José Eduardo Agualusa Alves da Cunha is a multifaceted individual, born in 1960, whose life is a testament to the power of creativity and linguistic diversity. As a writer and journalist, he has made his mark on the literary world, with his works translated into a staggering 25 languages.
Five of his notable books have been translated into English, including "Creole" (2002),"The Book of Chameleons" (2006),"My Father's Wives" (2008),"Rainy Season" (2009),and "General Theory of Oblivion" (2015). These works showcase his remarkable ability to weave complex narratives and explore the human experience.
In addition to his written works, Agualusa has also ventured into the world of playwriting, penning five captivating plays, including "W Generation", "Aquela Mulher", "Chovem Amores na Rua do Matador", "A Caixa Preta", and "O Terrorista Elegante", the latter three co-authored with the renowned writer Mia Couto.
Throughout his illustrious career, Agualusa has received three prestigious literary grants, including the Centro Nacional da Cultura's grant in 1997, which allowed him to focus on writing "Creole". The Fundação do Oriente's grant in 2000 enabled him to spend three months in Goa, where he penned "Um Estranho em Goa", while the Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst's grant in 2001 provided him with a year-long residency in Berlin, during which he wrote "O Ano em que Zumbi Tomou o Rio".
In the early stages of 2009, Agualusa completed his novel "Barroco Tropical" while residing at the prestigious Writers Residency in Amsterdam, a joint initiative by the Dutch Foundation for Literature and the Foundation for the Production and Translation of Dutch Literature.
