Críticas Magazine

Adriana V. Lopez

Abraham Rodriguez Goes Noir
September 15, 2008

Bronx native Abraham Rodriguez's new novel, South by South Bronx, pubished by Akashic Books,  is the perfect New York novel: a love story, a look into the creative process and the perfect crime. His debut novel The Boy Without a Flag was a NYTimes Notable in '93 and his novel Spidertown won an American Book Award in '95. Another noir inspired short story of his, entitled "Jaguar," can also be found in Bronx Noir, a collection of stories by Bronx-based writers from the award-winning city noir series by Akashic as well. Here's an interview I did with Rodgriguez, while he took a break from touring with his new novel.

What prompted you to start writing this novel?
The germ of South by South Bronx was kicking around for quite a few years. Originally conceived as a short story collection, the title waited around a while for the book to click with it. It was a chance coming together of many characters I longed to write about; I had over the years written short pieces with Monk, for example, but never landed him in the right spot. Sanchez is my detective from Spidertown and Roaches was also waiting his turn. Again, a chance coming together of some cool people that kept bugging me for a shot.


Were you reading certain kinds of books when you got started?
I think inspiration for this book comes more from movies than books, though I've been reading a lot of Philip K. Dick. But movies like Into the Night, The Hot Rock and even stuff like Three Days of the Condor form the real body of the structure. The book basically continues my fascination with squeezing Americana through a Puerto Rican sieve that I began in The Buddha Book. And writing is always an exploration for me.


Would you describe your latest novel as noir? I know you recently published a short story within Akashic Books’ noir series, Bronx Noir...Was writing that story a catalyst for the novel?
I'm quite honored that some people have seen the book as "noir". To me it is a special genre and it takes a special talent to live up to its precepts. When I was approached by S.J. Rozan (Editor, Bronx Noir), I had been re-writing some older stories. "Jaguar" just seemed to fit the bill.

The cover design is excellent. What did you want the cover to say to potential readers?
I have so much to thank Johnny Temple for (publisher, Akashic Books), the cover being one of those things. I flipped over the design and felt it was the perfect combination of noir---a girl's penetrating stare---and that map of the south bronx...what should it say to potential readers? "Hey, check me out."


Proud Abe with his latest novel, South by South Bronx.

Posted by Adriana V. Lopez on September 15, 2008 | Comments (0)