David Aguirre (Guayaquil, 1980) is an Ecuadorian author and clinical psychologist. He holds advanced degrees, including a Master’s in Psychoanalysis and a Master’s in Philosophy of Religion, along with a Doctorate in Psychology. His debut novel, El Dios del Árbol (2024; “The God of the Tree”), blends dark fantasy and psychological horror, reflecting his background in psychoanalysis. Aguirre’s work delves into themes of trauma, social alienation, and the grotesque, with influences from modern horror cinema. He presented the novel at the Guayaquil International Book Fair, establishing himself as a rising voice in Ecuadorian literature.
Early Life and Education
David Aguirre is an Ecuadorian author and clinical psychologist with an extensive academic background. He holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Master’s in Psychoanalysis with a specialization in clinical psychoanalysis, a Master’s in Philosophy of Religion, and a Doctorate in Psychology. His education plays a significant role in shaping the psychological and philosophical dimensions of his literary work, reflecting a deep engagement with psychoanalytic theory and existential thought.
Literary Career
Aguirre’s debut novel, El Dios del Árbol (2024), marked his entrance into the literary world with a strong impact. The novel was presented at the Guayaquil International Book Fair in 2024, positioning Aguirre among the rising literary voices in Ecuador. Published by Editorial La Caída, the book was written over a span of approximately two weeks, drawing comparisons to Jack Kerouac’s spontaneous writing style, but with more pronounced psychoanalytic undertones and explorations of violence. El Dios del Árbol falls within the realm of dark fantasy and psychological horror, heavily influenced by modern horror cinema, particularly the works of filmmakers Robert Eggers and Ti West.
The novel centers around an unnamed protagonist with peculiar, often grotesque habits, who shares a tumultuous relationship with F, a mysterious figure capable of altering his size and appearance. Together, they traverse a dystopian urban landscape reminiscent of Guayaquil, delving into themes of social alienation, personal trauma, and societal taboos. The story is notable for its complex interplay of memory, repression, and the omnipresent influence of a dark, mystical figure referred to as “El Dios del Árbol.”
Aguirre’s writing defies comfort, challenging readers to confront their own prejudices and discomforts. His work reflects on the dark undercurrents of contemporary society, juxtaposing perversion and decay with fleeting moments of human connection and love. His literary voice has been described as a blend of the grotesque and the philosophical, with a narrative that leans into the gothic, exploring the boundaries between the civilized and the primal.
Videos
Works
El Dios del Árbol (Editorial La Caída, 2024)
References
- Índomita Media, “El dios del árbol – El escritor y psicólogo David Aguirre presentó su primera novela en la Feria Internacional del Libro de Quito.” Retrieved on October 5, 2024. Click to view.
- El Universo, “Feria del Libro de Guayaquil: los autores ecuatorianos que verás desde hoy hasta el domingo 22 de septiembre.” Retrieved on October 5, 2024. Click to view.