U.S. Academic Leads Research on Ricardo Palma's Darker Literary Side
Mayra Flores Mejía, a PhD from Michigan State University, has led the investigation, editing, and compilation of a new four-volume collection titled 'Tradiciones Macabras de Ricardo Palma.' This collection, presented by Pandemonium Editorial in Arequipa, Peru, explores the fantastic and dark aspects of Peruvian writer Ricardo Palma's work. The project aims to broaden the traditional perception of Palma, who is typically associated with humor, costumbrismo, and historical recreation. According to Pandemonium Editorial, a review of his work reveals a narrative connected to the supernatural, romanticism, and Gothic literature. The collection includes volumes such as 'Palma gótico,' 'Palma endiablado,' 'Palma perverso,' and 'Palma embrujado,' which gather stories where Palma addresses themes like crime, superstitions, spectral apparitions, pacts with dark forces, and collective fears of his era. Flores Mejía also contributed one of the preliminary studies to the collection. 
