Fornet’s work in literary criticism was groundbreaking. He published numerous essays and books analyzing Cuban literature, with particular attention to:
- The development of Cuban narrative
- The relationship between literature and society
- The role of literature in Cuban cultural identity
He was known as a “revolutionary critic, who called things by name, an essential defender of our culture, an intellectual aware of what the Cuban Revolution meant for his country” (Granma, 2022).
Cuban Book Institute and Publishing
As the founder and director of the Cuban Book Institute, Fornet played a crucial role in:
- Promoting Cuban literature internationally
- Supporting Cuban authors
- Organizing literary events and conferences
- Publishing important works of Cuban literature
- Modernizing Cuban publishing and bringing world literature to Cuban readers
He worked with the National Publishing House, helping to publish essential novels of European and world literature in Cuba, including Don Quixote, Joyce, Kafka, and Proust. He was instrumental in what is called the “Golden Age of Publishing in Cuba” (Granma, 2022).
Film Work
Fornet’s contributions to Cuban cinema include:
- Screenwriting for several important Cuban films, notably “Retrato de Teresa” (1979)
- Critical analysis of Cuban cinema
- Integration of literary and cinematic narratives
He was a jury member for the Casa de las Américas Award and other major competitions, and led editorial projects on film dramaturgy.
Translation Work
Fornet was a prolific translator, bringing major works of English-language literature to Spanish-speaking audiences in Cuba. Notably, he translated William Faulkner’s “Santuario,” Ernest Hemingway’s “El viejo y el mar,” and Franz Kafka’s “La metamorfosis” (EcuRed, Dialnet). His translations were instrumental in introducing modernist and existentialist themes to Cuban readers.
Editorial Career
As an editor at Editorial Letras Cubanas and Editorial Arte y Literatura, Fornet played a key role in shaping Cuban literary culture. He edited influential anthologies such as “Antología del cuento cubano” and mentored a new generation of writers, including Leonardo Padura and Reynaldo González (La Jiribilla).
Notable Friends and Collaborators
Fornet maintained close friendships and collaborations with leading Cuban intellectuals, such as Roberto Fernández Retamar, Lisandro Otero, and Desiderio Navarro. He was a frequent contributor and editor for the Casa de las Américas journal, fostering dialogue and critical debate within the Cuban literary community (Casa de las Américas).
The ‘Five Grey Years’
Fornet is credited with coining the term “Five Grey Years” (Quinquenio Gris) to describe the period of cultural repression in Cuba from 1971–1976. He wrote extensively about this era, reflecting on its impact on Cuban intellectual life and the arts. In his own words:
“Just as we must not forget that in a permanently besieged square, such as our country, insisting on discrepancies and disagreements is equivalent to ‘giving weapons to the enemy,’ nor should we forget that pacts of silence are usually extremely risky.” (Translating Cuba, 2022)
His essay “The Five Grey Years: Revisiting the Term” is a key reference for understanding this period (Translating Cuba, 2014).
Major Works and Publications
Books
- “El libro en Cuba” (1994)
- “Las trampas del oficio” (2003)
- “Memorias recobradas” (2010)
Critical Essays
- Numerous essays on Cuban literature and culture
- Analysis of Latin American literary movements
- Studies on the relationship between literature and society
Awards and Recognition
- National Prize for Literature (2009)
- National Publishing Prize (2002)
- Member of the Cuban Academy of Language
- Various international literary awards and recognitions
Legacy and Impact
Fornet’s work has had a profound impact on:
- Cuban literary criticism
- Cultural research in Cuba
- International understanding of Cuban literature
- The development of Cuban cinema
In the final years of his career, Fornet wrote a regular opinion column titled ‘Las Carabinas de Pocho’ for Cubaperiodistas. These essays reflect his sharp wit, deep cultural knowledge, and engagement with Cuban history, society, and literature. The columns cover a wide range of topics, from personal memories to critical reflections on Cuban identity and politics. (Cubaperiodistas)