A Past Literary Encounter with Juan Gabriel Vásquez: Exploring 'Los nombres de Feliza' and Feliza Bursztyn

This event featured writer Juan Gabriel Vásquez in conversation with journalist Àngels Barceló, discussing his novel 'Los nombres de Feliza'. The novel pays homage to the Colombian sculptor Feliza Bursztyn, exploring her life and legacy through a blend of fiction and reality.

The event welcomed author Juan Gabriel Vásquez to the auditorium of Espacio Fundación Telefónica to discuss his new novel, 'Los nombres de Feliza' (Alfaguara, 2025). Accompanied by journalist Àngels Barceló, Vásquez delved into the novel's tribute to the Colombian sculptor Feliza Bursztyn. The book intertwines fiction and reality to highlight Bursztyn's legacy and her fight for freedom, presenting a testament to Colombia's history through the journey of a woman who challenged the norms of her era. Vásquez's narrative begins with the mysterious words attributed to Gabriel García Márquez after Bursztyn's death: 'Murió de tristeza'. The author investigates the secret or unknown aspects of an extraordinary woman who consistently confronted the society of her time. As the daughter of Jewish expatriates in Colombia, a revolutionary artist in a politically charged era, and a free-spirited woman in a world skeptical of female independence, Bursztyn's life embodied the major tensions of the 20th century and, crucially, the desire for self-ownership. The novel masterfully blends autobiography, reality, and imagination, delivering a powerful fiction about how an individual's intimate life is inevitably shaped by historical and political forces, while also celebrating an unyielding struggle to preserve laughter and kindness as the ultimate expressions of freedom.

This was a live event that also featured a streaming option. Information about accessibility measures for hearing assistance (induction loop, LSE, and amplified sound) was provided. The event is marked as 'CADUCADO' (expired), indicating it has already taken place.