Modern Spanish Fiction: Key Eras and Authors

The Novel of the 1950s

This era was characterized by its social and demanding nature, often employing techniques like objectivism.

Two Major Trends Emerged:

• Neo-realism: Focusing on individual perspectives and existential problems. Notable authors include:
  • Ignacio Aldecoa (El fulgor y la sangre)
  • Rafael Sánchez Ferlosio (El Jarama, a chronicle of youth on a Sunday at Jarama)
  • Carmen Martín Gaite (Entre cortinas)
• Social Realism: Depicting societal challenges and the lives of ordinary people. Key figures include:
  • Jesús Fernández Santos (Los bravos, portraying the peasantry)
  • Jesús López Pacheco (Central Eléctrica, focusing on the working class)

Also in the 1950s, other narrative forms flourished, such as the short stories of Ignacio Aldecoa. Distinct from these trends, Álvaro Cunqueiro (Merlín y familia) explored magical themes.

The Novel of 1960-1975: Protest and Innovation

Responding to a relaxation of censorship, this period saw novels of protest and political, labor, and academic demands. Influences also came from foreign authors like James Joyce and Franz Kafka.

Key Characteristics of the Narrative:

• The plot loses its traditional relevance.
• Protagonists are often blurred and vague.
• Space tends to be confined or fragmented.
• Time is often reduced and non-linear.
• Traditional structural parameters (introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution) are often disregarded.
• Frequent shifts in narrative perspective.
• An emphasis on linguistic innovation and aesthetic complexity, sometimes incorporating colloquial or vulgar language.

Notable Works from This Period:

• Luis Martín-Santos: Tiempo de silencio (A journey through Madrid's social strata, involving a disillusioned scientist, crime, and love).
• Juan Marsé: Últimas tardes con Teresa (A satire of the Catalan bourgeoisie).
• Juan Benet: Volverás a Región (A mythical setting reflecting Spain's decline).
• Gonzalo Torrente Ballester: La saga/fuga de J.B.
• Miguel Delibes: Cinco horas con Mario.

The Novel from 1975 Onwards: Return to Storytelling

This era marked a return to a narrative style emphasizing plot and intrigue, reminiscent of 19th-century novels, laying the groundwork for contemporary Spanish fiction. This period saw the exploration of a wide array of genres: romance, adventure, intrigue, and more.

The onset is marked by Eduardo Mendoza's La verdad sobre el caso Savolta. Other works by him include El laberinto de las aceitunas.

Pioneering Works and Authors:

• Manuel Vázquez Montalbán: Los mares del Sur
• Javier Marías: Corazón tan blanco
• Antonio Muñoz Molina: Beatus Ille

Other Genres and Significant Works:

• Historical Fiction:
  • Lourdes Ortiz: Urraca
  • Miguel Delibes: El hereje
  • Arturo Pérez-Reverte: El Club Dumas
• Lyric Novel:
  • Francisco Umbral: Mortal y rosa
• Imaginary Realism:
  • Julio Llamazares: La lluvia amarilla
• Psychological Novel:
  • Juan José Millás: El desorden de tu nombre