Summary of Entrevista a Arturo Pérez-Reverte [06-10-2020]

00:00:00 - 00:25:00

In an interview with Arturo Pérez-Reverte, the author discusses the process of writing his novel about the Spanish Civil War . He drew from his own experiences as a reporter and from the stories of others, using different narrative perspectives to bring the story to life. Pérez-Reverte asserts that in a war, everything is natural, and he narrates the story in a cold and detached manner, focusing on the details without being emotionally invested. He highlights the theme of human anguish, relying on a female character to embody it, and calls for more attention to the accomplishments and sacrifices made by ordinary people during the war. Pérez-Reverte also discusses the importance of researching and understanding the mechanics of firearms and the role of memory in shaping our understanding of history. He mentions the theme of heroes who are tired and have lost their faith, and the emotional and psychological consequences of warfare.

• 00:00:00 In this section of the video, Arturo Pérez-Reverte discusses his novel about the Spanish Civil War and the process of writing it. He explains that he drew from his own experiences as a reporter covering the conflict and from the stories of those around him. He talks about the importance of accurate historical documentation and the use of different narrative perspectives to bring the story to life. Pérez-Reverte also discusses the emotional impact of writing the novel and how it has deepened his understanding of the Spanish Civil War.
• 00:05:00 In this section of an interview with author Arturo Pérez-Reverte, the topic of his novel is discussed. The novel takes place during a war and has descriptions of it that are highly detailed and accurate. The interviewer acknowledges that the novel's setting is a complex geographic space that has a limited perspective. In contrast, the characters in the novel are aware of this limitation, but the narrator, the camera, and the narrator's perspective are detached. Pérez-Reverte asserts that in a war, everything is natural; death, horror, and pain are not anomalous, but rather, they are accepted without hesitation. Thus, he maintains a personal perspective by narrating the story in a cold and detached manner, focusing on the details without being emotionally invested. The writer describes the characters in the novel as soldiers and civilians from various backgrounds, and he states that they are portrayed with authenticity. Pérez-Reverte acknowledges that a casting process is necessary for the story to be told effectively. Therefore, he divided the casting process into three stages, and he carefully selected each character's role, the actor's portrayal of the character, and the actor's personal background. Pérez-Reverte believes that the theme of human anguish is the most interesting and relevant of the war. Hence, he relies on a female character to embody that theme. The interviewer praises Pérez-Reverte's storytelling method and the novel's realism.
• 00:10:00 In this section, Arturo Pérez-Reverte discusses the experiences of ordinary people who were affected by the Spanish Civil War, beyond the usual focus on victims of political repression. He reminds us that the war was also a bloody and harsh one that claimed the lives of many young men from both sides. Pérez-Reverte calls for more attention to the accomplishments and sacrifices made by ordinary people during that tumultuous time. He highlights the idea that even in tragedy, there are moments of absurdity and humor, and that it's important to remember the humanity of those who lived through it.
• 00:15:00 In this section of the interview with Arturo Pérez-Reverte, the author talks about the importance of researching and understanding the mechanics of firearms, including how their clicks and sounds can aid writers in creating a more realistic and immersive experience for their readers. Pérez-Reverte also discusses the role of memory in shaping our understanding of history, and how it can sometimes lead to confusion or misinterpretation of events. He shares an anecdote about the 1944 Indian oil strike and the way it was portrayed in a Catalan novel, and how it showcased the diverse perspectives and cultural identities of people during the event.
• 00:20:00 In this section, Arturo Pérez-Reverte talks about the theme of his novels and how they portray heroes who are tired and have lost their faith. He explains that his characters are not about fighting for ideals, but rather about helping their comrades and doing what is right in a difficult situation. He believes that It is important to understand that people have different perspectives and motivations, and that it is essential to consider the consequences of our actions. He also believes that it is crucial to approach complex situations without simplifying them. He mentions that war is a difficult and complex situation, and that it is important to understand how it will end, despite the uncertainty and challenges that it presents.
• 00:25:00 In this section of the interview with Arturo Pérez-Reverte, the author discusses the role of certain objects, such as tobacco and alcohol, in the context of war. He relates how, in his experience, the possession of these items had the power to grant temporary autonomy and control, emphasizing the need for soldiers to determine their own means of survival. Pérez-Reverte highlights the emotional and psychological consequences of warfare, including the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism, and the lasting impact on those who have experienced it.