Its publication caused a ripple through the literary world, revealing a sharp, caustic edge in Rafael Chirbes as he commented on Arturo Pérez Reverte, Eduardo Mendoza, and the broader currents shaping modern writing. The text captured a candid, abrasive voice that many readers glimpsed only after his passing. A year after the release of Diarios I and II, Anagrama decides to bring two volumes of his memoirs back into circulation, slated for release next October.
The Valencian Community will host the first presentation, held at the Convent of Santa Maria de la Valldigna. One of Chirbes’ long-time friends, Alfons Cervera, who is also a writer, will participate. The event forms part of the second edition of La Vall dels Llibres, organized by Gandia Cefire, the Rafael Chirbes Foundation, and the Valdigna Society. Simat will host the conferences on September 24 and 25, inviting attendees to explore the author’s legacies through dialogue and memory.
The upcoming series of events dedicates an entire day to a thoughtful examination of Chirbes’ world. Through a lineup of conferences, participants will delve into topics such as his linguistic roots, his connection to Valencia, and the ethical or moral threads that run through his body of work, inviting a broader contemplation of his narrative universe.
Anagrama will publish the memoirs gradually, presenting a total of six volumes that were prepared for release after Chirbes’ passing. Spanning from the 1990s to the present, the series promises a structured, layered portrait of the writer. The Chirbes Foundation confirmed that the first two volumes published last October offered an intimate, personal lens into the author’s life and thoughts as a foundation for later volumes.
Seven years have passed since Chirbes left behind a large following and an enduring literary archive. Those who followed his work continue to discover fresh facets of his writing and philosophy, ensuring his influence persists beyond the immediate moment of his passing.
In this interval, heirs and public institutions have collaborated to safeguard Chirbes’ legacy. A stage adaptation of a major work debuted on the Valencian coast, while plans for a film adaptation based on a notable novel have moved forward. A house in Beniarbeig has become a place of pilgrimage for scholars, and the author’s birthplace is poised to transform into a cultural hub. These efforts reflect a commitment to preserving the author’s materials and memory for future generations.
Earlier this year, the Tavernes de la Valldigna City Council acquired Chirbes’ birthplace, transforming it into a cultural center designed to disseminate the writer’s work alongside other regional authors. The property was purchased for a modest sum and awaits renovation. This center will be named La llar de la bona lletra, honoring Chirbes’ landmark 1992 work, and will showcase information about the three writers who shaped the local literary landscape as well as the environment that formed them.
Municipal officials and family members joined in Tavernes in January to outline a cultural project that will guide the management of the house, a site that has been vacant for decades. Local leaders and cultural representatives, along with members of regional cultural councils, are coordinating the effort, which aims to bring new public engagement with Chirbes’ legacy.
The municipal plan emphasizes a vibrant cultural revival, presenting a pathway for renewed interest and discussion surrounding the author’s body of work through accessible public programming and exhibitions.
Above is a glimpse of Chirbes’ early diaries, with his birthplace at Tavernes serving as a visual anchor for the ongoing narrative of his life and influence.