Leonardo Padura
''The unravelling of this story, which reaches far back into Cuba's history, is overlaid with a rich smoky patina, an atmosphere that reeks of slums and riches, cigar smoke and exotic perfumes...'' The Independent
''Havana Black, by Leonardo Padura, the second Lieutenant Mario Conde novel to be translated into English, by Peter Bush, is more complex than the usual crime story set in an exotic location...'' Sunday Telegraph
Leonardo Padura was born in 1955 in Havana and lives in Cuba. He has published a number of short-story collections and literary essays but international fame came with the Havana Quartet, all featuring Inspector Mario Conde.
Like many others of his generation, Padura had faced the question of leaving Cuba, particularly in the late 80s and early 90s, when living conditions deteriorated sharply as Russian aid evaporated. He chose to stay. And to write beautiful ironic novels in which Soviet-style socialism is condemned by implication through scenes of Havana life where even the police are savagely policed.
The crime novels feed on the noises and smells of Havana, on the ability of its inhabitants to keep joking, to make love and music, to drink rum, and to survive through petty crime such as running clandestine bars and restaurants.
Internet links
Padura-Author Interview
www.rprogreso.com/RPWeekly011002.htm
Padura-Cuba's best known novelists hold critical mirror up to their country
www.naplesnews.com/02/11/neapolitan/d854771a.htm
Padura-Cuban Missive
www.weeklyplanet.com/2001-10-04/news3.htlm
Padura-Une voix qui grince a Cuba
www.lire.fr/entrtien.asp/idC=37099/idTC=4/idR=201i
Padura-Conversacion con Leonardo Padura
www.andes.missouri.edu/andes/Cronicas/scpadura/sc_
Padura-Our man in Havana review
www.threemonkeysonline.com/article.php?id=368
Padura-Guardian Profile
books.guardian.co.uk/departments/crime/story/0,,18
Interview Padura
www.shotsmag.co.uk/features2005/padura/padura.html
|
