FUNDACIÓN VÍCTIMAS DEL TERRORISMO 96 - ENGLISH

that some responsibility lies with his pu- blisher, whose promotional bands cons- tantly remind readers that he is the “au- thor of Patria ”, encouraging comparison. Nevertheless, he said it did not concern him: “I have managed to ensure Patria no longer casts a shadow over my work or determines it.” He explained that the novels in the Gen- tes vascas series, published by Tusquets, form a much broader narrative project. While Patria is, for him, a completed cy- cle built through chapters, Gentes vascas seeks to create a vast collective portrait of an era through independent books featu- ring ordinary people. He also highlighted women’s role in his work. “Basque women are bossy, coura- geous and feisty,” he said humorously, noting that these traits are particularly evident in Maite ’s mother. Geographical distance was another topic addressed. Having lived in Germany since 1985, Aramburu believes observing reali- ty from outside also has advantages. “I am not sure distance is an obstacle, because with the internet there are no obstacles any more,” he said. He also shared details of his working routine, founded on strict daily discipline whose meticulousness he compared with that of philosopher Im- manuel Kant in Königsberg. Basque-language literature also has a prominent presence. In many of these works, ETA is central while victims remain in the background or are entirely absent 77 CULTURE