Chilean author Juan Mihovilovich has returned to the literary spotlight with his latest work, 'Síndromes Alucinantes' (Simplemente Editores, 2026). The 104-page collection features 25 short stories, each centered on the concept of a 'syndrome'—whether interpreted as a documented medical pathology or a unique, subjective way of viewing the world.
According to an interview with elmostrador.cl, Mihovilovich describes his creative process as an extension of his daily existence. "I try to live as I write and to write as I live," the author said. Born in Punta Arenas in 1951, Mihovilovich has built a career marked by a deep commitment to his craft, which now includes international recognition through translations of his work into Croatian.
The anatomy of a syndrome
The stories in the new collection span several years of writing, with some pieces dating back further than others. Mihovilovich told the outlet he conducted extensive research into various medical syndromes, selecting five or six as foundational themes for his narratives. These include the 'Alien Hand Syndrome,' the 'Mirror Syndrome,' and the 'Foreign Accent Syndrome.' He noted that the final story, 'Síndrome Diario,' serves to summarize the collection and close the thematic circle.
Some of the stories are rooted in specific, real-world interactions. The author explained that his piece 'Esquizoide' was inspired by a direct encounter with an individual living with that condition. Another story, 'Clara y la Combi,' draws from the life of a friend of his son, an experience that left a lasting impact on the writer.
Beyond the prose, the book’s aesthetic has drawn notice. The cover art, which references the story 'Los números no cuentan,' was produced by the author’s son, Andrés, and his daughter, Vania, who is a photographer.
Mihovilovich’s body of work continues to evolve, but he remains tethered to his early foundations. He recalled that his previous book, 'El Ventanal de la Desolación,' contained stories he began drafting as an adolescent and continued refining until age 28. That earlier effort famously featured a presentation by celebrated author Antonio Skármeta, highlighting Mihovilovich’s long-standing place within the Chilean literary canon.
