Alperi Fernández, Víctor

b. 1930, Mieres (Asturias)

   Writer

   Avoiding metropolitan literary centres, Alperi practised journalism and wrote criticism, novels, stories and non-fiction in northern isolation after obtaining a doctorate in law from the University of Oviedo. Characteristic novels exemplify Spain's neo-realist "social" literature of the mid-century, featuring economic problems, attenuated naturalism, and portraits of transition from agrarianism to modernity. Sueño de sombra (Dream of Shadows), Agua india (Indian Waters) and Cristo habló en la montaña (Christ Spoke on the Mount), written in collaboration with Juan Mollá, preceded Dentro del río (Within the River) and Una historia de guerra (War Story), portraying regional and national civil conflict.

   JANET PÉREZ