The panel dedicated to the centenary of Franz Kafka’s novel The Process and its influence on universal literature. Led by renowned writers Jose Luis Serrano, Jose Rojas Bez and Manuel Garcia Verdecia, was part of the XXVI Celestino Short Story Prize. Organized by Ediciones La Luz and the Literature Section of the Saiz Brothers Association (AHS) in Holguin.
The meeting, held on Wednesday during the second day of readings and talks, is part of the space “Ode to the Young Light”. Sponsored by this publishing house, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Territorial Editions System and promotes literature among Cuban youth.
During his speech, Manuel García Verdecia reflected on the circumstances that characterize Kafka’s work and its relationship with the creator’s way of life. Quoting texts from his letters to his father. Where recurring themes such as authority and helplessness appear.
For his part, José Luis Serrano analyzed the different ways of interpreting Kafka’s work, especially The Metamorphosis. Which is already part of his legacy, and warned how these limited interpretations restrict not only the author’s prose, but also the reader’s reflection.
A common point in the debate was the comparison between the author of The Process and Yukio Mishima, Japanese novelist to whom the 26th edition of the contest is dedicated. Under the title “Celestino muerto por la rosa” (Celestino is death by the rose), highlighting the coincidence of both on the vision of the world that oppressed them as the protagonist of most of their manuscripts.
Among the day’s activities, the space “Punto de fuga” (Vanishing Point), dedicated to recognize and support young Cuban writers, with readings and exchanges between generations, featured the participation of Erian Peña Pupo and Robert Ráez, winners of the Calendar Award in Narrative 2024 and 2025, respectively; and Rubén Rodríguez, winner of the Cortázar Short Story Award 2024.
In addition, there were panels and discussions on the work of Yukio Mishima, exchanges of literary recommendations and presentations of new publications of Ediciones La Luz, such as Mamidela, by Liset Prego, and Las respuestas saben volar, by Rubén Rodríguez.
The Celestino Short Story Prize is open to writers under 35 years of age, members or not of the Hermanos Saíz Association, with the aim of strengthening Cuban narrative, and the award ceremony will take place on June 13th and includes a diploma, 10,000 pesos and the publication of a single work in print and digital format.
With information from CNA
Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernandez
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