The Evolution of Spanish Narrative from the 1970s to Today

Narrative from the Seventies to Date

1. Introduction

Since the 1970s, the narrative has moved away from experimentalism and mere literary games. There has been a renewed interest in history, driven by argument and intrigue, but it does not resemble the typical realism of the nineteenth century or the nearest social realism.

Today’s novels are indebted to both the resources and technical procedures of the narrative renewal of the sixties, as well as to the diverse novelistic traditions of our century, including thrillers and adventures. Almost no genre has been absent from the Spanish novel in recent years: love stories, adventure, detective fiction, fantasy, psychological thrillers, historical novels, autobiographical accounts, etc.

The start of this new twist can be seen in The Truth About the Case Savolta (1975). Among the wide list of authors are:

  • Eduardo Mendoza: In 1975, his first novel, The Truth About the Case Savolta, catapulted him to fame, skillfully narrating the labor struggles of the early twentieth century and showcasing the social, cultural, and economic landscape of Barcelona. Other notable works include The Mystery of the Haunted Crypt (1979), The Labyrinth of Olives (1982), and The Adventure of the Ladies’ Room (2001). His most acclaimed novel is The City of Marvels (1986), which depicts the social and urban evolution of Barcelona between the two exhibitions of 1888 and 1929.
  • Javier Marías: His consecration as a novelist came with Heart So White, which is probably his best work and has been translated into dozens of languages, achieving runaway success in Germany and France. His next novel, published in 1994, Tomorrow in the Battle Think on Me (the title taken from Shakespeare’s verse, like Heart So White), received numerous awards in Europe and America.
  • Manuel Vázquez Montalbán: In 1974, the writer developed a series of realistic novels, chronicling contemporary Spain through the eyes of a character who gained international fame, the detective Pepe Carvalho, which elevated the author to the top of the thriller genre. Culinary references and memorable recipes are present in all his novels.
  • Juan José Millás: His most important works include Cerberus is the Shadow (1972), Vision of Drowning (1977), The Empty Garden (1981), Wet Paper (1983), Dead Letter (1984), The Disorder in Your Name (1988), This Was Solitude (1990), Spring of Mourning (1992), She Imagines (1994), Tonto, Dead and Invisible Bastard (1995), Something That Concerns You (1995), and Trilogy of Loneliness (1997).
  • Antonio Muñoz Molina: His first novel, Beatus Ille, appeared in 1986. He won the Critics Award and the National Fiction Award for Winter in Lisbon in 1987, and in 1991, he received the Planeta Prize for The Polish Rider. Other highlights include Beltenebros (1989), The Mysteries of Madrid (1992), The Owner of the Secret (1994), and Full Moon (1997). In the fall of 2009, he published The Night of Time.
  • Arturo Pérez-Reverte: A war correspondent for twenty years, he is the author of several novels, including The Horseman, The Fencing Master, The Flanders Panel, The Dumas Club, Comanche Territory, Skin Drum, The Nautical Chart, The Queen of the South, and Cape Trafalgar, as well as the historical series The Adventures of Captain Alatriste.
  • Francisco Umbral: A successful journalist and writer, he worked with various newspapers and magazines, influencing Spanish life. His vast literary output includes Memoirs of a Boy’s Right (1972), Nymphs (1975), The Night I Arrived at Café Gijón (1977), Madrid Trilogy (1984), and Legend of the Visionary Caesar (1992). The latter title inaugurates a series of works that, like the national episodes of Pérez Galdós, address major events in history and contemporary Spanish politics.
  • Rosa Montero: With her novel The Cannibal Daughter, she made her first foray as a writer, winning the Spring Prize in 1997. She is one of the most widely read authors of our time, with works such as Desamor Chronicle (1979), The Delta Function (1981), and I Treat Her Like a Queen (1983).
  • Maruja Torres: Her works speak of nonconformity. She sought to live differently, apart from the traditional or conventional. Maruja Torres won the Foreign Literature Prize for A Heat So Close in 1998 and the Premio Planeta for While We Live in 2000, a work that describes the generational change in Spain and how new women have formed a less oppressive environment. Other notable works include Women in War (1999), Love America (1993), and Blindness of Love (1991).
  • Almudena Grandes: She gained recognition in the literary world with her erotic prose in Ages of Lulu, which won an award in 1989. Noteworthy works include Malena is a Name of Tango (1994) and Atlas of Human Geography (1998). She claims to be a writer by mistake, believing that what is important for a writer is not only literary prizes but also readers.
  • Carmen Posadas: She won the Planeta Prize in 1998 for Small Outrages. Born in Uruguay in 1953, she has spent her entire life in Spain. Before turning to children’s literature, she wrote novels, screenplays, and worked in newspapers. In the 1990s, she explored all genres, including plays, stories, novels, and essays. She also received the Children’s Literature Award for Mr. North Wind (1984).
  • Soledad Puértolas: She won the Sesame Award in 1979 for The Double-Armed Bandit, the Premio Planeta in 1989 for Stay the Night, and the Anagram Test Award in 1993 for Hidden Life.
  • Dulce Chacón: In 1996, she published her first novel, Some Love Not to Kill. With Mud Heaven, she won the prestigious Azorín de Novela in 2000. Her last published novel was The Voice Asleep, awarded by the Guild of Madrid Booksellers as Book of the Year 2003.