alejandro ahumada's tales and stories

Alejandro Ahumada

 

Modern Magical Realism Author

Biography

Alejandro has navigated his life between change and continuity, journeying from the hills of Valparaíso, Chile, to the green valleys of Cantabria, Spain. His life, marked by resilience and wonder, unfolds along a path that stretches from political asylum to discovery, always balancing adventure with reflection and a perspective that reveals the extraordinary within the everyday.

Due to the political persecution of the Pinochet dictatorship, his mother was forced to seek asylum with him in the United Kingdom when he was just thirteen. Scotland, and later Nottingham, England, became places of new beginnings, where Alejandro’s sense of identity expanded through exposure to diverse cultures.

Each place along his journey—from Falkirk in Scotland, through Nottingham, a period in Madrid, to Dublin, Bois D’Arcy in France, and Getxo in the Basque Country—has woven into his story and enriched his outlook on life. Now settled in Cantabria with his wife and his cat, Déjà Vu, Alejandro continues to explore life as a tapestry of meaningful encounters. Parenthood, with two children who carry forward his vision of life, has added a profound dimension to his journey.

As a computer engineer, he has cultivated a mind that balances logic with creativity, translating these skills into every aspect of his life. But it is in writing that he has found his true voice, creating a modern magical realism that transforms his experiences and cultural heritage into tales exploring the connection between reality and fantasy. His work reflects a unique sensibility, where the everyday intertwines with the magical, revealing the extraordinary in the simplest details.

For Alejandro, ecology is more than a passion; it is the foundation of his values and a guide for his commitment to the world. This vision shapes his way of living, observing, and acting, and it manifests in his work, where nature and humanity merge in a magical balance.

As an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy, inspired by authors like Neil Gaiman, Isabel Allende, Terry Pratchett, and Ursula Le Guin, Alejandro sees life as a canvas where the ordinary and the extraordinary meet constantly. His life is a testament to a personal and contemporary magical realism, where every experience and place reveals the hidden magic of existence.

Titles

Megaconcert

In this tale, a man navigating life's uncertainties becomes a shuttle driver at a major music festival. He embarks on nocturnal adventures, transporting artists through a world that feels both surreal and grounded. Encounters with musicians, whose fame is as unfamiliar to him as the landscape, weave a narrative of unexpected connections and moments of discovery, revealing that within the ordinary lies the magic of the extraordinary.
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Ogres and demons

In "Ogres and Demons," we plunge into a fantastical world brimming with mystery and adventure. The story trails Reina and Peter, two youths in a perilous and uncharted realm, where ogres and demons lurk. As they navigate their world and confront challenges, they uncover startling truths and learn about courage and growth. This tale, woven with a blend of imagination and emotion, captures the essence of youthful adventure and personal discovery.
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Return

Return - This story is the second part of "The Old Man of the Village." It is a moving tale that continues the story of Pádraig, based on the life of Paddy Ahumada Gallardo. We delve into Pádraig's struggle and resistance during the dictatorship in Chile, facing challenges and dangers. Through his experiences, including underground activities and political persecution, the story reflects the reality of those who, despite fear, strive to change the world. This narrative not only recounts the critical events in Chile's history but also celebrates the spirit of resistance and courage of its people.
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The Stone Giant

"The Stone Giant" narrates the story of Greta, a young girl who stumbles upon a solar and wind energy generator in the shape of a colossal tree on a hill. This device, referred to as G888, has the ability to communicate and exhibits an unusually high level of consciousness. Intrigued and curious, Greta forms a bond with G888, only to discover that it is far more than a mere generator. The tale delves into themes of technology, artificial intelligence, and the interaction between humans and machines, providing a narrative rich in emotion and discoveries.
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Panther-en

"Panther" is a tale that weaves the enchanting life of a street cat, aptly named Panther, and his extraordinary bond with the narrator. Set against the backdrop of a quaint hamlet in Cantabria, Panther, a sleek black cat, emerges as an integral figure in the narrator's life. As the story unfurls, Panther embarks on a journey brimming with enigmatic challenges and mystical encounters, including brushes with creatures of legend and his valiant quest for survival. This narrative, rich in emotional depth and replete with twists of fate, delves into the mystical nexus connecting humans, animals, and the realms of the uncharted.
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Father Christmas

In this touching story by Alejandro Ahumada, the figure of Father Christmas is explored from a nostalgic and reflective perspective. The author recounts his childhood memories, weaving together doubts about the existence of Father Christmas with deeper thoughts on the nature of faith, hope, and love. Throughout the story, the line between reality and fantasy is questioned, and how both aspects coexist in our understanding of the world. An emotional journey that takes us beyond the simple figure of a Christmas character, inviting readers to reflect on the great themes of life.
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