Enrique Prochazka, b. Lima, 1960, is a Peruvian writer with a lot of talent. He shows it in ‘Casa’ (‘House,’) a novel about the need to restart, to rediscover oneself, and then to change our course of action and attain redemption. Parallels to 2001: A Space Odyssey (the book) and ‘ 2001 – A Space Odyssey [Blu-ray ]’ (the movie) are not a matter of chance, but a well studied reference and homage to Clarke’s book and Kubrick’s masterpiece, respectively. Because deep inside, Prochazka’s inspiration comes from this science fiction, although I wouldn’t consider ‘House’ itself a science fiction work.
Prochazka uses his knowledge of architecture, philosophy, cosmology, and literature at the highest level. He studied all these subjects in Lima (he graduated from the Pontific Catholic University with a B.A. in Philosophy, and took Architecture classes at Ricardo Palma University). He has written papers on Hegel, and has been ‘accused’ of writing only for the erudite, linguists, and people who read Wittgenstein. He does write for readers with knowledge, with intellectual curiosity. He acknowledges his readership is limited. He is interested in writing and doesn’t care that much on what happens after the book is published (pers. comm.) It’s hard to get his books in Lima. The books are published in small quantities and the distribution is not widespread. I’ve walked many a mile in Lima trying to get his book. I finally got it at Amazon!
Reading Prochazka is a treat. This book takes you to a land where you can only discover new things, where you can get more the more you know about philosophy and science fiction; about literature and life.
Too bad he doesn’t care about what happens to the book after written. We could do better with his books widely distributed and translated into English, French, and German. Why not? Those who follow Wittgenstein and read Hegel would enjoy reading Prochazka, too.