The award-winning novel "The News From Paraguay" has stirred controversy in Paraguay over its depiction of history.

By LARRY ROHTER

Published: February 17, 2005  

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, Feb. 15 - In the acceptance speech she delivered after her novel "The News From Paraguay" won the 2004 National Book Award in the United States, Lily Tuck made a surprising admission. "Actually I have never been to Paraguay, nor do I intend to go," she said.

Pablo Cabado for The New York Times

Lily Tuck, center, whose novel is about Marshal López's affair with Elisa Lynch, met their great-grandson and the tourism minister.