Narrative in the 20th Century in Spain
Narrative in the First Half of the 20th Century
The first half of the twentieth century was a rich period for Spanish literature. Quality was evident across all genres, but the novel stood out as a key vehicle of expression, particularly for the Generation of ’98. This generation used the novel to explore themes of Spanish identity, history, and the human condition. They focused on ordinary people and their struggles, rather than on historical figures. Their novels often featured descriptions of landscapes as reflections of mood and employed a simple, clear style, avoiding rhetoric and long sentences. The plot and message were paramount.
Major Novelists of the Generation of ’98:
These authors published their novels primarily in the first three decades of the 20th century, leading up to the Spanish Civil War.
The Novecentismo Generation or Generation of ’14
Bridging the Generation of ’98 and the Generation of ’27, the Novecento emerged between 1910 and 1914. This group, including philosophers and writers like José Ortega y Gasset, Ramón Gómez de la Serna, and Juan Ramón Jiménez, sought new narrative approaches.
Gabriel Miró (1879-1930)
Miró’s prose is characterized by its descriptive power, reflecting his contemplative nature. He masterfully conveyed the colors, light, and even smells and tastes of a place, immersing the reader in a sensory experience. His best-known novels include Our Father San Daniel (1921) and The Cemetery of Cherries (1910). Much of his work consists of descriptive pieces with minimal plot.
Ramón Pérez de Ayala (1880-1962)
Pérez de Ayala’s fiction skillfully blended elements of his native Asturias with international settings. He was a meticulous craftsman, employing a classic and elegant style infused with irony and humor. His characters often embodied his own ideas, leading to pauses in the plot for reflections on art and life. He was a tolerant narrator, justifying actions that aligned with his characters’ nature. He also displayed a keen interest in psychological analysis, dissecting his characters’ inner lives for the reader. Among his early novels, Troteras and Danzaderas (1913), set in Madrid’s bohemian scene, stands out.
Ramón Gómez de la Serna (1891-1963)
Gómez de la Serna was an unclassifiable author who experimented with all genres and even invented one: the greguería (defined by him as ‘metaphor + humor’). He served as a bridge between Novecentismo and the avant-garde movements, constantly seeking originality and presenting things from unusual perspectives. In an attempt to break down the classic narrative, he incorporated images, metaphors, and wordplay into his novels. His extensive and varied production includes works like The Damned Bullfighter (1926).
The Dehumanized Novel
Following the Novecentismo authors, particularly Ortega y Gasset and the Revista de Occidente, a group of authors emerged who prioritized art over human concerns. Ortega believed that the novel as a genre was exhausted and needed to explore new avenues.
Narrative from the 1970s to Today
With the advent of democracy in Spain in 1975, the novel took on new directions, making it challenging to identify overarching trends. Authors embarked on individual journeys, seeking to differentiate themselves from their contemporaries. However, some significant features of this period can be highlighted.
Important Authors of Recent Years:
Manuel Vázquez Montalbán (1939-2004)
Montalbán was a prominent author of the last thirty years, excelling as both a poet and a novelist. He created the detective Pepe Carvalho, featured in novels like I Killed Kennedy (1972) and Tattoo (1974). He received the Literature and Policing Prize (France) for South Seas (1979).
Eduardo Mendoza (1943-)
Mendoza is a leading contemporary novelist. His literary career began in 1975 with The Truth About the Savolta Case, a novel of intrigue and action with a social critique of the wealthy bourgeoisie of the early 20th century. He continued in a similar vein with detective novels like The Mystery of the Haunted Crypt (1979) and The Labyrinth of Olives (1982).
Arturo Pérez-Reverte (1951-)
Pérez-Reverte worked as a war correspondent for Spanish TV before dedicating himself to literature. His novels, often based on historical events, have achieved international success, translated into numerous languages and adapted for film. His works include The Hussar (1986), The Fencing Master (1988), The Flanders Panel (1990), The Shadow of the Eagle (1993), and the Captain Alatriste series. He is a prominent columnist and one of Spain’s most successful contemporary authors.
Antonio Muñoz Molina (1956-)
Born in Úbeda (Jaén), Muñoz Molina is a member of the Royal Spanish Academy and a leading contemporary novelist. His novels often blend elements of mystery, history, and crime. He began his career in 1986 with Beatus Ille and has received the National Book Award twice. His later novels include Sepharad, The Windows of Manhattan (2004), and In the Night Time (2010).