Postwar Spanish Novel: Evolution and Trends
Postwar Spanish Novel
Historical Context
After the Spanish Civil War, the Franco dictatorship imposed repression and censorship, leading to cultural impoverishment. However, new avenues of expression slowly emerged. Internationally, the end of World War II resulted in the Cold War and significant scientific advancements.
The Postwar Novel: Renewal and Trends
The postwar novel saw a renewal of realism, a diminished focus on history, and a tendency towards centralized drama and the hero’s problems. Novels continued to be written about the past, both in Spain and in exile, addressing issues like the Civil War, Nazism, World War II, and the longing for a lost homeland.
Exile Literature
Notable authors in exile included:
- Arturo Barea, known for Forge and The Track, which blend reality, fantasy, and autobiographical elements.
- Max Aub, who transitioned from traditional narrative to more groundbreaking styles with works like Good Intentions.
- Ramón J. Sender, author of Requiem for a Spanish Peasant.
- Francisco Ayala, known for The Head of a Lamb and The Garden of Earthly Delights.
- Rosa Chacel, author of Acropolis and Memories of Leticia Valle.
Nationalist Perspectives
Within Spain, Concha Espina offered nationalist views on the war, while Torrente Ballester wrote Javier Mariño.
The 1940s: Social Realism and Existentialism
In the 1940s, novels continued to grapple with the Civil War’s impact and devastation. Social realism emerged with works like:
- Camilo José Cela’s The Family of Pascual Duarte
- Carmen Laforet’s Nada (Nothing)
- Miguel Delibes’ The Shadow of the Cypress is Long
These novels, often narrated in the first person, depicted the oppressive atmosphere and despair of the time, offering a raw and poignant vision of reality.
The 1950s: Objectivist Realism
Camilo José Cela’s The Hive provided a snapshot of Madrid in 1942 and foreshadowed the 1950s novel. Objectivist realism, influenced by French and American authors, reflected reality in a raw and documentary-like style, portraying individuals striving for survival. Key figures included:
- Ana María Matute, author of The Merchants and In This Land.
- Ignacio Aldecoa, known for With the Sun in the Eyes and Gran Sol.
- Carmen Martín Gaite, author of Between Curtains, Variable Cloudiness, and The Back Room.
- Rafael Sánchez Ferlosio, known for Alfanhuí and The Jarama River.
The 1960s: Social Commitment and Intellectualization
Social realism continued with a more idealistic, critical, and committed approach, fighting against repression. Linear narratives prevailed, emphasizing content over form. Authors like Juan Goytisolo, Luis Goytisolo, Juan García Hortelano, and Francisco Umbral tackled social problems.
However, the 1960s also saw a shift towards intellectualization and narrative innovation. Authors explored different perspectives, mixed genres, and abandoned linear narratives. The interior monologue became prominent, appealing to a cultured readership. Notable works included:
- Luis Martín-Santos’ Time of Silence
- Juan Goytisolo’s Marks of Identity
- Miguel Delibes’ Five Hours with Mario and The Rats
The Intellectual Novel
Torrente Ballester’s Don Juan and Luis Martín-Santos’ Time of Silence ushered in the intellectual novel, breaking away from social realism. This trend emphasized form over content and included works like:
- Torrente Ballester’s Saga/Fuga de J.B.
- Juan Goytisolo’s Landscapes After the Battle and Count Julian
- Juan Benet’s Return to Región
The Experimental Novel
The experimental novel emerged with works like Luis Goytisolo’s The Achilles Heel and Juan Marsé’s various writings.
The 1970s: Diverse Trends and the Detective Novel
The 1970s saw a confluence of styles and authors without a dominant trend. Traditional and anti-regime novels coexisted. Manuel Vázquez Montalbán became a prominent figure in the detective genre, while Eduardo Mendoza’s The Truth About the Savolta Case intellectualized the novel.
Minimalist plots and reader engagement characterized this period. Past and present intertwined, and characters became less central. Notable authors included:
- Antonio Muñoz Molina
- Javier Marías
- Julio Llamazares
- José Antonio Gabriel y Galán
- Juan José Millás
- Luis Landero
- Soledad Puértolas
- Esther Tusquets
The 1980s: Publishing Boom and Genre Fiction
The 1980s witnessed a publishing boom, with simplified narratives aimed at a wider audience. Numerous authors emerged, including:
- Manuel Vázquez Montalbán
- Almudena Grandes
- Arturo Pérez-Reverte
- Eduardo Mendoza
- Juan Marsé
The 1990s: Action, Reportage, and Established Voices
Action novels and reportage dominated the 1990s, alongside bestsellers. Authors like Javier Marías gained international recognition. Established authors from previous decades continued to write, including Antonio Gabriel y Galán and Miguel Delibes.