José Donoso ranks among the most celebrated writers of prose fiction in Chile and stands out as a pivotal figure among his Latin American contemporaries. Born into a privileged family, his early life was marked by experiences that deeply influenced his literary work. Throughout his career, Donoso's stories have been woven with complex themes of identity, exile, and the surreal nature of human existence.

Early Life and Family Background

José Donoso Yañez entered the world on October 5, 1924, in the bustling city of Santiago, Chile. Of Spanish and Italian heritage, he was born into an upper-middle-class family. His father, after whom he was named, was a physician, while his mother, Alicia Yáñez, hailed from a notable Chilean lineage. Raised alongside two brothers, Donoso's upbringing took place under the care of his mother and a dedicated servant, Teresa Vergara. The sprawling family home, once vibrant, exuded a sense of decay and antiquity, elements that permeate his fictional landscapes.

Education and Early Influences

At the tender age of seven, Donoso's education began under the tutelage of an English governess, laying the groundwork for his mastery of the language. His academic journey continued at the Grange, an English school in Santiago, from 1932 to 1942. During these formative years, his maternal grandmother returned from Europe and took residence with the family, her declining health leaving a lasting impression on him. A rebellious teenager, Donoso resisted the school's rigid structure and his father's insistence on British sports, especially symbolized by a stern boxing instructor. His protests manifested in feigned illnesses, eventually leading to genuine health issues like an appendectomy and an ulcer.

Adventures and Academic Pursuits

Rejecting religious dogmas, Donoso labeled himself an atheist by twelve. His indifference to regimented education contrasted sharply with his voracious appetite for literature. Dropping out of school in 1943, he embarked on a two-year adventure, unable to maintain steady employment. His wanderlust led him to Magallanes, at Chile's southern tip, where he immersed himself in the rustic life of a sheepherder on the pampas. His journey continued with a hitchhike through Patagonia to Buenos Aires, where he briefly worked as a dockhand until illness forced his return to Santiago. By 1947, he resumed his studies, completing high school and enrolling at the University of Chile as an English major. His academic path culminated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton in 1951, where he studied under the influence of Allen Tate and discovered the literary prowess of Henry James, as well as the visual splendor of great artworks, all of which would shape his future writings.

Return to Chile and Early Literary Career

Back in Chile, Donoso navigated various roles as a teacher, journalist, and literary critic, yet found himself disenchanted with his homeland and professional life. Battling a recurring ulcer, he turned to psychoanalysis for solace. He aided in the creation of the newsmagazine Ercilla, serving as its editor. In 1954, his short story "China" was featured in a Chilean anthology, marking his first notable success in Spanish. The following year, his debut book, Veraneo, y otros cuentos, was published, garnering critical acclaim and winning the Santiago Municipal Short Story Prize. Despite these triumphs, he found Chile's societal constraints stifling and relocated to Buenos Aires, where he met his future wife. He returned to Santiago briefly, releasing his second short story collection, which solidified his status as a leading literary critic. This reputation paved his way to the University of Iowa's Writers’ Workshop, a position he abandoned to move to Spain and complete The Obscene Bird of Night.

Life in Spain and...