A Colombian novelist Héctor Abad Faciolince became a speaker at ‘Promotion of Latin American Literature’ at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) on Monday (30/10). It was organized by International Relations Office (IRO) and Language Training Center (LTC) of UMY collaborating with Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Embassy of Colombia in Indonesia. .

To begin with, Héctor read chapter one of his book entitled ‘Oblivion: A Memoir’. “This novel is based on a true story. It tells about my father and it is an awful memory that I have,” he stated.

“On the novel, I told how I love him, like his smell, his voice, and his hand. I wrote it to remember my father since in life we will forget or will be forgotten sooner or later. When I cannot remember my father, I want other people to see my father by reading this book. This is the reason why I chose ‘El Olvido Que Seremos, The Oblivion We Shall Be’ as the title,” told Héctor.

He informed that he did not write the book alone. “I am aware that the fact is not exactly the same as what I wrote. When I was done with the first draft, I asked my mother and sister to review the truth that I wrote on it. They, then, gave some additions and revised my writing because this book is about our family,” expressed Héctor.

He also suggested audiences who want to write a novel to maintain the truth. “You have to find a lot of information about the fact, and afterward you can decide how to tell the truth, whether you act as the first or third person point-of-view, or you write it using a documentary method. You have to pay attention on small details because they sometimes impress the readers,” advised Héctor.

Besides, the audiences were invited to practice the Spanish language with Héctor. Last, he mentioned that he will donate his book to library of UMY so that students who are interested in the novel can read.