Mexican Author's Urban Odyssey: A Literary Journey Through Cities

In his latest essay collection, "Planes Flying Over a Monster," Mexican author Daniel Saldaña París takes readers on a literary journey through various urban landscapes. The book, translated by Christina MacSweeney and Philip K. Zimmerman, offers a unique perspective on how different cities have shaped the author's writing and personal growth.

The collection comprises ten essays, each focusing on a specific urban experience that has left an indelible mark on Saldaña París's memory and craft. From the vibrant streets of Madrid to the poetic circles of Mexico City, the author's experiences paint a vivid picture of a writer's formative years.

One of the most compelling essays, "A Winter Underground," delves into Saldaña París's struggle with opioid addiction in Montreal. The author's description of the Grande Bibliothèque, where he briefly worked, provides a poignant insight into the intersection of literature and urban life. He writes, "During the day, readers and junkies cohabit in this neutral, hospitable land ... hinting at a strong bond between reading and drug dependency."

The collection excels in its ability to render cities as texts, waiting to be read and written. Saldaña París's detailed descriptions of his writing process, including his notebooks, pencils, and routines, make the often nebulous act of writing tangible to readers. This approach aligns with the concept of psychogeography, which explores how geographical environments affect emotions and behavior.

Throughout the book, Saldaña París's experiences echo the tradition of flânerie, or urban wandering, often associated with writers and poets. His explorations of various cities, from the historic Plaza Vieja in Havana to the artistic neighborhood of La Condesa in Mexico City, offer readers a literary grand tour of sorts.

The author's style is characterized by frequent asides and tangents, which some readers may find charming. In "Notes on the Fetishization of Silence," Saldaña París describes the sound of his breathing as "the music of me being alive," showcasing his strong and often self-reflective voice.

While the collection's structure can feel fragmented at times, it effectively mirrors the chaotic nature of urban experiences and the creative process. As Saldaña París notes in the titular essay, "Writing in Mexico City is like holding a conversation when you're under the takeoff and landing path of the airplanes," referencing the city's bustling Benito Juárez International Airport.

"Planes Flying Over a Monster" offers a unique blend of memoir, travelogue, and writerly reflection. For those willing to explore its literary byways, the book provides a fascinating glimpse into the interplay between urban environments and creative development.

"You have to stay silent sometimes, to let the noise take over everything, to let the sky split in two before picking up where you left off."

This collection will particularly resonate with writers and urban enthusiasts who appreciate the complex relationship between creativity and city life. Saldaña París's urban odyssey serves as a testament to the enduring influence of place on the literary imagination.