Abdón Ubidia is a novelist, short story writer and playwright. He was born in Quito in 1944. He is considered one of the most important voices of modern Ecuadorian literature. In 1986 he published Sueño de lobos, which was hailed by critics as the book of the decade. It was translated into English in 1996 as Wolves’ Dream. In 2012, President Rafael Correa awarded Ubidia with the Eugenio Espejo Prize in Literature, Ecuador’s top literary prize. Ubidia’s books have been translated into many languages.
Early Life and Education
Abdón Ubidia was born in Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador, in 1944. He grew up in a family that fostered a love for reading, which contributed to his early interest in literature. Ubidia’s passion for writing began in his childhood, with early influences coming from magazines like Leoplán and El Peneca. He formally emerged as a writer during the 1960s, publishing his first stories in the magazine Pucuna while being a part of the Tzántzicos, a radical Ecuadorian cultural and literary movement focused on rejecting traditional forms of art and literature in favor of social change.
Literary Career
Abdón Ubidia’s literary career is marked by a unique blend of realism and speculative fiction, making him one of the most significant writers in contemporary Ecuadorian literature. His works explore themes of urban life in Quito, societal changes, and the philosophical implications of scientific progress. His writing stands out not only for its reflection of Ecuador’s shifting cultural and political landscape but also for its forward-thinking engagement with speculative genres such as science fiction and fantasy.
Ubidia’s early literary output, rooted in the sociopolitical ferment of the 1960s and 70s, reflected his involvement in the Tzántzicos, a radical Ecuadorian literary and cultural movement. This period fostered a sense of rebellion against traditional forms and an embrace of innovation, elements that would characterize his work throughout his career.
His first major publication, Bajo el mismo extraño cielo (1979), a collection of short stories, established him as an important voice in Ecuadorian literature. The collection won the Premio Nacional de Literatura José Mejía Lequerica, one of Ecuador’s most prestigious literary honors. This work contains his novella Ciudad de invierno, a critical exploration of the rapid urbanization of Quito during the oil boom of the 1970s. Ciudad de invierno paints a vivid picture of the city’s transformation, using its urban landscape as a metaphor for the broader socioeconomic upheavals in the country. This novella was later translated into English as City in Winter (2018), bringing his work to a wider international audience.
His second major novel, Sueño de lobos (1986), stands as a cornerstone of his career and is regarded as one of the most important works in Ecuadorian literature. Set in Quito during the waning years of the oil boom, the novel follows a group of individuals who, amidst the promise of sudden wealth, plan a bank robbery. The novel delves deep into the psychological and moral struggles of its characters, using their personal journeys as a reflection of the societal disillusionment that pervaded Ecuador in the 1980s. Sueño de lobos received critical acclaim and was hailed as the book of the decade in Ecuador. It won Ubidia his second Premio Nacional de Literatura José Mejía Lequerica and was later translated into English as Wolves’ Dream (1996). The translation introduced Ubidia’s work to international readers, establishing him as a prominent figure in Latin American literature. The novel continues to be celebrated for its exploration of power, corruption, and the fragile nature of human dreams.
In addition to his realist works, Ubidia has made significant contributions to speculative fiction, most notably through his Divertinventos series. This collection of philosophical and scientific speculative stories began with Divertinventos (1989) and expanded to include El palacio de los espejos (1996), La escala humana (2008), and Tiempo (2015). The series, which grapples with complex themes like utopia, the nature of reality, and the implications of scientific advancement, showcases Ubidia’s ability to blend philosophical reflection with imaginative storytelling. His work in speculative fiction distinguishes him from many of his Latin American contemporaries, earning him recognition as a pioneer of the genre in Ecuador. Divertinventos, in particular, was translated into English as Funventions: A Book of Fantasies and Utopias (2020), further cementing his reputation abroad.
Ubidia’s speculative works often engage with scientific themes, influenced by contemporary scientific debates and advances. His fascination with the philosophical implications of technology and progress is evident throughout the Divertinventos series, where he explores questions of human nature, the limits of knowledge, and the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancement. These stories offer readers a thought-provoking critique of modernity, questioning the very foundations of progress while engaging with the genre conventions of science fiction and fantasy. Tiempo (2015), the final entry in the series, won the Premio Joaquín Gallegos Lara for Short Fiction, further affirming Ubidia’s place as one of Ecuador’s most versatile and innovative writers.
Beyond fiction, Ubidia has made notable contributions to the study of Ecuadorian oral traditions. His work in folklore and oral literature began in the 1970s, culminating in the publication of El cuento popular (1997) and La poesía popular ecuatoriana (1982). These studies, which focus on Ecuador’s rich oral heritage, have had a significant impact on the preservation and understanding of the country’s folk traditions. Ubidia’s interest in oral storytelling also informs his fiction, where he often blends folk motifs with contemporary issues, creating a unique narrative voice that bridges the traditional and the modern.
In addition to his literary output, Ubidia has been an influential figure in Ecuador’s cultural landscape. He edited and directed the cultural magazine Palabra suelta for several years, fostering dialogue on literature, philosophy, and social issues. His role as an editor and cultural critic has been instrumental in shaping the direction of Ecuadorian literature, particularly through his involvement with young writers and his leadership of literary workshops.
Throughout his career, Ubidia has continued to push the boundaries of Ecuadorian literature. His works offer readers a profound exploration of the changing urban landscape of Quito, the moral and psychological complexities of modern life, and the philosophical questions raised by technological progress. His ability to merge speculative fiction with social realism places him at the forefront of Latin American literature, and his influence extends far beyond Ecuador’s borders.
Literary Themes and Style
Ubidia’s literary works frequently explore the changing urban landscape of Quito and the profound effects of political, social, and economic developments on the city. His writing juxtaposes the hyperrealism of Ecuadorian life with speculative, futuristic visions of science fiction and fantasy. His Divertinventos series embodies his interest in the philosophical implications of scientific progress, combining entertainment with deep reflections on technology and society.
Ubidia is also influenced by authors such as Borges, Bioy Casares, Asimov, and Bradbury. His work often contains humorous and ironic undertones, particularly in his critiques of late-stage capitalism and the absurdities of contemporary life.
Recognitions and Accolades
Abdón Ubidia has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. His notable accolades include:
- Premio Nacional de Literatura José Mejía Lequerica (1979, 1986)
- Premio Joaquín Gallegos Lara for Best Novel (2004)
- Premio Joaquín Gallegos Lara for Short Fiction (2015)
- Premio Nacional Eugenio Espejo for Literature (2012), Ecuador’s highest cultural award, presented to him by then-President Rafael Correa.
His works, including Wolves’ Dream, have been translated into multiple languages, including English, Italian, Russian, Greek, and French, allowing his literary impact to reach beyond Ecuador.
Legacy
Abdón Ubidia is widely regarded as one of the most important voices in modern Ecuadorian literature. His explorations of Quito’s urban transformation, most notably in Wolves’ Dream, and his speculative science fiction works have made significant contributions to Latin American literature. His dual focus on local realism and speculative futurism ensures that his work remains both a reflection of contemporary Ecuadorian society and an exploration of broader philosophical themes.
Ubidia has consistently been active in the intellectual and cultural scene of Ecuador, participating in various literary events, symposia, and conferences. He has held teaching positions and directed literary workshops, influencing a new generation of Ecuadorian writers. His passion for both realist and speculative fiction reflects a dual approach to understanding both his immediate surroundings and the broader, often speculative, future of humanity.
Interview of Ecuadorian writers Pedro Saad Vargas and Abdón Ubidia
Video produced by the House of Ecuadorian Culture about Abdón Ubidia
Prizes
- 1986: Jose Mejia prize for best fiction for Sueño de lobos (Wolves’ Dream)
- 1979: Jose Mejia prize for best fiction for Bajo el mismo extraño cielo
- 2015: Joaquín Gallegos Lara prize for short fiction for Tiempo.
Works
Novels
- Ciudad de invierno (Quito, 1984)
- English translation: City in Winter, by Nathan D. Horowitz, 2018, Editorial El Conejo, Quito.
- Sueño de lobos (Quito, 1986)
- Award: Premio Nacional José Mejía Lequerica for best fiction.
- English translation: Wolves’ Dream, by Mary E. Fieweger, 1996, Latin American Literary Review Press, Pittsburgh.
- La madriguera (Quito, 2004)
- Award: Premio Joaquín Gallegos Lara for Best Novel (2004).
- Callada como la muerte (Quito, 2012)
- La hoguera huyente (Quito, 2018)
Short Story Collections
- Bajo el mismo extraño cielo (Bogotá, 1979)
- Award: Premio Nacional José Mejía Lequerica for best fiction.
- Divertinventos (Quito, 1989)
- English translation: Funventions: A Book of Fantasies and Utopias, by Nathan D. Horowitz, 2020, Editorial El Conejo, Quito.
- El palacio de los espejos (Quito, 1996)
- Tiempo (Quito, 2015)
- Award: Premio Joaquín Gallegos Lara for Short Fiction.
- English translation: Time: Philosophical and Scientific Fictions, by Nathan D. Horowitz, 2018, Editorial El Conejo, Quito.
- Cuentos esenciales (Quito, 2016) – Cactus Pink
Plays
- Adiós siglo XX (Quito, 1992)
- Vampiros
Essays
- El cuento popular ecuatoriano (Quito, 1977)
- A study on Ecuadorian folk tales and oral traditions.
- La poesía popular ecuatoriana (Quito, 1982)
- A study on Ecuadorian folk poetry.
- Referentes (Quito, 2000)
- Essays on culture, science, and the effects of globalization on knowledge.
- Elogio del pensamiento doble (Quito, 2019)
- A collection of aphorisms by Ubidia.
Anthologies (Editor and Contributor)
- Cuento ecuatoriano contemporáneo (Guayaquil, s.f.)
- Nuevos cuentistas del Ecuador (Guayaquil, 1975)
- Así en la tierra como en los sueños (Quito, 1991)
- Cuentos hispanoamericanos, Ecuador (1992)
- Cuento contigo (Guayaquil, 1993)
- Diez cuentistas ecuatorianos (Quito, 1993)
- Doce cuentistas ecuatorianos (Quito, 1995)
- Veintiún cuentistas ecuatorianos (Quito, 1996)
- Antología básica del cuento ecuatoriano (Quito, 1998)
- Cuento ecuatoriano de finales del siglo XX (Quito, 1999)
- Cuento ecuatoriano contemporáneo (México, 2001)
- El escote de lo oculto: Antología de lo prohibido (Quito, 2006)
- No entren al 1408: Antología en español tributo a Stephen King (Quito, 2013)
- TV guía de catástrofes: Cuentos para la cuarentena (Quito, 2020)
References
- Wikipedia, “Abdón Ubidia.” Retrieved on October 14, 2024. Click to view
- Rodolfo Pérez Pimentel, “Abdón Ubidia.” Retrieved on October 14, 2024. Click to view
- Escritores.org, “Ubidia, Abdón.” Retrieved on October 14, 2024. Click to view
- Letralia, “Abdón Ubidia: ‘Lo que tengo… es un gran acervo de información científica.'” Retrieved on October 14, 2024. Click to view
- Goodreads, “Abdón Ubidia.” Retrieved on October 14, 2024. Click to view
- Editorial El Conejo, “Nota Biográfica – Abdón Ubidia.” Retrieved on October 14, 2024. Click to view