La Nieve del Almirante (La Otra Orilla) [Spanish]

Throughout the history of literature writers have been able to create some inmmortal, universal characters. Alvaro Mutis' creation by the name of "Maqroll" is certainly one of them. There is something of "Don Quijote" in him, an ability to transcend daily futility of life into something that touches the depths of human nature.This book is one amongst several written by Alvaro Mutis, in which he gently narrates the adventures of "Maqroll," his search for the meaning of life and the unavoidable reality that lies at the horizon: death. Life poses the necessity of risk in order to give meaning to existence, of staying outside conventionalism. Alvaro Mutis and "Maqroll" coexist, and just like "Don Quijote," "Maqroll" knows that Mutis writes about him. "Maqroll" knows it is impossible to reach order out of chaos so life for him is a continuous errand in search of his true self, not because he feels a messianic call but for his intimate conviction that he belongs nowhere. "Maqroll" is a hero in a world in which there is no point of reference, where space and time have lost their meaning.The poetry and prose of Alvaro Mutis have a touch of surrealism, a need to journey through the labyrinths of time (just like J.L.Borges). A fantastic writer, with a unique sensitivity, and an illusory, gentle way of touching the core of our thoughts. The nomination of Alvaro Mutis as winner of "Premio Cervantes - 2002" rightly represents the recognintion of this great Colombian writer.