Finding Yourself Amidst the Metro’s Echo: A New Novel Explores Love, Identity, and Pandemic Life
Madrid, a city known for its vibrant energy and boundless freedom, becomes the backdrop for Rafa del Olmo’s debut novel, “Wait for me in Callao.” Set against the backdrop of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the story follows Juan Polo, journeying through the city’s labyrinthine metro system as he navigates a personal quest for truth and authenticity.
“I have lived all my life in a big city, in Madrid, where people can be freer. In many aspects of their lives. There is a character in the book who comes from Ciudad Real to Madrid, to be happy and live life that he deserves. We all deserve to be able to live authentically and that what we are matches with what we do. And, sometimes, all of this is a great process,” Del Olmo said.
A Tapestry of Conflict and Connection
“Wait for me in Callao” transcends its captivating setting, delving into profound themes of self-discovery, love, and the complexities of human connection. Juan, a married man, finds himself entangled in a web of emotions as he grapples with a burgeoning love for another man. This internal conflict unfolds against the backdrop of a pandemic, highlighting the fragility of societal norms and the enduring search for genuine connection.
“Rafa del Olmo shows us characters who roam around Madrid in search of their identity; because without knowing what one is, there is no possible happiness, since it depends on what we carry inside and what we express outside agrees. The protagonist , Juan, is married, but at the same time in love with another man. This tension will not be easy to assume, especially with the Covid-19 pandemic spreading its wings of death on the horizon. A dangerous game between what one appears and what one appears. what one is. A homoerotic novel, yes, but a novel, at the end of the day, about life,”
Del Olmo paints a vivid portrait of city life transformed by an unprecedented global health crisis. The metro stations, once bustling hubs of activity, become both a refuge and a mirror reflecting the anxieties, uncertainties, and hidden desires of its passengers. Juan’s journey becomes a metaphor for navigating the complexities of modern life, where questions of identity, societal expectations, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment collide.
A Debut Steeped in Humanity and Hope
“Wait for me in Callao” marks the arrival of a powerful new voice in contemporary fiction. Del Olmo’s prose is both lyrical and incisive, capturing the nuances of human emotion with remarkable sensitivity. His characters are relatable, flawed, and ultimately aspirational, reminding us that the journey of self-discovery is a universal one, regardless of time or circumstance.
The novel’s themes of LGBTQ+ identity, the longing for connection, and the resilience of the human spirit resonate deeply. In a world often marked by division and uncertainty, Del Olmo weaves a narrative thread of hope, suggesting that even amidst the darkness, love and authenticity can prevail.
How does the COVID-19 pandemic serve as a catalyst for Juan Polo’s exploration of his identity and relationships?
## Finding Himself in the Metro: An Interview with Rafa del Olmo
**Today we’re joined by Rafa del Olmo, author of the debut novel “Wait for me in Callao,” a captivating story set against the backdrop of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic in Madrid.**
Welcome, Rafa!
**Rafa del Olmo:** Thank you for having me.
**Your novel follows Juan Polo, a man navigating a complex journey of self-discovery amidst a global crisis. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind his story and the significance of setting it in Madrid?** [[1]]
**Rafa del Olmo:** I’ve lived in Madrid my whole life, and it’s a city that embodies a certain freedom and energy. In the book, Juan comes from a smaller town to Madrid searching for the freedom to live authentically. This idea of finding oneself in a city like Madrid, where people have more freedom to express themselves, really resonated with me.
The pandemic added another layer of complexity. It forced people to confront themselves and their relationships in new ways. I wanted to explore how a crisis like that could impact someone on a personal journey of self-discovery.
**Juan’s story touches on themes of love, identity, and the challenges of societal norms. Can you elaborate on these themes and how they intertwine within the novel?** [[1]]
**Rafa del Olmo:** Juan is married, but he finds himself drawn to another man. This creates a conflict within him as he grapples with his feelings and what societal expectations dictate. The pandemic amplifies this internal struggle, forcing him to confront his true self and what he wants from life.
The novel examines the complexities of love and the different forms it can take. It also touches on the courage it takes to be true to oneself, even when it goes against societal norms.
**What do you hope readers take away from “Wait for Me in Callao?”** [[1]]
**Rafa del Olmo:** I hope readers will connect with Juan’s journey and find themselves reflected in his struggles and triumphs. Ultimately, I want the book to encourage people to embrace authenticity and pursue their own truth, no matter the obstacles they face.
Thank you for sharing your insights, Rafa. We wish you great success with “Wait for me in Callao.”
**Rafa del Olmo:** Thank you for having me.
