Picture a British-American storyteller who weaves Colombia’s vibrant, turbulent soul into every page—meet Julianne Pachico! Born in England but raised in Cali, Colombia, this author’s unique lens blends cultural richness with raw explorations of identity and violence. Her works, like The Lucky Ones and The Anthill, capture the chaos and beauty of her childhood home, earning her a distinct voice in literary fiction.
The Making of Julianne Pachico
Julianne Pachico was born in 1985 in Cambridge, England, but her heart belongs to Cali, Colombia, where she grew up immersed in a world shaped by her parents’ work as agricultural social scientists. At 18, she moved to Portland, Oregon, earning a B.A. in Comparative Literature at Reed College. Her passion for storytelling led her back to England, where she honed her craft with an M.A. and Ph.D. in Creative and Critical Writing at the University of East Anglia. Inspired by authors like Roberto Bolaño and her own dreams, Pachico began crafting stories that pulse with the intensity of her Colombian roots.
Julianne Pachico’s Unforgettable Stories
Pachico’s debut, The Lucky Ones (2017), is a kaleidoscopic collection of linked stories set in Colombia from 1993 to 2013. With a fragmented, impressionistic style, it explores the lives of wealthy yet broken characters amidst guerrilla warfare and the drug trade. Critics praised its vivid, unsettling portrayal of a nation in turmoil, with stories like ‘Honey Bunny’ showcasing her ability to blend privilege with despair. Her follow-up novel, The Anthill (2020), dives into social horror, following Lina, a woman returning to Medellín to confront her past. Pachico’s 2023 novel, Jungle House, ventures into speculative fiction, set in a dystopian Colombian ‘smart’ house, highlighting her versatility. Her short stories, published in The New Yorker, Granta, and Best British Short Stories 2015, reveal a sharp, satirical edge, often tackling cultural identity and violence with a haunting yet playful tone.
Pachico’s style is a dance of contrasts—lush yet stark, satirical yet empathetic. She refuses to oversimplify Colombia, instead offering fragmented narratives that mirror its complexity. Her works resonate with readers for their raw honesty and ability to humanize the chaos of conflict, making her a standout in contemporary fiction.
Why Julianne Pachico Matters
Julianne Pachico’s impact lies in her fearless portrayal of Colombia’s multifaceted identity, blending her insider-outsider perspective to challenge stereotypes. Her stories give voice to the marginalized and privileged alike, shedding light on a country often reduced to headlines about drugs and war. Nominated for awards like the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year and the Centre for Fiction First Novel Award, Pachico has carved a niche in literary fiction, inspiring readers and writers to embrace nuanced storytelling. Her work continues to bridge cultures, inviting global audiences to see Colombia through a fresh, unflinching lens.
- Born: 1985, Cambridge, England
- Key Works: The Lucky Ones, The Anthill, Jungle House
- Awards: Longlisted for Sunday Times Short Story Prize (2015), Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year (2017)
Ready to explore Colombia’s heart through Julianne Pachico’s eyes? Grab The Lucky Ones and dive into her thrilling, thought-provoking world!