Sydney Writers' Festival Mariana Enriquez: Mastering the Macabre
Jul 24, 2025
Mariana Enriquez, an acclaimed Argentinian writer known for her horror fiction, dives into her latest work, 'A Sunny Place for Shady People.' She explores the haunting intertwines of political violence and trauma in her stories. The conversation reveals how ghostly apparitions symbolize collective memory and societal challenges. Mariana discusses women's journeys amidst societal expectations, and the unique cultural nuances of Gothic literature. She also shares insights into the art of crafting short stories, enhancing the reader's emotional connection to unsettling truths.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Horror as Chosen Language
- Mariana Enriquez explains horror chooses the writer rather than the other way round.
- Horror lets her explore sadness, fear, and deep human emotions in a unique, melancholic way.
Ouija Boards and the Disappeared
- A story about families of the disappeared using Ouija boards came from a real friend sharing a deeply personal memory.
- It blends political reality with supernatural themes without disrespecting human rights activists.
Ghosts as Social Metaphors
- Ghosts symbolize the inescapable past and socio-political inequalities in Argentina.
- Enriquez sees ghosts metaphorically as repeating voices showing societal loops of fear, class conflict, and denial.
