Your earlier novels were set in older times, exotic (at least for Europeans) countries, and reminded more of old legends and fairy tales. But in recent novels, as Veronika Decides to Die and The Devil and Miss Prym you turn to the contemporary world. What is the reason for such a shift?
In fact, there is no time frame mention in The Devil & Miss Prym, or in The Alchemist. As for The Pilgrimage, my first book, it takes place in 1986, very recent and very realistic. I feel free to write, and therefore I have books that go back in time (The Fifth Mountain), timeless (The Alchemist, The Devil & Miss Prym), contemporary (Rio Piedra, Veronika, Pilgrimage), for example.
Today’s Question by Aart Hilal
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I was speaking to my girlfriend about the timelessness of the books only two days ago! It is the reason that they can be read at any time, although some seem modern and some feel ancient! Depends how you read them I suppose!
I just brought the Devil and Miss Prym today ..so I am keen to read this book .You write quicker than I can read..blessings Tania.
The mystery and the beauty of writing lies in the variety of time and space.
Congratulations, Paulo.
love
Agnieszka
In your whole work art, there’s an open window to no-time. As in Edmond Jabès book.
I’m curious to know how you begin a book. If you imagine the characters first, or the place. If it’s the same way each time, as a ritual, or the opposite.
Thanks Paulo.
Good evening.