Juan Carlos Onetti belongs to the literary record as a writer whose work outlasted the moment that produced it.
The record lists Juan Carlos Onetti as Uruguayan novelist (1909-1994).
Juan Carlos Onetti was born at Montevideo in 1909. His recorded nationality is Uruguay.
Around the turn of the twentieth century, literary form itself came under argument, and the certainties of the realist novel were dismantled.
He worked as writer, journalist and librarian.
The writing is recorded in Spanish.
Literature is judged by re-reading, which is a slower and harsher test than acclaim.
Recognition followed: Miguel de Cervantes Prize (1980).
That the work was written from Uruguay matters: language, censorship and the reach of a publishing industry decide which books travel and which stay local.
Juan Carlos Onetti died in 1994, aged 85. The books remain, which is the only durable form a writing life takes.
Achievements
- Miguel de Cervantes Prize — 1980
