Julián Delgado Lopera Named National Book Award Finalist
The New York City-based author is recognized for his novel written in Spanglish about Colombian history.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Books
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Author Julián Delgado Lopera has been named a finalist for the National Book Award for his 2026 novel, Pretend You're Dead and I Carry You. The book explores themes of masculinity and trans life in Colombia.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the cultural significance of documenting trans oral histories in Colombia. Delgado Lopera aims to explore his own upbringing while addressing the complex experiences of the trans community.
Julián Delgado Lopera, 38, spent eight years crafting his latest novel while drawing on his personal experience of living as a trans person for 10 years. His research included interviewing members of the Trans Community Network in Bogotá.
The players
Julián Delgado Lopera
A 38-year-old author from Bogotá who currently teaches creative writing in New York City.
Trans Community Network
An organization based in Bogotá that provides resources and support for trans individuals in Colombia.
The details
Written in Spanglish, the novel is set in the Tolima department and captures narratives from the 1990s. The author conducted extensive research for the project by returning to Colombia in 2019 to gather oral histories.
Timeline
The book's narrative is set in the 1990s.
The author returned to Colombia for research in 2019.
The novel was published in 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The nomination reflects a broader trend in the publishing industry toward honoring diverse voices and multilingual narratives like those written in Spanglish. This follows a movement by the National Book Award to highlight literary works that challenge traditional perspectives on identity.
Readers can purchase the novel at major retailers and independent bookstores to engage with the author's exploration of masculinity. The nomination serves as a guide for consumers looking for highly-regarded contemporary fiction.
The takeaway
The recognition of this novel underscores the growing literary demand for stories that bridge the gap between dual cultural experiences. Readers interested in contemporary fiction may appreciate how the author weaves oral history into a personal narrative.
Further reading
For more literary news, explore the Books section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EL PAÍS.
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