Roberto Bolano's Nazi Literature in the Americas: Book Review
by Armando Ortiz
Roberto Bolano’s Nazi Literature in the Americas delves into the lives of writers from North and South America, as well as Europe. These writers are scattered across vast expanses, embodying the diversity and geographical expanse of the continents. Some are free to roam, residing in valleys, deserts, mountains, or coastal regions, while others are confined in a prison cell. They sustain themselves at the grassroots level, gaining recognition within their local communities. However, the novel introduces a third ideological element, with many of these writers being sympathetic to Nazi ideology, amidst the competing power of right-wing governments and leftist Communism.
The book sheds light on the writing and publishing processes these writers undergo. Some sell their self-funded publications outside soccer stadiums, while others create magazines while incarcerated. There are those who profit by copying the works of unknown and obscure writers, and some publish pamphlets that generate initial “buzz” but fail to last the test of time. Capital constraints or preference for exclusivity may limit printing to a few copies distributed to a select few.
Bolano’s narrative parallels the real world, where writers seek an audience for success as novelists or poets. Acquiring a following may not be as difficult as it seems, yet to reach a broader audience, these writers often embrace ideologies that appeal to those with more power and wealth. While the superstructures of the writing scene may lean toward a quasi-conservative stance, they are not as extreme as the writers found in Nazi Literature of the Latin Americas. These writers’ work are naturally imbued with anti-Semitic, anti-Black, and anti-non-European sentiments. Many of them are Nazi sympathizers or artists supported by conservative right wing governments or patrons, aligning with the ideologies embraced by those in power during the 20th century and beyond.
This novel becomes even more poignant as Bolano reveals how some of the countries where these writers live undergo military and government changes, resulting in the imprisonment or death of left-wing political thinkers and sympathizers. The mysterious and dangerous character of Hoffman, supported by the Pinochet regime, exemplifies this. Additionally, remnants of the old “European colonial” mentality persist in countries like Bolivia, Ecuador and Mexico, where only select segments of society are encouraged to write and receive funding.
These sympathizers aid the writers in their escape and reemergence in different parts of the world. A writer born in a small suburb of Brazil may find themselves in a gangster hideout in the streets of Chicago or become a right-wing artist whose avant-garde expression involves displaying mutilated bodies, reminiscent of the Japanese occupation of China during World War Two. Such images, although not considered art, were captured through the lens of a camera and published in newspapers for many to see. Moreover, post-World War Two, numerous German war criminals sought refuge in countries like Brazil and Argentina, living secluded lives for years. The reception and consumption of ideas and art depend not only on the appeal they hold for those with capital, but also on the process by which the public engages with writer’s thoughts but also an artist’s creations.
Bolano presents plausible scenarios where writers driven by persistent urges to write, extreme values, and unique perspectives can rise to power and become leaders. Hitler, who also authored a book, serves as an example. However, there are established writers who garner respect among their peers. Nevertheless, Bolano’s underlying message remains that a writer must write, despite the countless obstacles faced on this solitary journey.
Looking beyond Bolano’s novel and considering the vast scope of writers that exist, both past and present, it becomes evident that they possess distinctive characters, ideologies and struggles. These range from endemic alcoholism and drug addiction to quasi-new age religious beliefs or a preference for solitude. Some may embrace the limelight of society, while others wish to maintain no with it. Bolano’s characters, renowned in certain circles, have yet to achieve the levels of recognition attained by established writers in the Western world. This raises questions about the insulation of literary structures and the criteria employed to recognize writers as writers. In Bolano’s universe, independent individuals create their own paths and find their place within their respective cultures through the power of the written word.
Roberto Bolano also emphasizes that writing exposes oneself to the world. Even when forgery is employed, one’s true nature inevitably reveals itself to readers. While writers may exist in isolation, they still rely on a readership to develop their craft. It is the readers who find a storyteller’s thoughts and ideas provocative and appealing. Thus, both writer and audience contribute to the existence of literature. Writers are products of their environment, and when they expose themselves to the world, readers find affinity in their works, perpetuating the continuity of language in its written form.
Despite varying opinions on the existing superstructure of writing, books publishing, the role of agents, and the numerous writing clubs across the Americas and the world, there is no singular approach to disseminating one’s thoughts. Countless avenues exist to accomplish this goal. Bolano’s work shows that even when the established writing world turns its back on writers, they persevere and continue to write, fueled by an unwavering internal flame. Bolano’s characters create their own blueprints for publication, and despite their lack of fame, they persist in their struggle with words and pens. This prompts reflection on the significance and symbolism of the numerous clubs and associations within specific geographic areas. By immersing ourselves in the biographies of these imagined people, we cannot help but feel challenged and inspired by their sheer will to write.
Finally, Roberto Bolano creates an alternate world within a vivid and historically grounded reality. As readers, we gradually accept the plausibility of these characters, as his ideas and writing immerse us in his literary realm. Bolano’s work is incredibly unique because his characters possess gritty resourcefulness in disseminating their stories. He reveals the secret to being a writer in real life: to write, persistently, and restlessly. If one desires to write, then they should write and distribute their thoughts in the manner they deem best, building a following and utilizing any medium available to share their written works. However, it is crucial to remember that countless others are also engaged in this wild and crazy endeavor, experiencing similar struggles but possessing vastly different perspectives of the world. Writing, therefore, becomes an endeavor of immense worth.