Bonet’s “The eel” as an example. She noted that some men in positions of power have exploited aspiring female writers and musicians. “In the literary and musical scene, they‍ also tried with me,” Ovelar stated, expressing her hope for more equitable and vulnerable interactions. She ⁣believes the #MeToo movement has brought about⁤ significant change.

Empathy for⁣ Complex Characters

Ovelar spoke about her approach to her characters, Mireia and⁤ Victoria, emphasizing empathy and understanding. She is currently working on ‍a storybook tentatively titled “Bad Girls,” which features women who defy societal expectations. “My decision with the two,‍ Mireia and Victoria, is to empathize, understand them,” she said. Ovelar⁢ aims to portray their desires and motivations without judgment, embracing ⁤risk and a countercurrent approach to life. She identifies the⁢ Freudian drives of death ‍and ⁤eroticism as key elements in her work, highlighting both self-destruction and an exaggerated desire to live.

Writing as “Therapeated” ⁢Catharsis

Ovelar embraced the term “therapeated,” ‍coined by Alejandro Palomas,to describe the therapeutic nature of writing.⁢ She sees writing as a cathartic tool that fosters identification and allows readers to connect with characters on an emotional level.”If you don’t care‍ what happens to the character, who is going to care?” she asks, emphasizing the ‍importance ⁤of emotional investment in the writing process.

I have also had at some point in my personal history a toxic relationship, but you can’t blame yourself for that.

Exploring Power Dynamics and Manipulation

Ovelar’s novel explores superiority relationships, particularly those involving⁤ men in positions of power within the music and literary scenes. She portrays characters who believe they can ⁤manipulate women and society through superficial charm and jokes. Victoria, one of the protagonists, becomes emotionally dependent despite her desire for superficial connections. Ovelar drew from her own experiences with toxic relationships to depict these dynamics, emphasizing the insidious nature of manipulation and psychological toxicity. She aims ⁢to create‍ nuanced characters, inspired by⁢ Juan Rulfo‘s⁣ approach of finding the unique voice and perspective of each⁣ character.

The ⁣Prevalence of “Adam” Figures

when asked about the prevalence of men like Adam, the protagonist’s boyfriend, in the world, Ovelar referenced ⁢Mercedes duque’s “Small Animals,” noting its depiction of similar characters.While not‍ explicitly biographical, Ovelar acknowledged that her work is inspired by personal experiences. Despite progress, she believes that many “Adam” ‍figures remain ⁤due to societal structures and inequalities.⁤ Ovelar stressed the importance of continued activism and storytelling to challenge these structures. She noted that⁢ her work resonates with a diverse readership, including both men and women, young ⁢and old.

Literary Preferences and Influences

Ovelar is an avid⁤ reader of both male and female⁢ authors. While she initially gravitated towards ⁣male writers like Roberto Bolaño, Julio‍ Cortázar, and Jorge Luis Borges, she now primarily reads novels by women. This shift occurred in 2018, when she ⁢began exploring contemporary female authors like Annie Ernaux and Marguerite⁤ Duras. Ovelar ‍is particularly drawn to literature that explores ⁣desire,⁢ noting that women rewrite and re-identify themselves through such works. She also expressed a strong interest in Latin American literature.

Poetry and Narrative: Intertwined forms

Ovelar sees poetry and novel writing as distinct yet interconnected exercises. While the novel allows for character development and resolution, poetry offers a more immediate ⁣and intense⁢ form of expression.she values the poetic zeal described by Cristina Peri Rossi, where the writer is possessed by the creative‍ force. Ovelar’s writing often blends poetic and⁣ narrative elements, creating a⁣ lyrical and ⁤evocative style.

Embracing Extremity and Reality

Ovelar ⁢acknowledged the extreme nature of her book, stating that she did not want to shy⁤ away from systemic violence or the realities of drug use and toxic relationships. While some scenes are marked by humor, others⁤ are intentionally harsh and aseptic. Ovelar aims to portray the world as she sees it, drawing from her own experiences and observations. She recognizes that these issues continue to affect many people, creating ⁤a sense ⁤of shared⁣ experience and tribal connection.