Bernardo Esquinca: best Spanish literature is written by women

Bernardo Esquinca, compiler of the eleventh volume of UNAM's "Sólo cuento" anthology, declares that the most potent literature in Spanish is currently being produced by women. Out of 25 stories, 17 are by female authors, including Andrea Chapela, Selva Almada, and Mónica Ojeda. [Sources: Excelsior, Milenio]

Why horror?

Esquinca notes that the horror genre is increasingly used as a "mirada oblicua de la realidad" to critically explore pressing issues. He remarks, "El género de terror se está convirtiendo en una herramienta para reflejar de una manera más adecuada las urgencias de nuestras sociedades latinoamericanas." Source: Excelsior This trend is not gratuitous; rather, it allows for a deep examination of violence particularly against women and the female body. Milenio quotes Esquinca emphasizing that the collection aims to "recuperar el asombro" lost in modern life.

Recurring themes

• The body: Stories confront bodily experiences, such as Elisa Díaz Castelo's reflection on placentophagy, which Esquinca describes as "fuerte, potente" and intelligent in addressing fears of childbirth and maternal body autonomy. Source: Excelsior
• Climate: Several texts deal with extreme weather. Andrea Chapela's story depicts a catastrophic flood in Mexico City, reflecting growing environmental anxieties. Source: Excelsior
• Transgression: Both male and female authors use body horror and eroticism to challenge norms, as seen in Luis Carlos Barragán Castro's "sumamente perturbador" piece. Source: Excelsior

The anthology revives after a hiatus, originally created by Rosa Beltrán and now overseen by Julia Santibáñez. The selections aim to showcase raw, unflinching narratives that mirror the complexities of Latin America.