Carolina Trujillo, a vegan author, discusses her novel De instructies (The Instructions), animal rights activism, and personal experiences that have shaped her views and writing. The novel features a group of activists who take extreme measures against the livestock industry, drawing inspiration from Trujillo’s own convictions and her parents’ history as guerrillas in Uruguay.

Trujillo, who prefers not to reveal her dog’s name due to privacy concerns, met for the interview at a plant-based restaurant, De Ceuvel, adhering to her ‘Liberation Pledge’ to avoid dining where animal products are consumed. This choice reflects her commitment to veganism, which she adopted after watching the documentary Earthlings in 2017. The documentary exposed her to the realities of the dairy and meat industries, leading her to view vegetarianism as insufficient in preventing animal suffering.

Trujillo’s activism extends beyond her personal choices, as she uses her writing to challenge societal norms and raise awareness about animal rights. In De instructies, she aims to avoid being preachy, instead focusing on creating relatable characters and using a light, ironic tone to engage readers. The novel draws on her parents’ experiences as guerrillas in the 1970s, who resisted the military regime in Uruguay. She incorporates elements of their activism, such as organizing diversions, into the activists’ plans in her book.

Reflecting on her upbringing as the daughter of political refugees, Trujillo recalls the challenges of her father’s imprisonment and the family’s subsequent move to the Netherlands. She also touches on her personal struggles, including a past addiction to cocaine, which she used to cope with the emotional pain of exploring her past in her writing. Despite these challenges, she remains dedicated to her craft and her message, using her platform as a columnist and novelist to advocate for animal rights.

Trujillo criticizes the misleading language used by the livestock industry, which normalizes and obscures animal abuse. She argues that terms like “stable” and “livestock” mask the reality of factory farms and slaughterhouses. She also challenges the notion of “humane slaughter,” asserting that it is a contradiction in terms.

Trujillo acknowledges that her views are often unpopular and that many people are unwilling to confront the reality of animal suffering. However, she believes it is crucial to speak out and challenge the status quo, even if it means facing criticism and opposition. She compares the fight for animal rights to other historical struggles for justice, such as the fight against colonialism and slavery, urging people to examine their own role in perpetuating animal exploitation.