Contemporary Spanish writers list. Spanish literature: the best works and writers
Small islands of national literatures are barely visible these days in the vast ocean of English-language literature. We present to your attention a small list of contemporary Spanish writers whose books are read all over the world.
IN currently, Javier Marias is considered not only the most outstanding Spanish writer, but also perhaps one of greatest writers planetary scale. Winner of numerous national and European awards, he began publishing back in adolescence, and by the age of sixty, many of his novels had become recognized masterpieces. It is possible that he will become the next Nobel laureate in the field of literature. In any case, one of the members of the Nobel committee has already strongly recommended the novel by Javier Marias for consideration for the award.
The famous journalist and writer creates a special, cozy and deep world in his works. Winner of several literary prizes and journalistic awards, Rosa Montero is one of Spain's most famous women. Only one novel by the writer has been translated into Russian. Behind the pseudo-detective plot there is hidden an amazing story that will appeal to all lovers of good literature
Enrique Vila-Matas is another living classic of Spanish literature who has won the love and recognition of readers all over the world. He wrote his first novel while completing his military service. He tried to work as a film critic and screenwriter. He became famous for his ironic, abrupt style, in which the barrier between reality and fiction is extremely blurred. Winner of numerous Spanish and European literary awards, including the Medici Prize, whose works have been translated into many languages. The novel is a real phantasmagoria, in which main character finds itself thanks to the support of Salvador Dali and Graham Greene.
Ildefonso Falcones is a lawyer and writer. His first novel was published in 2006, when the writer was almost 50 years old. The effect of this historical novel takes place in Barcelona in the 14th century, when Catalonia gained great influence in Europe. The novel immediately received awards in the writer’s homeland, Italy, France and Cuba. It has been translated into many languages, including Russian.
Writer and journalist, Antonio Muñoz Molina devoted his entire life to literary creativity and received wide international recognition. He has won a number of Spanish and international awards and prizes, twice being awarded National Award. Molina is a member of the Royal Spanish Academy. His most famous novel embodies all the best that the Spanish literary tradition is famous for
Recognized and revered master in Spain magical realism, Palma creates compelling stories that have found fans all over the world. In Russia they are looking forward to the translation final novel The Victorian trilogy, which began with
Carlos Ruiz Zafon needs no special introduction in Russia. His series “The Cemetery of Forgotten Books” has firmly won the hearts of readers around the world. The first novel in the series became an international bestseller and has sold more than 15 million copies.
Spanish literature originates in the 12th century, when it was born and finally took shape. Before that, the peoples who lived on the territory of modern Spain wrote and communicated exclusively in Latin. The entire history of this literature can be divided into four periods. These are the period of origin, the period of prosperity, the period of decline and imitation, and the period of rebirth.
"Song of My Sid"
One of the oldest surviving works of the Spaniards, entitled “The Song of My Cid,” dates back to the period of the birth of Spanish literature. In it, an unknown author sings national hero named Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, who is known to many by the Arabic nickname Sid.
Presumably, it was written no later than 1200, but has not survived in its entirety. Moreover, it is “The Song of My Sid” that is a classic example of literature of that period. In it you can find patriotic motives, the heroes are pious, faithful and devoted to their king.
Literary critics noted that the language of the work itself is very rude and as simple as possible, but it is imbued with the spirit of heroism, draws a bright picture life during the times of chivalry.
Spanish Literature of the Renaissance
During this period, the Spaniards have a beneficial effect Italian masters. In poetry, the leading role is occupied by Juan Boscan, who worked in the 16th century. He often turned to the traditions of Petrarch, enriching Spanish poetry with 10-syllable verse, sonnets and octaves. Often worked with ancient scenes. For example, in the poem "Hero and Leander".
Religious epics in literature can be studied through the works of John of the Cross. He has written treatises in prose entitled " Dark night souls", "Living Flame of Love", "Ascent of Mount Carmel".
Very popular in literature Spanish Renaissance enjoys the pastoral novel. Prominent representatives of this trend are Gaspar Polo and Alonso Perez, who wrote a sequel to the popular shepherd novel by the Portuguese Montemayor "Diana Enamorada", which for a long time remained in Spain an example of the classic pastoral novel.
Renaissance literature in Spain for many is associated with the appearance picaresque novel. His distinctive features become realistic image morals modern society, as well as human characters. The founder of this genre in Spain is considered to be Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, who wrote the story “Lazarillo from Tormes”.
