Leonardo Padura Talks about His New Novel

Leonardo Padura Talks about His New Novel
Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo 4/25/2013

Cuban writer, Leonardo Padura, who rose to fame with his crime and mystery novels, participated in a roundtable discussion in the Miriam de Gautreaux Cookbook Pavilion at the International Book Fair Santo Domingo 2013. He said he emphatically believes,much like Nobel Prize Winner Gabriel GarcíaMárquez, in the importance of being careful with Caribbean discipline, an obvious allusion to his own writing habits.

Padura talked cheerfully about his new book and touched on several topics. He also responded to questions in an interview with Marivel Contreras, coordinator of the fairgrounds.

Padura talked cheerfully about his new book and touched on several topics. He also responded to questions in an interview with Marivel Contreras, coordinator of the fairgrounds.

“Herejes” (Heresies) is the title of his new novel in which he talks about many thing and many heresies. He focuses on the lives of three people in different contexts and countries, who all opt for one of the most precious human qualities: individual freedom.

The author’s well-known character, Mario Conde, appears in the novel, to the delight of his readers. Social and historical context are stressed and presented across the board in different situations.

“Herejes” will be launched in Spain by the Tusquets Publishing Company. For that reason, the author spoke with such enthusiasm.From the bottom of his “Cuban heart,”he said he wished the Book Fair the greatest success.

Padurahad enough time to not only answer questions put to him by Marivel Contreras, but also to address concerns from the public as well as the good wishes and their joy of meeting him.He took small sips of the drink served to toast him. His wife, Lucia López, listened intently to the interview.

Padura defines himself as a Cuban who can’t dance, not as a musicologist although he likes the history and life of musicians. He spoke about such famous musicians as JhonnyPachecho, thesonand salsa, and the role merengue played in the 1980s with the decadence of salsa.


Cuban writer Leonardo Padura.


Marivel Contreras interviewing Leonardo Padura in the  “Miriam de Gautreaux Cookbook Pavilion” at the International Book Fair Santo Domingo 2013.