A Last Supper of Queer Apostles

Author: Pedro Lemebel

Translator: Gwendolyn Harper

Publisher: Pushkin

Paperback

One of our books of the year 2024!

Oliver says:Queer, gender non-conforming, staunch communist (but always critical of the Lefts queerphobia), and just utterly iconic, Pedro Lemebel was one of the best Chilean writers, period. They rose to prominence as half of the performance art duo Las Yeguas del Apocalipsis (The Mares of the Apocalypseseriously, search them up!), then moved to prose later on. Lemebels daring crnicas (a very idiosyncratic Latin American genre of non-fiction that blends storytelling, reportage, and personal essayism) discussing homosexuality, queer culture, politics, intimacy, colonialism, social unrest, and class, were read on radio and published in prominent newspapers at a time when this had seemed unthinkable. Lemebels literary recognition came way too late even in Chile, and so it is unfortunate but expected that it should come late to the English speaking world as well.

Pushkin Press A Last Supper of Queer Apostles: Selected Essays finally addresses this wrong with the flair Lemebels work deserves. Gwendolyn Harpers inventive translation takes in all the schmaltzy, camp, grimy yet punny brilliance of Lemebels prose and renders it in fresh English that captures the heart. Arranged beautifully and highlighting the most inviting of Lemebels work, Harper and editor Rory Williamson have created a wonderful and informative introduction to Lemebels life and work, which absolutely every reader needs to experience.

(PS. After youve devoured this book, make sure to check out Lemebels brilliant (and only) novel My Tender Matador, releasing officially in the UK on January 30th, 2025, also by Pushkin Press.)