A prominent representative of Spanish literature of this period is the playwright Lope de Vega, who was born in 1562. Before him, there were playwrights in Spain, but national Spanish drama did not yet exist. It was de Vega who managed to create classical Spanish theater and become a vivid exponent of the feelings and wishes of his people.
For about 40 years he wrote new plays, enjoying great popularity all this time. In addition, he was incredibly prolific, writing more than two thousand plays, about 20 volumes lyric poems, as well as many poems. had a significant influence on the next generation of writers, not only Spanish, but also Italian and French playwrights. It is with his name that the flourishing of Spanish drama is associated.
In his plays, the author touches on all sorts of topics - foreign and national history, socio-political, love dramas and historical chronicles. The historical layer occupies a separate place in his works. The playwright's plays are structured in such a way that certain random events constantly interfere with the development of the plot, which bring the drama of the work to the point of tragedy. Romantic intrigue often helps to reveal the full power of the human instincts of the main characters; Lope de Vega demonstrates a variety of human characters, patterns of behavior in society and family, while not forgetting the religious and political ideas that dominate among his contemporaries.
Perhaps his most famous work is the comedy in three acts "Dog in the Manger." It is one of the most famous books of the golden age of Spanish literature. He wrote it in 1618. At the center of the story is a young widow from Naples named Diana. Secretary Teodoro captures her heart. However, the situation is aggravated by the fact that Teodoro himself sympathizes with her maid Marcela, they are even planning a wedding.
Diana tries unsuccessfully to cope with her feelings. Then she writes a letter to her chosen one on behalf of a fictitious Roman friend, in which she confesses her feelings and asks the young man to evaluate this text and rewrite it in his own hand. The man guesses about her true reasons, realizing at the same time that there is a whole abyss between them. Marcela is exhausted from jealousy, and Diana locks her in her bedchamber for several days.
Teodoro himself is going through difficult times at this time, the Countess plays with him, first giving hope for further relations, and then pushing him away from you. As a result, Teodoro breaks up with Marcelo, in order to take revenge on him, the girl brings the servant Fabio closer to her.
Teodoro at some point breaks down, splashing out on the countess all the emotions that have accumulated in him during this time. The main thing he reproaches Diana for is that she behaves like a dog in the manger. Diana weighs young man the slaps behind which lies real passion, which she feels for the young man. This fascinating story still keeps audiences in suspense, the play is regularly performed on the stages of theaters all over the world.
Calderon
Spanish literature of the 17th century is associated with the name of Calderon for many. He was not only a poet, but also a successful warrior and priest. No less popular than Lope de Vega.
He demonstrated a high level of his skill in constructing a plot, as well as in various stage effects, which he actively used in his works.
Calderon, like Lope de Vega, wrote many plays - about 200, and was much more popular abroad than at home. Literary critics of the time put him on a par with Shakespeare. Some of his plays are still performed in Spanish theaters.
His works can be divided into three types. These are dramas of honor, they are dominated by baroque issues - religion, love and honor. The key conflict is often associated with the need to comply with them, even at sacrifice human life. Although the action is transferred to the distant past, the author raises actual problems of its time. These are dramas such as “The Alcalde of Salamey”, “The Painter of His Dishonor”, “The Steadfast Prince”.
Philosophical dramas, which were very popular in Spanish literature of the 17th century, address fundamental questions of existence, human suffering, and free will. At the same time, the action is transferred to countries exotic for Spain, such as Russia or Ireland, in order to emphasize the local and historical flavor. Examples include the works "The Magician", "Life is a Dream", "Purgatory of St. Patrick". Spanish literature about Russia was of interest to many of Calderon's contemporaries at that time, which is why he was so popular.
And finally, Calderon’s comedies of intrigue are built according to classical canons. They are fascinating, often love affair, initiated by women. You can often come across the now famous “Calderon move”, when the key role is played by objects that ended up in the heroes’ possession by chance, or letters that came to them by mistake.
Cervantes
The study of Spanish literature for beginning literary connoisseurs should definitely begin with the famous novel by Miguel de Cervantes “Don Quixote”. This is one of the most significant literary works in world history. The first part of this novel was published in 1605. Initially, the work was conceived as a parody of chivalric romances. As a result, it became so popular that it was translated into all European languages.
