“Fortune”the novel of Argentine writer Hernán Díazthat won this year’s Pulitzer Prize for Fiction; is the story of a financier, of his marriage, his millions and their role in society. But it is also a treatise on fiction, an exemplary sample of the way in which the versions construct reality.
Andrew Bevel is called the protagonist of this story, a brilliant businessman who has the stock market of NY “eating from his hand” So great is his influence on prices that many consider him the architect of the 1929 crisis. Mildred, his wife, is dedicated to philanthropic activities in relation to art. Both are discreet and elusive when it comes to mundane life. The entire society of his time fantasizes about his intimacy, without being able to know very well what they are like and how they live.
The particular thing about the book is that it is counted in four parts, narrated by different people. And it constitutes by itself a “spoiler” to explain who are these four supposed authors of the texts, who will give different versions of the fate of Andrew and Mildred.
Suffice it to say that the way in which a fortune is built is a fundamental theme in the story and also, the role of women, in the background with respect to the “great” men of history.
The novel had, since its appearance last year, an incredible success. It was included by The New York Times and The Washington Post among the best books of 2022. It was published in Spanish in March, by the Anagrama label. Currently, a series that will star Kate Winslet, on HBO, is in the production stage.
Before “Fortuna”, Díaz had written “A lo lejos”, a novel that did very well in the United States and was also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prizes.
Hernán Díaz, who was born in Argentina but has lived in North America for 25 years, said that when he heard the news, while eating something in a bar, he had to go out to cry on the sidewalk, so as not to make a fuss inside.
The writer had just returned to New York from Argentina, where he was presenting the novel at the Book Fair.
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