The literary panorama of Spanish literature in the 21st century has witnessed remarkable richness and diversity, as underscored by the recent selection of the top 20 Spanish-language books compiled by the BBC. This list, created from recommendations by 38 experts from Spanish and Latin American universities, aims to highlight works with indelible marks on contemporary literature.
Prominent among the selected titles is Roberto Bolaño's 2666, a monumental novel exploring violence and barbarity on the Mexican border, often considered the pinnacle of contemporary narrative. Similarly, El infinito en un junco by Irene Vallejo emerges as a fundamental work on the history of books and the preservation of knowledge, embarking on an intellectual voyage touching on universal themes like identity and culture.
Rita Indiana's Hecho en Saturno adds to the chorus of influential works, alongside Mario Vargas Llosa's La fiesta del chivo, which serves as a detailed chronicle of the dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. This latter work remains relevant and stands as a deep study of power structures and oppression.
Fernando Aramburu’s Patria captures the impact of ETA (Basque separatist group) on society, gaining acclaim for its masterful handling of social and personal tensions amid political conflict. Javier Marías' trilogy, Tu rostro mañana, dives deep with complexity and exploration of marginal lives, emphasizing the emotional fabric of Spanish society.
Leonardo Padura's El hombre que amaba a los perros not only examines the figure of Leon Trotsky but also exposes the shadows of totalitarianism and betrayal throughout the 20th century. Other noteworthy mentions include Crematorio by Rafael Chirbes and Pequeñas mujeres rojas by Marta Sanz, both of which critically address contemporary societal issues with sharp perspectives on corruption and moral decay.
Also noteworthy is Lectura fácil by Cristina Morales, which challenges literary and social norms, defying conventions with its unique style and focus on disability. The list does not stop there, as tales like Las aventuras de la China Iron by Gabriela Cabezón Cámara and Distancia de rescate by Samanta Schweblin present unsettling narratives exploring fears and societal tensions within rural Latin America. Likewise, Temporada de huracanes by Fernanda Melchor is portrayed as a brutal vision of social violence, and Nuestra parte de noche by Mariana Enriquez creatively merges the supernatural with Argentina's recent past.
Continuing along this literary lineage, Soldados de Salamina by Javier Cercas intertwines storytelling with historical memory. Almudena Grandes’ Los pacientes del doctor García visits post-war Spain, offering human experience and analytical depth.
This list highlights these works' literary quality and showcases the plurality and richness of Spanish-speaking voices—from horror and deep societal reflections to gripping narratives across various genres like historical, gothic, police, and experimental fiction.
BBC’s top 20 Spanish-language books of the 21st century invite readers on a unique voyage through contemporary literature, emphasizing diverse voices and significant themes prevalent in today’s narratives. The selection reflects not just individual creativity but also the collective literary consciousness of the Spanish-speaking world, beckoning literature enthusiasts to expand their horizons.