Cervantes talks ironically about his adventures cunning hidalgo, who is trying to live according to the old knightly orders, although the world around has fundamentally changed. Those around him make fun of him, but Don Quixote himself is not at all embarrassed by this, he, not paying attention to the opinions of others, leads. Only his servant Sancho Panzo, who endures all the eccentricities of his master, remains faithful and devoted to him.
Cervantes is also known as the author of numerous short stories that depict the absolute truth of life, imbued with a national graceful spirit. In his stories, he depicts the era as realistically as possible, striking the reader with rich and vivid language. This is a striking example of Spanish classical literature.
Baroque
In the history of Spanish literature there was a period of decline and imitation. It coincides with the era of the Spanish Baroque, which began at the end XVI century. It was then that the school of Gongrism arose, named after its main and most prominent representative, Luis Gongora.
The early works of this author are songs and romances written in a folk spirit. In more late period In his work, he was distinguished by an intricate, pompous and sometimes artificial style, which was filled with a large number of metaphors and strange turns of phrase. Often his works were of such complex form that not every reader could understand them. The main topic there was an idea of the fragility and impermanence of human existence in this world. These are the features characteristic of Spanish Baroque.
He had many students and imitators, among whom we can note Villameda, who, like the others, set himself the main goal of imitating his teacher’s style as much as possible.
19th century literature
In the 19th century, Spanish literature flourished. At this time, the dominant pseudo-classicism was replaced by romanticism. One of the most prominent representatives of this era is José Mariano de Larra, who worked under the pseudonym Figaro. He had an incredibly bright satirical talent, which was combined with natural ingenuity and an inquisitive mind. He depicts the ills and vices that reign in society, creating meaningful, but at the same time very short essays.
If we talk about more serious dramatic Spanish literature of the 19th century, then it is necessary to mention Manuel Tamayo y Baus, who actually introduced new genre- Spanish psychological and realistic drama based on the best German samples. True, his works were practically never translated into Russian, so it is not easy for the domestic reader to appreciate his talent.
Among the representatives of realism, the prose writer Juan Valera stands out. A graduate of the Faculty of Law of the University of Granada, he held high positions in the diplomatic service, traveling halfway around the world for his work. He finally returned to Spain after the revolution of 1868, holding a number of government positions including the Minister of Education.
Valera made his debut in Spanish literature with a collection of heartfelt lyrical poems, then wrote speeches and critical articles, which depicted the current situation of national literature. A noticeable phenomenon in his creative biography becomes the novel “Pepita Jimenez”, after which he writes the works “Juanita the Long” and “Illusions of Doctor Faustino” that left their mark. During his travels around the world, Valera visited Russia; he left detailed notes about his trip.
If we talk about fiction writers in Spanish literature of this period, then the obvious primacy is that of Benito Perez Galdos, whose novels were distinguished by a fresh look at ordinary things, realistic and unusually lively pictures that illustrated modern Spanish life.
XX century
Spanish literature of the 20th century plays a large role in public life. At the very beginning of the century, it was based on representatives of the “Generation of ’98”. This is what a group of Spanish writers call themselves who are experiencing acute crisis due to the final collapse of the empire in 1898. Most of them were between 35 and 45 years old by the beginning of the 20th century.
One of largest representatives This direction is considered to be Vicente Blasco Ibáñez. This is a famous social novelist who in his work embodied the ideas of democratic criticism of the surrounding reality.
His novels received the greatest popularity. In Spanish fiction The work “Cursed Farm” occupies a special place. The events take place in a small village near Valencia. At the center of the story is a landowner who makes money through usury, as well as his tenants.
The novel "In the Orange Gardens" shows the relationship between the young politician and lawyer Raphael Brull and popular singer Leonora. Ibáñez, as he often does in his works, describes several generations of one family and tells how its members climbed the career and status ladder. His characters live in a religious and very conservative family, which is opposed by the doctor and intellectual Dr. Moreno, who is a Republican by his convictions.
Another famous book by Ibáñez, Reed and Mud, is a vivid story about three generations of fishermen who live and work on the shore small lake Albufera. It was its author who himself considered his best work. It depicts Grandfather Paloma, the oldest fisherman in the entire village, who monitors the observance of professional traditions and in every possible way protects the honor of the family. His son Tono is a decent and hardworking man who leaves his father's profession in order to start cultivating the land and making money from it. But now his son named Thonet is a slacker who is incapable of any work, but most spends time on parties and in entertainment venues.
The work of the poet Federico García Lorca became a true classic of Spanish literature in the 20th century. He is called a key figure in the “generation of ’27,” which included spanish writers and poets who considered themselves followers of the Spanish Baroque poet Luis de Góngora. In 1927 it was exactly 300 years since his death.
As a child, Lorca was a poor student, but in the 1910s he began to express himself in local artistic communities. In 1918, he published his first collection of poetry entitled “Impressions and Landscapes,” which immediately made him famous, although it did not bring in a lot of money.
In 1919, Lorca in Madrid met the most important artists of his time - director and artist Salvador Dali. During the same period, he began to write his first dramatic works.
As a result, he becomes a prominent figure among avant-garde artists, releasing poetry collections"Gypsy romancer", in which he tries to mix the mythology of the gypsies with the everyday life around him.
Lorca left for America for about a year, and when he returned, he found the Second Spanish Republic emerging. His work is called by many a real breakthrough in Spanish literature. The poet and playwright works a lot in the theater, creating his famous plays “The House of Bernarda Alba”, “Bloody Weddings” and “Yerma”.
Starts in Spain Civil War in 1936. Lorca has sympathies for the left, so he is forced to leave the capital for Granada. But even there danger overtakes him. The poet is arrested and, according to the main version, shot the very next day. After his murder, General Franco, who came to power, prohibits all of his work. Adapted literature from Spanish in Russia for a long time it was studied based on the works of Lorca.
Another bright representative literature of the 20th century - writer and philosopher José Ortega y Gasset. His popularity came in 1914, when he released his first work entitled “Reflections on Don Quixote.” In his philosophical lectures he adhered to the position of the young intellectuals of his time; some researchers believe that it was his work that played special role in the fall of the monarchy.
Among his most famous works, it should be noted such as “The Theme of Our Time”, “Dehumanization of Art”. Formulating your key philosophical ideas, he insists that a person cannot consider himself in isolation from historical circumstances and the people around him.
His popularity outside Spain came after the publication of the work "Revolt of the Masses", in which he declares that the only existing reality is human being-with-things. Ortega was convinced that with his conclusions he anticipated many of the ideas of Martin Heidegger, which were outlined in 1927 in his work “Being and Time.”
Ortega played a major role in the formation of the Spanish school of philosophy, studying teaching activities. For example, the basis of the book “What is Philosophy” was his lectures given in 1929 at the University of Madrid.
In modern Spanish literature, the loudest and most famous name is Arturo Perez-Reverte. This is our contemporary, who is 66 years old. Since the early 1970s, he has worked as a war correspondent, covering conflicts in hot spots around the world.
He dedicated his first novel, entitled “Hussar,” to the times Napoleonic Wars. Real success came to him in 1990, when the novel “The Flemish Board” was published. This is a fascinating mixture of an action-packed detective story and an exciting book. The main characters, during the restoration of a 15th-century painting, discover an inscription hidden from prying eyes. The painting depicts a chess position; by analyzing the arrangement of the pieces on it, the characters are trying to solve a mysterious murder that was committed in the 15th century.
In 1994, the novel was filmed by Jim McBride.
In 1993, Perez-Reverte wrote another of his famous work- this is the novel "The Dumas Club, or the Shadow of Richelieu." The events there are no less exciting. The action takes place in the world of books. All the heroes are second-hand book dealers, bibliophiles, bookbinders, or simply passionate lovers and fans of books. Among them are those who prefer “cloak and sword” novels, and those who love detective stories or works on demonology.
One of them is bibliophile Varo Borja, who hires a specialist to compare three known copies of a unique publication called “The Book of the Nine Gates to the Kingdom of Shadows,” which was published in 1666 by the little-known printer Aristide Torchia. Torque was later accused of heresy by the Holy Inquisition and then burned at the stake. The book's circulation was almost completely destroyed; only a few copies have survived to this day.
Borja admits that he has studied the printer's interrogations, from which it follows that there is another copy of this book, hidden in a secret place. This fact haunts the main character. He wants to find out at all costs which of the three copies is real.
This task, which seems simple at first glance, turns into major troubles for the researcher. Someone is pursuing him, killing everyone he meets or crosses paths with in any way. At the end of the work, most of the mysteries receive a very unexpected explanation. It is impossible to explain in a rational way only the main mystery. The only conclusion that suggests itself to the reader, based on the hints and indirect evidence scattered by the author throughout the novel, is incredible and fantastic.
This novel was also filmed. The director was the legendary Roman Polanski, and the main roles were played by Johnny Depp, Lena Olin and Emmanuel Seigner.
