Author: Pedro Lemebel
Translator: Gwendolyn Harper
Publisher: Pushkin
Paperback
One of our books of the year 2024!
Oliver says: Queer, gender non-conforming, staunch communist (but always critical of the Left’s queerphobia), and just utterly iconic, Pedro Lemebel was one of the best Chilean writers, period. They rose to prominence as half of the performance art duo Las Yeguas del Apocalipsis (The Mares of the Apocalypse–seriously, search them up!), then moved to prose later on. Lemebel’s daring crónicas (a very idiosyncratic Latin American genre of non-fiction that blends storytelling, reportage, and personal essayism) discussing homosexuality, queer culture, politics, intimacy, colonialism, social unrest, and class, were read on radio and published in prominent newspapers at a time when this had seemed unthinkable. Lemebel’s literary recognition came way too late even in Chile, and so it is unfortunate but expected that it should come late to the English speaking world as well.
Pushkin Press’ A Last Supper of Queer Apostles: Selected Essays finally addresses this wrong with the flair Lemebel’s work deserves. Gwendolyn Harper’s inventive translation takes in all the schmaltzy, camp, grimy yet punny brilliance of Lemebel’s prose and renders it in fresh English that captures the heart. Arranged beautifully and highlighting the most inviting of Lemebel’s work, Harper and editor Rory Williamson have created a wonderful and informative introduction to Lemebel’s life and work, which absolutely every reader needs to experience.
(PS. After you’ve devoured this book, make sure to check out Lemebel’s brilliant (and only) novel My Tender Matador, releasing officially in the UK on January 30th, 2025, also by Pushkin Press.)