Abad is one of Colombia's leading writers. Born in 1958, he grew up in Medellín, where he studied medicine, philosophy, and journalism. His memoir, "Oblivion," earned widespread critical acclaim as well as the WOLA-Duke Book Award. "The Farm," translated by Anne McLean, won the 2015 Cálamo Prize in Spain and was shortlisted for the Mario Vargas Llosa Prize.