There is also a whole series of works that glorified Perez-Reverte. These are historical adventure novels from the series "The Adventures of Captain Alatriste". In 1996, the series opened with the work "Captain Alatriste", followed by the publication of " Pure blood", "Spanish Fury", "The King's Gold", "The Cavalier in the Yellow Jacket", "Corsairs of the Levant", "Bridge of Assassins".
Spanish is one of the widely used languages in the world, and the official language international organizations. This article lists some of the world famous Spanish writers.
Spanish literature includes prose, novels, and poetry. Many countries were Spanish colonies. Thus, Spanish literature is very diverse due to historical and geographical heterogeneity. Below are a few famous writers of Spanish origin who have left their mark on the world through their works.
Miguel Hernandez (1910-1942).
Miguel Hernandez was a poet and playwright whose poems reflected beauty home country Spain. He was born in peasant family and had no special education. However, he was an avid reader of classical poetry and prose written by Miguel de Cervantes, Góngora, Ruben Dario, and Rafael Alberti. To pursue a career in literature, he decided to go to Madrid in 1931. In 1933, at the age of 23, his first book of poetry, The Moon Connoisseur, was published. The language and style of his poems reflected the style of his favorite authors. In 1936, he published a series of poems entitled "The Unquenchable Ray." By this time he was recognized in literary circles.
Camilo José Cela (1916-2002).
Camilo José Cela was born on May 11, 1916, in Galicia, northwestern Spain. His mother was English by birth and his father was Spanish. He belonged to the upper middle class with aristocratic roots. Camilo was awarded Nobel Prize in the field of literature for his literary activity in 1989. Although he studied medicine, his main interest lay in literature. In 1942 he published his first literary work known as the "Pascual Duarte Family". This work brought him instant fame, and he devoted his time entirely to literature.
Arturo Perez Reverte (1951).
Arturo Pérez Reverte is one of the modern Spanish writers who has written many novels in English. Arturo began his career as a journalist and war correspondent in African countries for the Pueblo national newspaper. He also worked as a war correspondent for Spanish national television. Many of his novels have been filmed. Between 1996 and 1999, he wrote a famous series of novels based on fictional character Captain Alatriste. Some of it famous novels include "The Fencing Teacher", "The Seville Communion", "The Hussars" and "The Dumas Club".
And with Abel Allende (1942)
Although Isabel Allende was born in Lima, Peru, she was raised in Chile. She currently resides in California, after being forced to leave Chile in 1973. Allende is one of the most famous, modern literary figures from countries Latin America. She is the niece of the late Chilean President Salvador Allende. As an author, she writes on sensitive issues such as social and political conditions in Chile. One of her books, The House of the Spirits, was made into a film. This book is a saga about three generations of the Trueba family. Her other works include: Love and Darkness, The Never-Ending Plan, Aphrodite, Paula and others.
Mario Vargas Llosa (1936).
Mario Vargas Llosa is one of the biggest modern writers of all times, who is the author of many articles, essays, plays and novels. He was born in Peru on March 28, 1936. Many of his works have been translated into various languages. He was awarded many literary prizes for his works. His famous works include: "The City and the Dogs", "The Green House" and "Talk in the Cathedral".
All these famous Spanish writers have left their mark on the world. They proved that the power of words cannot be underestimated.
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It is a great joy when the thoughts of your loved ones are in tune with your own. But an even greater pleasure for me is the moment of recognizing myself in books. It doesn’t matter how many years ago they were written, for you it is relevant now, at this moment. Therefore, I see one of the main values of literature as its timelessness, as if it serves as proof of its nonlinearity. For me, Unamuno, Cortazar and Galeano are equally relevant - three centuries - the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first go hand in hand.
When I first read one of the shortest and most famous micro-stories* ( microrelatos) in Spanish, I didn’t understand anything. Or rather, I understood the text perfectly, but I couldn’t understand why these 7 words are so popular? Why are they quoted all over the world, dedicated to them scientific works, and how did they magically inspire so many people to create something important?
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Talk to the dog, or better yet, read Antonio Gala
Yesterday before going to bed I read the dialogues of Antonio Gala with his dog Troilo, collected in single book « Сharlas con Troylo” and enjoyed the beauty of the style, the power and precision of his words, the depth of his themes and the ability to show us the beauty of things through the prism of his gaze. He does it so skillfully that after reading, part of this beauty, depth and contemplative silence remains with us.
