Contemporary Galician Literature: Narrative, Authors, and Genres

The Evolution of Contemporary Galician Narrative

The change in the political system towards democracy had significant repercussions on the literary system in Galicia. This period saw the rise of literary prizes, the emergence of robust literary criticism, increased professionalization within the sector, and a significant growth in the number of readers and authors.

Key Features of Present-Day Galician Narrative

Contemporary Galician narrative exhibits several distinct characteristics:

• Diverse registers and a wide range of possibilities.
• A preferential interest in the novel as a form.
• The widespread use of direct and accessible prose.

Dominant Themes and Literary Genres

Themes often focus on daily occurrences and contemporary life. Key literary genres include:

• Police/Crime Narrative: For example, Crime en Compostela by Carlos Reigosa.
• Erotic Narrative: Such as Anel de mel by Xulio Valcárcel or As aventuras de Bieito Iglesias by Bieito Iglesias.
• Science Fiction Narrative: Illustrated by Manuel Seixas's Dancer.
• Western: Including A morte de Frank González by Isidro Novo or Unha forca para a presa by Fernández Ferreiro.
• Humorous Narrative: Like Erros e Tánatos by Gonzalo Navaza.
• Fantastic Narrative: Exemplified by Darío Xohán Cabana's En Saor.

Important Authors and Works

Established Authors (Pre-1975)

Notable authors published before 1975 include:

• Carlos Casares: Known for works like Os mortos daquelas terras.
• Xosé Luís Méndez Ferrín: Author of Arraiana and No ventre do silencio, among others.

New Authors: The 1980s Generation

The generation of authors emerging in the 1980s includes:

• Fernández Ferreiro: Agosto de 36
• Xabier P. DoCampo: Tres historias para ler a noite
• Alfredo Conde: Breixo
• Xavier Alcalá: A nosa cinza
• Suso de Toro: Tic-tac
• Manuel Rivas: Todo ben e o lapis do carpinteiro
• Marilar Aleixandre: Lobos nas illas
• Xurxo Borrazás: Cabeza de chorlito
• Darío Xohán Cabana: En Saor

Key Vocabulary and Concepts

Ultimate:

A strict proposal or final point.

Soleira:

The bottom part of a door frame; a threshold.

Trilo:

The song or trill of a sparrow.

Gaiolas:

Small cages for birds, animals, etc.

Tese:

A proposition presented as a demonstration, which is defended through reasoning.

Didáctica:

Relating to teaching or education.

Questionnaire:

A subject or theme for inquiry.

Research Techniques:

Methods based on the analysis of responses given to specific questions.

Bilingualism:

A person's ability to use two languages.

Diglossia:

The situation of coexistence of two languages within a single population or territory, often with distinct social functions.

Galician Language Promotion:

Refers to the promotion and legal protection of the Galician language.