Miguel Donoso Pareja (Guayaquil, July 13, 1931 – Ibidem, March 16, 2015) was an acclaimed Ecuadorian writer whose literary contributions left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of his country. Known for his experimental narrative style, introspective explorations of themes, and dedication to promoting literature, Donoso Pareja’s impact extended far beyond the pages of his books. Through his workshops and mentorship, he nurtured the talents of aspiring writers, fostering a new generation of literary voices. His works, ranging from novels and poetry to essays and short stories, challenged conventions and invited readers to engage with complex ideas. Despite facing health challenges in his later years, Donoso Pareja’s passion for literature remained unwavering until his passing. His legacy as a writer, mentor, and cultural advocate endures, continuing to inspire and enrich the literary world in Ecuador and beyond. In recognition of his contribution to Ecuadorian literature, he was bestowed the Eugenio Espejo Prize in 2006, Ecuador’s highest literary award.
Family background
Miguel Donoso Pareja was born on July 13, 1931, in Guayaquil, Ecuador. His father, Miguel Donoso Moncayo, was from Quito, while his mother, Leonor Pareja Diezcanseco, hailed from Guayaquil. He had a notable figure in his family, his uncle Alfredo Pareja Díez Canseco, who was a well-known novelist and diplomat.
Donoso Pareja was married multiple times during his life. His first marriage was to Judith Gutiérrez Moscoso from Babahoyo, Ecuador. They had three children: Leonor, María del Carmen, and Miguel Donoso Gutiérrez, who became an author in his own right. Leonor tragically passed away during her adolescence. Donoso Pareja later married Aralia López González, a native of La Coruña who grew up in Cuba, but they divorced in 1979. His third and final marriage was to Isabel Huerta Noboa in 1987, and they remained together until his death in 2015.
Exploring the Writing Style of Miguel Donoso Pareja
Miguel Donoso Pareja’s writing style is characterized by its experimental nature and profound exploration of complex themes. Through works such as “Henry Black,” “Día tras día,” and “Nunca más el mar,” Donoso Pareja challenges traditional storytelling conventions, opting for fragmented narratives, nonlinear structures, and innovative techniques. His prose blends poetic language with introspection, inviting readers to delve into the depths of human existence. With a unique blend of fiction and memoir, Donoso Pareja blurs the boundaries between reality and imagination, crafting a literary experience that lingers in the reader’s mind. His writing style encourages readers to embrace ambiguity, take intellectual risks, and embark on a journey to explore the intricacies of love, exile, identity, and the complexities of cultural systems.
The Literary Workshops of Miguel Donoso Pareja
The Literary Workshops of Miguel Donoso Pareja played a significant role in shaping the literary landscape of Ecuador and Mexico. Donoso Pareja, as a workshop coordinator and supervisor, provided aspiring writers with a platform to develop their skills, explore their creativity, and refine their unique voices. These workshops emphasized personal growth and encouraged participants to take risks in their writing.
Beginning in the 1970s during his political exile in Mexico, Donoso Pareja served as the coordinator of the literature workshop at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the National Institute of Fine Arts in San Luis Potosí. These workshops became important spaces for writers to share their work, receive feedback, and engage in literary discussions.
After returning to Ecuador in 1981, Donoso Pareja continued his workshop activities as the director of the literature workshops at the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana. These workshops attracted aspiring writers from various regions, providing them with the guidance and mentorship necessary to nurture their literary talents.
Donoso Pareja’s workshops fostered an open and inclusive environment, encouraging participants to explore different genres, experiment with narrative techniques, and develop their own unique writing styles. Instead of imposing a specific style or doctrine, he emphasized personal expression and the development of a distinct voice.
Through his workshops, Donoso Pareja influenced a new generation of writers who went on to make significant contributions to the literary scene. Writers such as Juan Villoro, David Ojeda, José de Jesús Sampedro, and Ignacio Betancourt in Mexico, as well as Jorge Velasco Mackenzie, Jorge Martillo, Gilda Holst, Huilo Ruales, Byron Rodríguez, and Raúl Vallejo in Ecuador, benefited from his mentorship and guidance.
