Fernando Benzo Sainz, born in Madrid in 1965, has forged a broad literary career alongside a public service trajectory. He began his professional life after completing the Faculty of Law and earning recognition as a State Civil Authority. His path intersected with culture when he served as Minister of State for Culture in the government led by Mariano Rajoy. Today he holds the post of Director General of Sports for the Community of Madrid, a role he keeps distinct from his literary life. In recent years he has gained attention as the author of Los perseguidos, the Azorín Prize winner in 2023, a novel that explores the darker corners of society through a mosaic of flawed characters. The anticipation around a new Planeta edition, scheduled for release in April, underscores his continued engagement with readers and his drive to connect with a wide audience.
How did you sleep?
Sleep did not come easily. Adrenaline kept the mind active, turning the night into a pulse of anticipation. The award ceremony felt tangible, the moment when the name of the author and the novel was announced echoing in memory. Nerves, excitement, and a flood of emotions lingered long after the event, a reminder of how vivid that experience remains. It was, in every sense, a moment that left a lasting impression on the day after.
RAE has again allowed emphasis. What are your thoughts?
It was striking to see how people reacted. Many expressed happiness for the award, and there were even comments about the accent or the language itself. For a writer who has navigated different periods and voices, the moment felt like a playful reminder of the power of words and the quirks of language that fans celebrate. A moment of shared joy, even as the spotlight shifts.
Is this the first Azorín Prize you pursued?
Not at all. He first entered consideration more than thirty years ago when he was a young writer, prior to his collaboration with Planeta and the Diputación de Alicante. Though the journey started with uncertainty, the path gradually opened, and the prize finally found him. The experience remains unforgettable, a testament to persistence and growth over time.
Did you publish it then?
There was a sense of pride at that younger stage both in the work and the act of submission. He recalls feeling that the manuscript held promise, and though recognition did not come at first, the journey taught him the discipline and confidence that would accompany him in later years.
What prompted this renewed pursuit now?
Life has a way of returning to certain themes. The Azorín Prize carries a literary resonance that appeals deeply to him, a marker of creativity rather than a mere award. The author appreciates the name itself as a signpost of quality and influence, a touchstone that aligns with his long-held ambitions as a writer. The association with a storied name adds weight to the act of presenting new work to readers.
Was the writing of persecuted a long process?
Yes. The novel unfolds through a complex structure with time jumps and intertwined plots that required careful assembly. Preparing the manuscript demanded extensive research to portray distinct historical periods accurately. The writing spanned roughly a year, preceded by a year and a half of historical immersion and planning.
What does a politician contribute to literature?
He clarifies that he is not a politician, but a public administrator with diverse responsibilities. He believes that passion fuels the craft: writing is a profession that has accompanied him since youth, a constant that exists alongside public service. The two roles, though different, can coexist without conflating, allowing him to maintain boundaries between public life and storytelling. He jokes about living a modern Jekyll and Hyde, amused by the dual identity he has learned to manage.
Why do these roles run in parallel?
Because they are separate spheres. When discussing literature, the focus is on the craft, not the day job. The belief is that each path has its own logic and demands, and keeping them distinct helps preserve the integrity of both.
What is persecuted really about?
The novel centers on the figures who rarely appear as heroes in traditional plots. It follows thieves, murderers, smugglers, corrupt officials, and crooked cops, weaving their stories into a larger tapestry of love, friendship, and family. It is a detective tale filled with action and danger, yet it also seeks a broader dimension by showing that no one is a 24-hour villain. The author aims to populate the book with a layered universe that spans Spanish history from the 1970s to the present. The central thread is the journalist who unmasked these characters while bearing the weight of a father who loomed large in journalism. The ambition is to create a work that invites readers to stay inside the pages long after they reach the last line.
He notes the novel’s dark tone, yet emphasizes a belief that evil or guilt can morph and endure. The cast moves from youth and rebellion to positions of power, underscoring a continuity of moral complexities across generations. The work does not shy away from the shadows that society carries; instead, it uses them to illuminate human stories that feel both timeless and immediate.
Is it bold to address treachery and political corruption within a political world?
With a light laugh, he acknowledges that political corruption exists as it does in many fields. It becomes a literary tool that offers space for narrative exploration. Describing crime in the country would ring false if such phenomena were denied. The author recognizes that realistic crime writing often intersects with contemporary life, and there is room for novels that reflect those realities, without shying away from uncomfortable truths.
He has explored darker themes before, including stories about post-war Madrid’s black market and other dangers. The draw to the darker side of humanity remains strong, providing fertile ground for storytelling that balances danger with moments of humanity, love, and resilience.
Is the theme of darkness a recurring thread in his work?
Not a deliberate plan, but it surfaces often. Journalism, cinema, and literature inspire him, shaping characters and plots that feel natural to readers who enjoy stories drawn from real life. He writes what he would want to read, allowing the threads of inspiration to guide the narrative without forcing a pattern.
Does this prize mark a turning point in his literary journey?
It is a significant milestone that boosts confidence. He views the Azorín Prize as a peak that is not easy to sustain. The immediate task is to bring the new novel to bookstores and observe readers’ reactions. The future remains unpredictable, with no guaranteed formula for success, yet the moment feels exhilarating and instructive for the road ahead.
Will the spotlight stay strong, or fade after a moment?
The lights are dazzling but temporary. Experience teaches that attention can rush in and just as quickly dissipate. The key is to continue delivering work that resonates beyond the moment.
Is there a personal sense of dizziness now, or will it intensify with the next book?
For now, the author feels a hopeful unease. The journey ahead is a mystery, and the next project remains undecided as of today.
Are music and poetry part of his favorite influences?
Yes, music is a constant companion. His previous work embraced musical elements, and he finds that a well-placed musical motif can enrich a story without overpowering it. He appreciates novels that treat music as a character, lending voice and texture to the narrative.
In this visual era, is writing a marvel that readers engage so readily?
Writers sometimes feel oddly amused by the changing landscape, yet current readership trends continue to surprise him. There are still readers who seek out the stories that writers feel compelled to tell, which sustains the craft and motivates ongoing work.
Does being a writer allow time to become a reader?
Absolutely. Writing and reading are both essential to his rhythm. He often writes in the early hours when the world is quiet, then spends afternoons catching up on books. He is currently immersed in a modern crime novel and a classic work, appreciating that the classics remain a vital source of inspiration and knowledge.
How is the writing routine organized?
Sleep is often light, but it yields a clear mind. He writes in the early morning hours before the household wakes, using the quiet to refine voice and structure. In the afternoon he revisits the day’s work, staying disciplined with a steady, daily practice. The life may feel unconventional, yet it sustains a vibrant, productive habit.
Would he ever merge his political experiences into his fiction?
He is not inclined toward autofiction. The aim is to create compelling narratives without exposing personal life. He prefers to let readers engage with the stories themselves, rather than turning the author into a central character. He values the reader’s space to imagine and interpret, rather than presenting a biography in disguise.