Finalist Identity and the Surprise on the Latest Planet Award
The winner’s identity for the newest edition of the Planet award surfaced with a notable twist. Alfonso Goizueta rose to the forefront thanks to his historical novel Father’s Blood, set around the era of Alexander the Great. He is set to discuss the work this Thursday at the Asturian Press Club hosted by La Nueva España, part of the Prensa Ibérica group. An Asturian publishing house played a key role in bringing the work to light. Goizueta had his first opportunity in publishing with an article on Limiting Power from 1871 to 1939 at the age of 17, and the following year published The Last Monarchs of Castile. He holds a PhD in International Relations from King’s College London and also earned a diploma in History and International Relations from the same institution.
Winning Planet: A Look Back
The Planet prize tour proved to be an enjoyable ride. It underscored a simple truth: next year another author may claim the spotlight, and memories tend to fade quickly if the moment isn’t seized. The celebration is brief, but the reflections linger, inviting readers and critics to revisit the author’s evolving voice.
Alexander’s Dominance in Politics
Goizueta notes that the historical figure wielded strong political acumen, especially in securing allies. Yet some argue that such prowess wanes as power grows. Early portraits show a monarch shaped by cunning, effectively managing foes while keeping allies close. As the narrative unfolds, the weight of empire tests this balance, and paranoia about loyalty begins to surface. The portrait shifts as betrayals appear in the distance, revealing how power can blur moral lines.
Power and Its Price
This theme endures across eras. Whether in ancient kings or modern leaders, absolute power is shown to distort ideals once meant to elevate humanity. The cost becomes personal and heavy. The journey from Greece toward newly liberated cities is meant to restore democracy, yet the vastness of empire makes sustained virtue difficult. The book explores two faces of power: the public, visible acts and the private, nocturnal reflections. Through Alexander’s days and nights, the story reveals a man who witnesses his own actions from different angles, inviting readers to confront the consequences of every decision.
Autobiographical Threads and Alejandro
The novels carry strong autobiographical currents, especially in the opening sections. The collaboration between the author and the character creates a road for readers to walk alongside. The work invites contemplation about growth, self-understanding, and the impact of these insights on how one treats others. It frames a moral arc in which avoidance of truths becomes a barrier to living fully and meaningfully.
Growing Up on the Page
A young narrator voices contemporary concerns through a timeless lens. While centuries separate the lines, the core questions remain: how to navigate expectations, endure disappointments, handle first loves, and maintain meaningful friendships. The narrative also probes family dynamics, the thirst for freedom, and the pull of adventure. The struggle to balance pain and liberty speaks to many readers who face similar crossroads in life, especially when uncertain about where to step next.
Starting Early: Publishing as a Beginning
Publishing at a young age is not framed as the endpoint but the beginning of a journey. The author emphasizes that ongoing work matters more than a single milestone. The choice to keep writing is driven by genuine enjoyment and a commitment to the craft, even as early recognition looms as a distant horizon.
Could Artificial Intelligence Write Its Own Book?
The author argues that AI does not yet possess true creativity or the capacity to feel suffering, love, or doubt. A book emerges from human experiences and emotions, from which authors borrow insights housed in memory and literature. AI can imitate, but it does not inhabit the lived human drama that informs authentic storytelling.
If Alexander Were Alive Today
In a modern frame, Alexander might be drawn to information and geography. The novel portrays him driven by curiosity about himself, pursuing maps and knowledge as if the world itself lay before him to decipher. The mentor Aristotle appears as a guide, while the maps and destinations reflect the tension between imagined horizons and actual geography.
A Character Unlike Any Other
The figure of Alejandro stands out as a transformative hero. The book honors the rarity of such lives, recognizing the mythic distance of historical figures while highlighting their human flaws. The author seeks the chiaroscuro of character—light and shadow, achievement and failure—rather than a flawless archetype. Literature becomes a lens to glimpse the extraordinary within the ordinary.
Handling Criticism
Constructive feedback is valued as a vital part of growth. The process involves learning from critiques while remaining committed to the creative path. There is a belief that no masterpiece arrives instantly; the ongoing development and openness to reviews keep the craft alive and evolving.
Politics as a Character Primer
Characters with a political dimension are explored for their human, sometimes magical, aspects that connect with readers. The portrayal of modern politicians is practical, showing limits in empathy and complexity that shape actions and decisions.
PISA Shadows and The Reading Crisis
The narrative reflects concerns about reading comprehension in a modern context. It points to a broad cultural challenge where attention spans shrink and distractions loom large. The author argues for a return to classics and thoughtful reading as a way to reconnect with deeper human essence, especially in a fast-paced world.
Princess of Asturias and Public Duty
The princess’s role is framed as both dynastic and constitutional, with a personal dimension that remains important. The public duties are acknowledged alongside admiration for a young leader navigating a complex landscape. The piece respects the professional work done by the royal household while recognizing the personal journey involved.
Interest in a Political Path?
The author leans toward the literary and educational spheres, expressing uncertainty about a future political career. The emphasis rests on knowledge, teaching, and the written word, rather than a conventional political path in today’s environment.