Shadow of the World: Elvira Mínguez on her debut and its cinematic echoes

His acting career is far ahead of his literary debut with a novel. Shadow of the World is a saga about powerful women who play masculine roles, weaving a narrative that challenges traditional gender dynamics. It marks the beginning of a series. Elvira Mínguez will appear at the Maestral Literary Evenings on Friday at 8:30 pm to discuss her novel. The conversation promises to go beyond a single book and to unfold into more projects.

How does an actress enter the world of the novel and get published at the same time, a path complicated by Planeta?

She had been crafting characters for many years, building scenes, dynamics, and conflicts for over two decades. For her, storytelling changes when she steps from the stage to the page. Actors tell stories through directors, yet writing lets them own the narrative in a different way. Material existed since 2006, with periods of stepping away and returning, and the pandemic ultimately provided the space and routine to write daily. A friend encouraged her to share the manuscript with Planeta, and to her surprise they showed genuine interest, turning a long-held idea into a remarkable opportunity.

Why take this leap into writing and publishing?

The process began with four monologues that explored four distinct characters. As situations and actions aligned with those characters, the body of the novel expanded to include 36 figures, each adding texture to the evolving story.

And why choose a story filled with power struggles and a sense of moral hazard for its central women?

The writer crafted the cinematic versions she wanted to see on screen. Ambitious, cold, and driven female figures populate the book, while the consequences of extreme greed and envy ripple through the lives of the vulnerable, including children. The narrative asserts that powerful women deserve complex, fully realized roles rather than mere supporting parts.

In a setting where women rarely hold major power, does this justify bold female lead roles in literature and cinema and challenge the traditional portrayal of suffering and vindication?

Yes, because women can be written to embody a wide spectrum of agency. If such characters are portrayed, they should be authentic, not diminished by expectation. The tale also acknowledges that male figures can be dangerous without needing constant justification. The story’s voice was shaped largely by male history, yet the novel offers a counterpoint by centering a powerful legend of a woman who asserts influence alongside the male-dominated canon. Literature, in turn, can tell a broader spectrum of stories.

“I wrote the characters I wanted to see on screen. It is hard to find balanced male and female roles.”

Garibalda, Atillana, Garibaldi, Attila. Do these names connect to historical figures or reflect something else?

The names trace back to an intimate family memory. The author’s great-grandmother was named Atillana, a figure who endured a dramatic moment with dignity, and a neighbor named Garibalda added another layer of meaning. It began as a coincidence, but it rooted the storytelling in personal history and discovery.

Has anything changed for women in stories and in real life?

Progress has happened, yet missteps remain. When a woman reaches a high point, questions arise about how she achieved it. There should come a moment when achievements are celebrated without suspicion, but too often the lens remains focused on doubt. The evolution is real, but not complete.

Publishing this book intersects literature and film within the creator’s broader career in cinema. How does the balance feel?

The paths are distinct and equally valued. The author’s heart leans toward literature, even as the world of cinema remains a lifelong influence. This debut is the product of years of devotion, proof that dedication can turn a dream into a tangible achievement. The goals in writing and directing appeal to different kinds of ambition, and both stand on solid ground as unique crafts.

The cover of the book “Shadow of the World” stands as a visual emblem of the tale.

Goya Best Supporting Actress accolades and two Biznagas de Plata awards are mentioned. Is there an expectation for similar recognition in literature?

Ambition remains high. Once involved, the goal is to excel. It is wise to aim high, learn from every outcome, and keep moving forward with curiosity and resilience.

Acting is collaborative, while writing is deeply personal. How are these two worlds harmonized?

With enthusiasm. Writing demands responsibility to truth and character, and it often feels purer and more intimate. The balance is achieved by recognizing the strengths of each craft and honoring the unique demands of storytelling in print and on screen.

“I always aim high. Inside, I want everything.”

What does literature offer that interpretation alone cannot?

Literature functions as a creative force, a place where characters can be shaped freely and consistently. It is a realm of imagination, where authors build entire worlds and test them against truth. The thrill of creation, the challenge of consistency, and the satisfaction of giving life to new universes are unmatched. Recreating and interpreting other minds remains a powerful joy, but writing grants a different kind of freedom.

Does the novel lean toward a cinematic feel, or does it stand apart from film?

The novel carries a cinematic sensibility, as if it could unfold as a scripted screenplay. Years around the image world have shaped this voice. Reading widely in literature and screenplays alike informs the narrative. A television series adaptation is planned for next year, with directing ambitions and a formal adaptation underway.

“The novel is decisively cinematic, like a literary screenplay. A series is on the horizon.”

And when the spotlight shifts to stardom, what comes next?

The plan is to pursue multiple projects simultaneously. A series in Marbella, adapted from the novel to screenplay, is underway with Dani de la Torre and a leading role for Hugo Silva. At fifty-eight, there is a sense of privilege and purpose in discovering a path that was not imagined before. The journey continues with gratitude for the opportunities ahead.

Maestral de Alicante will host the Literary Evenings featuring a menu inspired by the novel and paired with wine that tells the tale of Lagarada.

Audience response has been warm, and the love for the novel remains strong. The book resonates with readers, and the accompanying culinary event adds a memorable layer. The experience promises to be a cherished moment for everyone involved.