Elena Poniatowska, about to turn 93: 'Love is my only certainty'

Love and science. These are the two words that French-Mexican writer and journalist Elena Poniatowska Amor (1932) revalues ​​in these times of violence and uncertainty the world is experiencing.

"Love, for what it means to accept, share, and care for others, not only because it's my mother's last name; our lives would be very different if we practiced it. And I like the word science, because of the years I lived alongside the astronomer Guillermo Haro; but also because it's the solution to many things; it allows us to have good health and a better life," she says in an interview with Excélsior .

The 2013 Cervantes Prize winner , who will turn 93 tomorrow, May 19, admits that she has few certainties left, and among these is the existence of a supreme being who created life and love for her three children, Emmanuel, Paula, and Felipe Haro.

My certainties are that I love my children, my friends, the people who have been with me throughout my life, and I continue to love my dead; sometimes I talk with Guillermo,” she confesses while looking out at the garden of her home in Chimalistac.

"I was a very religious child. I taught catechism to those about to make their First Communion. I belonged to the French Church. Of course, my faith in God has transformed. I believe there is a beginning, that the world began at some point, the Big Bang; but I don't know who started it. I suppose there is a God, but it's very difficult to be absolutely certain," she admits.

The novelist, short story writer, and chronicler emphasizes that she reaches 93 years of age in good health. “I feel fine. I only regret the loss of my left eye; for a writer, that's sad. But I hear well, my guts and heart are working, especially the left side (referring to her political affiliation), and I haven't lost my head,” she says with a smile that never fades.

Of course, I'm aware that when you're over 90, it's more likely you'll be gone in the blink of an eye, or fall down the stairs or in the street. I know that at my age, death is closer. I don't think I'm afraid of it; but, when it comes down to it, I don't know what I'm going to do. I know there are several things I can't do anymore, like turning 15; but I can still fall in love," she adds playfully.

“Here my sister and I go with my mom, she takes us to heaven; and you can see the volcanoes of the Valley of Mexico, which we love so much,” she says.

The author of the novels Lilus Kikus (1954) and The Polish Lover (2019-2021) has been delving into one of her passions that she did not dare to practice for three years: painting.

"I'm already taking classes with a teacher. He comes every Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. And I'm accompanied by a friend, who's also taking the workshop. We have a great time. We laugh a lot," she says, while showing off the more than 15 paintings she has arranged in a corner of her dining room.

"This is Kitzia, my sister who just passed away, and me, when we were little girls, cycling through a wheat field in France," she describes one of the oil paintings. "Here we are, my sister and I with my mom, she takes us to the sky; and you can see the volcanoes of the Valley of Mexico, which we love so much. And this is Guillermo Haro's astronomical observatory," she explains, her face lit by memories.

He says he recreates the bike rides he used to take with his sister Kitzia in France.

My mother gave me a piece of advice, a way of being that has helped me a lot and now I try to practice: never complain, never regret, and never look back,” she adds.

Poniatowska likes to talk about her mother, Paula Amor. “I’ve written a lot about her. Now I’m trying to write another book. But with age, you lose strength. It takes you three times as long as it used to. When you’re young, there’s a certain degree of unconsciousness; you finish your books faster. But over the years, you become more critical.”

She clarifies that she has never regretted interviewing anyone and reaffirms her passion for journalism. "I always felt grateful. Because I was a blonde girl who asked surprising questions, which came from my complete ignorance. I did prepare and had the advantage of speaking French, English, and Spanish. But I launched myself like Popotas or Borras. Unwittingly."

There's a saying that goes: 'When this viper bites, there's no cure in the pharmacy.' Journalism and writing are like that; they bite you and you can't let go. They become your life," he concludes.

He says he will celebrate his birthday with his family.

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