Spanish writer Juan José Millás participated in El País’s Club de Lectura on Wednesday to discuss his latest book, “Ese imbécil va a escribir una novela” [1].
The event highlights Millás's ongoing influence on contemporary Spanish literature as he explores the intersection of memory, aging, and the act of storytelling. By engaging directly with readers at the El País headquarters in Madrid, the author provides insight into how literature serves as a tool for navigating the complexities of human existence [3, 4].
During the session, Millás addressed the purpose of fiction in the context of a lived life. He said, "La novela trata de tapar en gran medida los agujeros de la vida" [1]. This reflection aligns with the broader themes of his new work, which focuses on the writer's craft, and the internal struggle to make sense of one's history [4].
At 80 years old [1], Millás has frequently reflected on the inevitability of time and the physical reality of getting older. In a previous discussion regarding mortality, he said, "Hay un momento en el que te miras al espejo y ves al muerto que serás" [2]. This preoccupation with the passage of time is central to the philosophical inquiries found in his latest novel.
The Club de Lectura event follows an initial announcement made on March 24 [2]. While this recent meeting focused on his literary contributions, the author is scheduled for another separate encounter on Oct. 2, 2026 [3].
Millás continues to be a prominent voice in the Spanish literary scene, known for his ability to capture the reader's attention immediately. He said, "El lector queda atrapado desde las primeras líneas" [5].
“"La novela trata de tapar en gran medida los agujeros de la vida"”
The focus on Millás's age and his reflections on mortality suggests a thematic shift toward existentialism and legacy in his later works. By using the Club de Lectura platform, the author is bridging the gap between academic literary analysis and public accessibility, reinforcing the role of the novel as a psychological tool for processing the 'holes' or gaps in a human life.
