One hundred years with Alejo Carpentier

Abstract

This article highlights the role of Cuban writer Alejo Carpentier in shaping the so-called new Hispanic American narrative. Also examines the impact of avant-gardeism on that narrative. Deals with the initial stage of Carpentier's literary work in the context of the Latin American historical vanguards of the 20s and 30s. The assimilation of the avant-garde's contribution is combined with attention to the African contribution to Caribbean culture. The impact of the theories of magical realism or marvelous reality and their connections with surrealism on their production is then evaluated. Finally, the contribution of the historical novel models to Carpentier's narrative is examined.