Books

The Most Iconic Winners of the Nadal Prize of All Time

Explore the most iconic winners of the Premio Nadal, Spain's oldest and most prestigious literary award. This ranking highlights the authors and novels that have left an indelible mark on Spanish literature since the award's inception. Discover the groundbreaking works and influential voices that have shaped the Premio Nadal's legacy, from post-war narratives to contemporary masterpieces. Delve into the rich history of this celebrated prize and its impact on the literary landscape.

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  1. 1

    César Pérez Gellida - Under Dry Ground

    68 Global Votes

    A rural thriller set in Extremadura in 1917, featuring an enigmatic widow and an investigation into her disappearance. It has been well-received for its atmosphere and gripping plot, solidifying Pérez Gellida's place in the crime fiction genre.

  2. 2

    Miguel Delibes - The Shadow of the Cypress is Long

    67 Global Votes
    • Won the Nadal Prize in 1948

      (+2)

    This early work already showcased Delibes's mastery in describing landscapes and characters, with themes such as death and the search for meaning. It is essential for understanding the evolution of one of the great Spanish novelists and his humanist vision.

  3. 3

    Carmen Martín Gaite - Between the Curtains

    60 Global Votes
    • Won the Nadal Prize in 1957

    This novel offers a sharp portrait of the lives of young women in post-war Spain, their aspirations and frustrations, with elegant prose and great psychological depth. It remains relevant today due to its exploration of gender roles and the society of the time.

  4. 4

    Rafael Sánchez Ferlosio - The Jarama River

    58 Global Votes
    • Won the Nadal Award

      (+1)

    Considered one of the pinnacles of social realism in Spain, it portrays a summer day for a group of young people on the banks of the Jarama River. It is a classic that continues to be studied for its innovative narrative technique and its documentary value regarding a generation.

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  6. 6

    Ana María Matute - First Memory

    57 Global Votes

    Part of her "The Merchants" trilogy, this novel explores childhood and the Spanish Civil War through the eyes of a young girl, with a lyrical and evocative style. It is a fundamental work of contemporary Spanish literature, celebrated for its sensitivity and social critique.

  7. 8

    Lorenzo Silva - The Impatient Alchemist

    24 Global Votes
    • Won the Nadal Prize in 2000

      (+1)

    The second installment in the popular series featuring Civil Guard officers Bevilacqua and Chamorro cemented Silva's status as a leading figure in Spanish crime fiction. It's ideal for fans of the genre and for following the investigations of one of the most charismatic detective duos in Spanish literature.

  8. 9

    Manuel Vilas - Nosotros (Us)

    10 Global Votes
    • Achieved distinction in multiple genres

      (+4)

    A profound exploration of the limits of love and grief, through the story of Irene, who seeks an unusual way to continue living alongside her deceased husband. It is a moving and reflective novel about love and loss, which continues to resonate for its treatment of human emotions.

  9. 10

    Inés Martín Rodrigo - Las formas del querer (The Forms of Love)

    9 Global Votes
    • Explores love in all its forms

      (+3)

    The protagonist, in the midst of grief, finds refuge in literature as the plot intertwines with the history of Spain from the Civil War to the 21st century. It stands out for its focus on the power of literature and its ability to connect personal stories with historical memory.

  10. 11

    Lucía Etxebarria - Beatriz and the Celestial Bodies

    8 Global Votes

    A novel that addresses themes such as female identity, sexuality, and the search for happiness in youth, with a fresh and transgressive style. It represents an important voice in late 20th-century Spanish literature and remains relevant for its contemporary themes.

  11. 12

    Carmen Laforet - Nada

    0 Global Votes

    This inaugural novel of the prize is a landmark of post-war existentialist literature in Spain, notable for its profound introspection and its portrayal of Barcelona at the time. It remains essential reading for understanding 20th-century Spanish literature and the female experience in the post-war period.

  12. 13

    Juan Marsé - If They Tell You I Fell

    0 Global Votes
    • Won the "México" International Novel Prize

    This complex and polyphonic novel reconstructs post-war Barcelona through the stories of a group of children, blending reality and fantasy. It is a masterpiece that delves into historical memory and the imagination of children.

  13. 14

    Eduardo Mendoza - The City of Marvels

    0 Global Votes

    It is a fascinating chronicle of Barcelona's transformation between the two Universal Expositions (1888 and 1929), with ironic humor and a plot full of memorable characters. It is a vibrant and entertaining historical novel that continues to captivate with its narrative and its portrayal of Barcelona.

  14. 15

    The City of Dead Lights by David Uclés

    0 Global Votes
    • Dystopian novel

      (+4)

    This is the award winner's most recent work, notable for its originality, magical realism, and its reflection on the culture and memory of Barcelona. Set in a Barcelona experiencing an inexplicable blackout, it pays homage to Carmen Laforet.