As an author of numerous short stories and several novels, Pia Barros remains a prominent leader in Chilean literature. Barros was born in 1956  into a right-wing family from the Chilean in Melipilla, Chile. At a young age, Barros became a ferocious reader as she recalls stealing books out of curiosity. Reading allowed her to cope with the lack of attention she received from her busy parents who were land owners. Pia Barros insists that if it were not for literature and politics, she would have had no sense of direction. Barros eventually left her native city to continue her education in Santiago, Chile. 

 

Caption
Pia Barros's Those Not Spared book cover
Citation
Mercado Libre Chile/piabarros

While her name is often associated with feminism, Barros is also known for her literary workshops held in numerous institutions including the University of Oregon. Her works, including Los Que Sobran (2003) and A Horcajadas (2004), have been published in nearly thirty anthologies. Barros did not flee her country during the dictatorship but lived under internal exile. During this time she challenged social injustices, and to this day continues to tackle a traditionally sexist society. 

Caption
Pia Barros's Astride book cover
Citation
Amazon/piabarros

 

 

 

Barros has held prominent awards and roles including membership for the National Society of Chilean Authors (SECH) and has received grants from the National Fund for the Development of Culture and Art (FONDART). Most importantly, Barros has emphasized the important role memory has played and continues to play in her writing, modern-day issues, and politics. She currently hosts a blog at http://piabarrosb.blogspot.com

 

Click on the video below to hear Pia in her own words: