Marcial Gala Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

About Marcial Gala

Marcial Gala hails from Cuba and is well-known as a versatile writer, poet, and architect. With his literary prowess, he has earned a multitude of awards for his storytelling talents. Gala’s ability to craft intricate characters and gripping narratives draws readers into his imaginative worlds. Each of his works reflects his unique perspective, making them both thought-provoking and enjoyable to read.

The strengths in Gala’s writing shine through his skill in developing relatable protagonists. His characters often resonate with readers, offering a glimpse into diverse lives and experiences. The depth and authenticity he brings to his characters make his stories engaging and memorable. His narratives are crafted so expertly that they continue to captivate readers across various genres.

Gala’s talent for storytelling doesn’t stop at just creating intriguing characters. His narratives are compelling, weaving tales that hold the readers’ attention from start to finish. With each story, he creates a rich tapestry of events, emotions, and settings, always keeping the audience eager for more. His writing offers a genuine, immersive experience, inviting readers to explore new perspectives while enjoying his masterful storytelling.

He truly captures the attention of readers worldwide with stories that stay true to his roots and personal experiences. He has a distinctive ability to infuse his Cuban background into his works, providing authenticity and rich cultural context. His narratives often resonate with a global audience due to their universal themes and relatable characters. This combination of local flavor with universal appeal makes his stories both unique and widely enjoyed.

Gala’s writing is not only engaging but also meaningful, as it reflects his own experiences and beliefs. He skillfully blends personal insights with entertaining plots, creating stories that are both heartfelt and captivating. His authenticity shines through in every tale, drawing readers into a world that is vividly real yet imaginatively crafted. By staying true to himself, he offers an intimate glimpse into his perspective, enriching the storytelling experience for all.

Through his work, Gala has managed to entertain and connect with readers far beyond Cuba. His stories maintain their integrity while appealing to diverse audiences, showing the power of genuine, well-crafted narratives. This balance of entertainment and authenticity makes his writing truly stand out, allowing readers everywhere to enjoy and appreciate his unique voice.

Marcial Gala continues to focus on his writing, promising more captivating stories in the future. As he maintains his dedication to crafting authentic and engaging narratives, readers can anticipate further exciting works that reflect his unique perspective and creativity. With his ongoing passion for storytelling, Gala is sure to delight audiences worldwide with whatever he creates next.

Early and Personal Life

Marcial Gala, born in Havana, Cuba, in 1963, has had an intriguing path to becoming a writer. He first studied behavioral psychiatry at the Politécnico de la Salud de Santiago de Cuba in 1983, gaining insights into human behavior. This background likely contributes to the depth of his characters.

In 1992, Gala trained as an architect at Universidad Central de las Villas in Santa Clara. This experience may have influenced his structured and creative storytelling. His diverse training provided a solid base for his writing career, combining observation with imagination.

Now living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Gala continues to infuse his life experiences into his writing. His journey from studying psychiatry and architecture to achieving literary success shows a passion for growth and learning. Marcial Gala’s unique insights and storytelling abilities make him a standout voice in literature.

Writing Career

Marcial Gala has made a significant mark in literature with his award-winning novel ‘La Catedral de los negros,’ which won both the Premio Alejo Carpentier and Premio Anual de la Crítica in 2012. His works are widely translated, reaching audiences in German, English, Polish, Italian, and Portuguese. Known for engaging storytelling, his global presence is noteworthy.

Gala’s novel ‘Llámenme Cassandra’ was nominated for the 35th Lambda Literary Awards in 2019 in the Gay Fiction category, highlighting his diverse appeal. His other novels include ‘Rocanrol,’ ‘Monasterio,’ and ‘Sentada en su verde limón.’

Additionally, his talent spans short fiction and poetry, with works like ‘Es muy temprano’ and ‘Moneda de a centavo’ showcasing his versatility as a writer.

Call Me Cassandra

The historical novel ‘Call Me Cassandra’ by Marcial Gala, translated by Anna Kushner, was published on January 11, 2022. This English edition was released by the publisher Farrar, Straus and Giroux. The book showcases Gala’s storytelling through Kushner’s translation, making it accessible to a wider audience.

In 1970s Cuba, ten-year-old Rauli navigates a challenging world with a violent brother and a neglectful father. Despite a hostile environment, he finds solace in Greek myths and knows three undeniable truths: he was born in the wrong body, he will die as a soldier at eighteen, and he is the reincarnation of Princess Cassandra.

As Rauli transitions from childhood to adolescence, his journey spans across Cienfuegos, the Angolan battlefields, and ancient Troy. Amidst Cuba’s crumbling utopian dreams, Rauli seeks self-discovery, even as he grapples with the burden of foreseeing future tragedies.

Its story offers a captivating journey of self-discovery and resilience, set against a vivid historical backdrop, engaging readers with its compelling narrative and rich storytelling.

The Black Cathedral

‘The Black Cathedral,’ a magical realist fantasy by Marcial Gala, translated by Anna Kushner, was published on January 7, 2020. This edition is available through Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Offering Gala’s vivid storytelling in English, the book reaches a wider audience through Kushner’s skilled translation.

The Stuart family relocates to a marginal area of Cienfuegos on Cuba’s southern coast. Arturo Stuart, their charismatic preacher father, believes God has tasked him with building an unprecedented temple in Cuba, turning Cienfuegos into a new Jerusalem. Amidst neighborhood conflicts and passions, the cathedral’s construction influences a generation.

This generation, marked by violence and selfishness, carries these traits beyond the neighborhood, city, and country, influenced by the looming unfinished cathedral.

The novel masterfully combines magical realism with captivating storytelling, inviting readers into a vividly depicted world rich with conflict and ambition, making for an engaging and compelling experience.