Afredo Noriega Fernández (Quito, 1962) is an Ecuadorian writer, novelist, short story writer, and playwright. In the early 1980’s he was a member of the writing workshop of Miguel Donoso Pareja and founded the group La Pequeñalulupa. In 1985, he moved to Paris, France where he studied linguistics at the Sorbonne Nouvelle. He lived in Paris and Brussels for many years and now lives in Cardiff, United Kingdom. He has worked as a Spanish professor at universities. He is a highly-acclaimed author of noir novels. Some of his best-known work includes the 2002 novel “De que nada se sabe,” (translated into French as C’est dur de mourir au printemps), its 2010 sequel “Tan solo morir” (translated as Mourir, la belle affaire), and the trilogy’s final book, the 2019 novel “Eso si nunca.” The first book of this trilogy, “De que nada se sabe,” was adapted into the 2008 film “Cuando me toque a mí,” directed by Víctor Arregui, who collaborated with Noriega on the screenplay. He has published novels, short story collections, poetry collections, and plays. His stories have been included in several national and international anthologies.
Early Life and Literary Beginnings
Born in Quito in 1962, Alfredo Noriega Fernández is an accomplished Ecuadorian writer, known for his talent in fiction, poetry, and playwriting. In the early 1980s, he was part of the renowned writing workshop led by Miguel Donoso Pareja and co-founded the group “La Pequeñalulupa,” consisting of young aspiring writers who emerged from Donoso Pareja’s guidance. Passionate about literature and theater, Noriega’s life took a pivotal turn in 1985 when he decided to leave his homeland and embark on a new adventure in Paris, France.
Literary Journey in Europe
Settling in Paris, Noriega pursued linguistic studies at Sorbonne Nouvelle, immersing himself in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city. Over the years, he also lived in Brussels, Belgium, but eventually, Cardiff, United Kingdom, became his new home. Despite being far from his native Ecuador, Noriega’s heart and creative spirit remained deeply connected to his roots, with his works often reflecting the essence of his homeland.
The Acclaimed Noir Trilogy
One of Noriega’s most celebrated accomplishments is his noir trilogy, consisting of three novels: “De que nada se sabe” (Alfaguara, 2002), “Tan solo morir” (Alfaguara, 2010), and “Eso sí nunca” (Eskeletra, 2018). The trilogy revolves around the life of Arturo Fernández, a medical examiner, and explores the intricate relationship between him and his mother. As the trilogy unfolds, we witness the protagonist’s journey through life, love, loss, and the inevitable passage of time, creating a captivating narrative that captivates readers worldwide.
International Recognition and Adaptations
Noriega’s masterful storytelling skills garnered widespread recognition, leading to translations of his works into other languages. Notably, his first two trilogy novels were translated into French as “C’est dur de mourir au printemps” and “Mourir, la belle affaire.” Additionally, the first novel, “De que nada se sabe,” was adapted into the film “Cuando me toque a mí” in 2008, with Noriega collaborating on the screenplay with director Víctor Arregui.
Diverse Works
Beyond the trilogy, Alfredo Noriega continued to enrich the literary world with his versatility. He delved into various genres, publishing novels such as “Desasitios” (Eskeletra Editorial, 1998), “9 mm parabellum” (Editorial Estación Sur, 2008), and “Guápulo” (Cactus Pink, 2019). He also shared his poetic musings in collections like “La pared norte (Yanasacha)” (Black Rider, 2005) and “La piel en la oscuridad” (La Línea Imaginaria, 2014). Additionally, his plays, including “La longue-vue” and “Penélope y el gato,” graced the stage, showcasing his remarkable talent in drama.
Videos
Selected works
Novels
- Desasitios (Eskeletra Editorial, 1998)
- De que nada se sabe (Alfaguara, 2002)
- 9 mm parabellum (Editorial Estación Sur, 2008)
- La erupción (2010)
- Tan solo morir (Alfaguara, 2010)
- Eso sí nunca (2018)
- Guápulo (Cactus Pink, 2019)
Short stories
- Bruselas (Cactus Pink, 2021)
Poetry
- La pared norte (Yanasacha) (Black Rider, 2005)
- La piel en la oscuridad (La Línea Imaginaria, 2014)
Plays
- La longue-vue (in French)
- La trilogía equinoccial
- Penélope y el gato
His works have also been included in the following anthologies
- Bruxelles noir (2015, edited by Michel Dufranne, French)
- Brussels Noir (2016, edited by Michel Dufranne; English translation by Katie Shireen Assef)