Many times we give more recognition to international female writers than to Spanish female writers, and that happens to us in all categories. It is only when a Spanish person begins to be recognized outside the country that we pay more attention to them.
That's why today we wanted to focus on all those great Spanish women writers— past, present, and future—whose work you should keep an eye on, support, and above all, get to know. Want to know who we're talking about?
Great Spanish writers that you have to know
We want to warn you in advance that we can't name all the Spanish women writers who deserve to be on the list, because we'd never finish, and we'd overwhelm you with so much information. But we do have plenty of space to tell you about a good selection of writers you shouldn't miss.
Almudena Grandes
Almudena Grandes is an author who is currently succeeding and it is no wonder. His works are focused on the contemporary novel, but the truth is that he has touched some genres that are not common, such as erotic, with The ages of Lulu. One of his latest works is The Patients of Doctor GarcÃa.
Almost all of her works focus on periods of history. This is because she studied Geography and History (at her mother's insistence, of course).
He also participates in journalistic columns, such as in El PaÃs, or on the radio, in Cadena Ser.
Maria Dueñas
Another of the Spanish writers that you should keep in mind is MarÃa Dueñas. The name may not sound familiar to you, but certainly if we say "The time between seams", things change, right? Especially because of the serial adaptation that was made.
Well, MarÃa Dueñas is their writer and is one of the most appreciated not only nationally, but also internationally.
For now, one of his latest books is "The Captain's Daughters", but surely many more will arrive (although right now a new adaptation of one of his novels, La tempelanza, is in the works.
Dolores Round
If you go on Netflix and search for the Baztán trilogy, you'll find three highly successful films. These films are based on the trilogy written by Dolores Redondo. This Spanish author is also the winner of the Planeta Prize (in 2016), where she submitted her book, Todo esto te daré, under a pseudonym (so that no one would know it was her).
She has always wanted to be a writer (at the age of 14), although in reality she later dedicated herself to gastronomy. It was a while after he returned to his "true dreams."
Matilde Asensi
You might not recognize her name, but you're likely familiar with her books, especially "The Last Cato," a book that enjoyed great international success. However, despite that success, her true breakthrough (and greatest acclaim) came with "The Lost Origin."
Later he has continued to write books, such as "The Return of the Caton", where he returned to rescue the international fame that the previous one gave him. Currently he also participates in other media, especially journalistic.
Rosalia de Castro
RosalÃa was one of the greatest Spanish writers our country has ever had. She lived from 1837 to 1885 and was a Galician poet who is still remembered today. She is not as well-known as some male poets (who have received more fame), but she is in no way inferior to them.
What can we recommend about her? Well, Galician songs or Follas novas.
Emilia Pardo Bazán
Also from the 19th century (1851), this writer, Countess of Pardo Bazán, was a journalist, novelist, feminist, poet, translator, professor, and much more. She was one of the women who was admitted to the Royal Spanish Academy.
He died in 1921 and left us great works, such as Los pazos de Ulloa.
Carmen de Burgos
Carmen de Burgos was born in AlmerÃa (specifically in Rodalquilar) and moved to Madrid after separating from her husband. There she worked as a journalist and writer. And although she had to use a pseudonym (Colombine) in some articles and books, she was undoubtedly one of the great women who broke the mold.
There are many works by this author, such as "The Fantastic Woman", "The possessed of Jaca", "The art of being a woman (beauty and perfection)", "The end of the war" ...
Spanish writers: Gloria Fuertes
Gloria Fuertes is one of the best known Spanish writers, especially in the children's genre. It is even possible that you have a book right now among those in your children's room (if you have them, if not sure that you keep some of your childhood).
You should know that this author was self-taught and wrote both children's literature, for which she is best known, and adult literature (which is less well-known to some). She also dabbled in playwriting and writing for magazines.
Carmen laforet
This writer was very precocious. At just 23, she had already won the Nadal Prize for fiction. She didn't write as much as some other female writers, but there are certain works you should consider, in addition to that award-winning novel, Nada.
Spanish writers: Ana MarÃa Matute
This author, named the best novelist of the Post-War period, left us with titles such as Forgotten King Gudú and First Memory, two very important works. She was a member of the Royal Academy of Letters and won numerous awards.
Sadly, he passed away in 2014.
Spanish writers: Espido Freire
This writer holds the record for being the youngest author to win a Planeta Prize (at 25). That novel was Frozen Peaches and is one of her best works, although many more followed.
Elvira Lindo
One of Elvira Lindo's books you've probably read is Manolito Gafotas, right? Well, this writer has done it all, not only children's and young adult literature, but also television and film scripts. She currently contributes to El PaÃs.
Spanish writers: Eva GarcÃa Sáenz de Urturi
She is one of the Spanish writers who is giving the most to talk about, especially after the trilogy of the white city, three fast-paced books that you cannot miss (they were also the beginning of this author).
In addition, she is the winner of the 2020 Planeta Prize with Aquitania.