Gonçalo M. Tavares, Formentor Prize 2026: "In a democracy, language classes should be like karate classes in a violent country"

Gonçalo M. Tavares, awarded the Formentor Prize, explores themes of inequality and societal division in his latest novel, "O Fim dos Estados Unidos da América." The narrative depicts a plague that respects political borders, leading to the dehumanization of the poor. Tavares emphasizes the importance of epic storytelling as a rebellion against literary categorization, blending genres and styles. His protagonist, Bloom, seeks to save the country while navigating personal love, ultimately suggesting that love can challenge societal divides. The novel critiques how societies justify inequality and the absurdity of political reasoning, presenting a vision of hope amidst despair.