While Donoso Pareja’s workshops faced criticism from traditionalist writers who viewed them as stifling individuality, he remained committed to fostering personal growth and allowing writers to develop their unique styles and voices. His workshops served as catalysts for innovation and experimentation, leading to a broader and more diverse literary tradition in Ecuador and Mexico. The impact of Donoso Pareja’s workshops extends beyond the participants themselves, enriching the literary landscape and contributing to the ongoing development of literature in both countries.
List of writers who attended his literary workshops
- Juan Villoro (Mexico)
- David Ojeda (Mexico)
- José de Jesús Sampedro (Mexico)
- Ignacio Betancourt (Mexico)
- Jorge Velasco Mackenzie (Ecuador)
- Jorge Martillo (Ecuador)
- Gilda Holst (Ecuador)
- Huilo Ruales (Ecuador)
- Byron Rodríguez (Ecuador)
- Raúl Vallejo (Ecuador)
- Alfredo Noriega (Ecuador)
- Edwin Madrid (Ecuador)
- Gustavo Garzón (Ecuador)
- Eduardo Varas (Ecuador)
- César Eduardo Galarza (Ecuador)
- Ángela Arboleda (Ecuador)
Political Exile
Miguel Donoso Pareja experienced political exile during his life, which had a significant impact on his personal and literary journey. Exile became a central theme in his works, shaping his perspective and influencing the narratives he crafted.
The first exile experience for Donoso Pareja occurred in 1963 when he was forced to go into hiding following the military coup led by Ramón Castro Jijón in Ecuador. Accused of being a terrorist, he faced persecution and was subjected to a raid on his home by the police. The authorities alleged that he possessed grenades based on manipulated photographs taken during the raid. Despite being released after two days, the damage to his reputation had already been done.
In the aftermath of the coup, Donoso Pareja was driven into clandestinity, seeking refuge from the repressive regime. He managed to arrange a secret meeting with his daughters in a cinema, but the police, who had been following him, apprehended him amidst the chaos. Donoso Pareja was subsequently detained for ten months without trial. Eventually, he was expelled from Ecuador and sent into exile in Mexico.
In Mexico, Donoso Pareja found a new home and continued his literary pursuits. He worked as a professor of literature and writing at various institutions, including the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the National Institute of Fine Arts. During this period, he also collaborated with renowned writers and intellectuals, participating in cultural and literary activities that enriched his experience.
The exile experience had a profound impact on Donoso Pareja’s writing. It became a recurring theme in his works, reflecting the sense of displacement, longing, and the search for identity that exiles often grapple with. His novels, such as “Día tras día” (1976) and “Nunca más el mar” (1981), delve into the complexities of exile, exploring the emotional and psychological struggles faced by those uprooted from their homeland.
Guggenheim Fellowship
In 1985, Donoso Pareja was awarded the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship, a highly respected grant that recognizes outstanding individuals in various fields. This fellowship provided him with the financial support to dedicate himself to his literary pursuits and further contribute to the literary world.
Death
Miguel Donoso Pareja passed away on March 16, 2015, after battling Parkinson’s disease in his later years. His death marked the end of a remarkable literary career that spanned several decades. Although he faced health challenges, his passion for literature and his dedication to his craft remained steadfast until the end. As per his last wish, he was cremated, and his ashes were scattered at sea.
Videos
Works
Poetry
- La Mutación del Hombre (1958)
- Las Raíces del Hombre (1958)
- Los Invencibles (1963)
- Primera Canción del Exilado (1968)
- Cantos para celebrar una Muerte (1977)
Stories
- Krelko y otros cuentos (1962)
- El Hombre que mataba a sus hijos (1968)
- Lo mismo que el olvido (1985)
- Todo lo que inventamos es cierto (1991)
- El Otro lado del Espejo (1996)
Novels
- Henry Blak (1983)
- Día tras día (1976)
- Nunca más el mar (1981)
- Hoy empiezo a acordarme (1994)
- La Muerte de Tyrone Power López en el monumental Barcelona (1997)
Non-Fiction/Sociology
- La Hora del Lobo (1970)
- Ecuador, identidad o esquizofrenia (1998)