Manuel Rivas explores predation and power in Tras do Ceo: "We need literature to explain areas of darkness”
The Galician author publishes the novel Tras do ceo, a political thriller in which he explores the corruption of power, family secrets and the search for freedom
Manuel Rivas's new novel is a political thriller that gets into the entrails of power and family secrets. Behind it all, there is also a story of freedom and emancipation.
The protagonist is Mateo, a young man who returns to his hometown, the fictional village of Castroforte, after being away for years and discovers that his father, the former mayor, has been murdered. He begins to investigate on his own what happened and soon discovers that his death is not only a family matter, but also political.
Power and corruption
"In this novel I explore a time in which power is exercised in a predatory way, in which institutions are kidnapped, in which those who dominate do everything to perpetuate themselves, "explains the author. Manuel Rivas shows in this plot how the abuse of power can destroy individuals and communities.
"Literature allows us to understand and reflect on reality, and that is precisely what the character of Mateo does, who returns to his origins, to Castroforte, to try to understand who killed his father and why," says Rivas.
The author also reflects on the weight of family secrets and how they can affect people's lives: "Sometimes family hides secrets that prevent us from being free. Mateo must seek freedom, which is a journey towards light, "he explains.
Manuel Rivas was born in A Coruña in 1957. He is one of the most awarded and recognized authors in Spanish literature. The pencil of the carpenter (2005), The smell of time (2011), The mother of all lies (2016) and Live is not serious (2020) are some of his famous novels.
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