Paraguayan Book Day falls on the 25th of June, a key event in its cultural history. On this day in 1612, Ruy Díaz de Guzmán finished his “Anales del descubrimiento, población y conquistas de las Provincias del Río de la Plata” (Annals of the Discovery, Population, and Conquests of the Río de la Plata Provinces), also known as “La Argentina.” It is one of the first great historiographical testimonies written by an author born in Paraguayan territory, and is essential to the understanding of the beginnings of national literature.

The commemoration opens the door to the contemplation of a unique literary tradition of Latin America. A literature that is based on the meeting of two languages (Spanish and Guaraní) and in which historical processes have shaped the development of the language and its spread beyond the nation’s boundaries.

From the origins to the construction of a literary tradition

Paraguayan literature is unique for being bilingual. Both the production in Spanish and Guaraní have helped to develop a complex cultural identity. Political circumstances restricted the growth of cultural institutions and the spaces for the circulation of ideas for most of the nineteenth century. An atmosphere of international isolation was created under the long rule of Dr José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia.

Thus, the literary currents that were shaking Europe and America came to Paraguay a little late and in bits and pieces. Numerous accounts from the period illustrate the problems in building a stable intellectual life. These include the ones that were composed by Fulgencio Yegros while he was imprisoned and executed in 1821: “In planting a hope, I lost all my years, And an impossible thing flourished with fruits of disillusion…”

As a gradual reconstruction of a continuous intellectual output was slowly beginning, the War of the Triple Alliance (1864-1870) again halted the process.

Despite all these problems, the modern Paraguayan narrative appeared in the last decades of the 19th century. In 1877, Colonel Juan Crisóstomo Centurión published his book “Viaje nocturno de Gualberto o Las reflexiones de un ausente” (Gualberto’s Night Journey or The Reflections of an Absent Person) in New York. Generally considered to be the first novel by a Paraguayan writer.

The maturity of letters in Paraguay

The twentieth century was a period of unification of national literature. The narrative became more focused on social, political and existential struggles in the country. In this process, the participation of women in the literary sphere also gained relevance. One of the early ones is Teresa Lamas Carísimo, whose “Huerto de Odios” (Orchard of Hatreds, 1944) was written. Furthermore, “La casa y su sombra” (The House and its Shadow, 1955), which was produced in a way that greatly helped with the development of the Paraguayan narrative written by women.

A turning point came in 1952 when “La Babosa” was published. As far as context, the original translation was The Gossip, by Gabriel Casaccia. The novel was written during his exile in Buenos Aires, and is regarded as one of the cornerstones of modern Paraguayan narrative. It may be the most relevant creation of Latin American literature at the time because of its psychological complexity, its critical view of society and its aesthetic quality.

Later, the so-called ‘Generation of 40’ and other cultural groups developed the expressive potential of Paraguayan letters. In this way, bringing in new dimensions to memory, identity, history and social reality.

The challenges of international dissemination

Though very rich and diverse in literature, Paraguayan literature remains relatively unknown in non-Hispanic America. Due to historical, publishing and linguistic factors, it has not circulated internationally to the extent that other literary traditions in the region have.

This changed in part following the conclusion of the dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner, when the publishing field was renewed, and an interest was once more shown in critically examining the country’s history. The visibility of Paraguayan authors in the major international markets is, however, still low.

The most outstanding examples are the Cervantes Prize winner in 1989, Augusto Roa Bastos. Also, the works of Renée Ferrer have gained considerable dissemination through translations and editions in various countries.

A day of remembrance and innovation—Paraguayan Book Day!

Paraguayan Book Day transcends the simple evocation of a historical date. It is a day to celebrate a literary heritage which has weathered wars, exile and censorship. Every 25 June, the legacy of those who have built letters in Paraguay is celebrated. Further, a greater need for space for reading, translation and dissemination of this heritage and its projection towards new audiences.

Paraguayan literature continues to provide a distinctive view in the times of cultural globalisation. The next few issues of The Asunción Times will delve into some of the Paraguayan books and the authors who have had the singular honour of being brought over into English. They are a voice of Paraguayan culture and identity, carrying the country’s stories, history, and voices across the globe.