Psychological Violence is Grave Enough, Even Without a Blow: Lucía Solla Sobral

Lucía Solla Sobral's debut novel, "Comerás flores" (You Will Eat Flowers), has resonated deeply, selling over 150,000 copies and achieving more than twenty editions in Spain, with translations into twelve languages. This literary phenomenon, published by Libros del Asteroide, delves into the insidious nature of psychological abuse within romantic relationships. The narrative centers on Marina, a young woman who enters into a relationship with an older man, a dynamic characterized by manipulation, emotional dependency, and a pervasive sense of threat that, crucially, never escalates to physical violence.

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For me, it was fundamental that it never became physical. Even though you think it will happen, because we assume it, I wanted it not to occur so that we would finally be capable of acknowledging that psychological violence is serious enough, even if the blow never comes.

During her visit to Buenos Aires for the 50th edition of the Book Fair, Solla Sobral shared insights into the novel's genesis and its reception. The book originated from a persistent concern about the underrepresentation of psychological abuse in public discourse. Through extensive research and conversations with friends and acquaintances, Solla Sobral discovered that what initially seemed like an external issue was, in fact, deeply personal and relatable for many. This material formed the basis of her first short story, which she later developed during a writing workshop and a literary residency, ultimately culminating in "Comerás flores."

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Yes, unfortunately, it seems that if there is no physical violence, it is not as important. In the press, murders or beatings are discussed, and in films or series, that is also shown as more attractive or morbid to tell.

Solla Sobral was adamant about maintaining the tension without physical violence, stating, "For me, it was fundamental that it never became physical. Even though you think it will happen, because we assume it, I wanted it not to occur so that we would finally be capable of acknowledging that psychological violence is serious enough, even if the blow never comes." She observed that while media coverage and fictional portrayals often focus on the more sensational aspects of physical violence, the profound impact of psychological abuse remains largely invisible. "Unfortunately, it seems that if there is no physical violence, it is not as important," she noted. This perspective is crucial for a local audience in Argentina, where discussions around gender-based violence are prominent, yet the nuances of psychological abuse are still being fully understood and addressed. Solla Sobral's work provides a vital literary lens through which to examine these often-unseen harms, urging a broader recognition of their severity.

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When I consulted a psychologist to build Marina's character, I understood that the violence he exerts was not her fault, and from that, I was able to build her better.