In a night that spotlighted contemporary Spanish literature, Luz Gabás emerges as the Planeta Prize winner, an author born in Monzón, Huesca, in 1968. Her ascent signals a notable moment for readers across Canada and the United States who follow modern European fiction with a keen eye for cross-cultural narratives.
The winning novel follows a late 18th-century arc set at a time when a French colonial presence shifts under Spanish sovereignty. Gabás crafts a sweeping tale that examines the collision and blending of diverse communities as different ethnic groups and cultures share the same fragile space. The centerpiece is a timeless love story that threads together an Indian man and a French woman, offering a portrait of romance amid upheaval and cultural tension.
Gabás holds a degree in English philology and has previously served as mayor of Benasque. Her career is marked by a steady stream of ambitious projects, with this latest work contributing a million-euro prize to fuel a novel that honors historical complexity while maintaining a strong human focus. The author has described the era as tumultuous, a rich backdrop where personal lives are tested and transformed by larger political forces.
Earlier in the year, Gabás announced plans for a fifth novel, signaling a productive period for the writer. The book was slated for release in 2022, marking ten years since the publication of her acclaimed Palms in the Snow. That work was adapted into a film, a milestone that added another layer of reach to her storytelling. The overarching narrative required extensive documentation, especially as the author balanced creative work with production demands during the pandemic period.
Gabás’s bibliography, which includes works published in 2014 and revisited in 2017, continues to expand into 2019 with The Heartbeat of the World, reflecting a sustained engagement with themes of memory, place, and identity. The author’s ongoing exploration of historical moments through intimate human stories resonates with audiences seeking both historical insight and emotional resonance.
In association with the event, Cristina Campos, Miquel Iceta, Yolanda Díaz, and José Creuheras were photographed as part of the award ceremony coverage. The image, captured by Efe photographer Toni Albir, accompanies the contemporary record of the night and situates Gabás within a broader cultural panorama [citation: Planeta Prize ceremony visuals].
Cristina Campos, finalist
Christina Kampos, known for her work as a casting director for films and television in the audiovisual sector, contributed to a narrative about married life and female friendship. The storyline centers on a woman whose imagined lover becomes a real presence after years of marriage, a premise explored by two colleagues who discuss topics such as femininity, sisterhood, love, and honesty. The Catalan author’s early success in 2015 with her debut novel led to a film adaptation, further cementing her place in contemporary Spanish-language literature [citation: festival and film records].
The author’s earlier works include Lemon Bread with Poppy Seeds, which reached audiences through a cinematic adaptation by Benito Zambrano, reinforcing the cross-media appeal of the author’s storytelling and the enduring interest in female-centered plots.
The most historical and noir novel for a record planet with 846 works
The Planeta Prize ceremony, held at a prominent Barcelona venue, highlighted the national art scene with an emphasis on Catalan culture and the broader Spanish literary landscape. City dignitaries and cultural officials attended, including figures such as Yolanda Díaz, Miquel Iceta, and other ministers who emphasized the role of literature in national identity and social dialogue. The scene reflected a tradition of recognizing literary achievement as a catalyst for cultural conversation [citation: Planeta Prize gala coverage].
The jury for the prize consisted of respected literary critics and authors, including José Manuel Blecua, Fernando Delgado, Juan Eslava Galán, Pere Gimferrer, Carmen Posadas, Rosa Regàs, and Belén López, the editor-in-chief of the Planeta group and the secretary of the voting process. Their selections underscore a commitment to literary merit, regional voices, and the power of storytelling to illuminate historical and contemporary experiences [citation: jury statements].