2024-11-04 18:26:00
This year’s Herald Prize for Literature goes to books Clear and confusing, Author: Cynthia Rimsky (pseudonym Mar del Sur) and Biscayne Key Factsby Xita Rubert (pseudonym Sophia Sorensen).
The two works were selected by a jury composed of Aldo García, Gonzalo Pontón Gijón, Marta Sanz, Juan Pablo Villalobos and Silvia Sesé from the same. A total of 1,149 novels participated in this year’s selection, with 7 finalists.
Cynthia Rimsky, born in 1962 in Santiago, Chile, now lives in Argentina. She has written the following works: Return to the dog. She is the winner of several literary prizes in Chile and a professor at the National University of Arts of Buenos Aires and the Catholic University of Valparaíso.
Xita Rubert was born in Barcelona in 1996, is a philosopher and writer. his first novel, My days with the Kopp familya finalist for the Prime Minister’s Prize, Romain de Chambéry. She is currently a researcher and professor at Princeton University.
Writer Sita Rupert (Photo: María Fonti)
About the novel
clear yet confusingCynthia Rimsky’s work tells a story somewhere between romance and absurdity: a plumber falls in love with a conceptual artist. According to Anagrama Publishing, the book reflects on love and art through exaggerated characters and unlikely situations. The story is a comedy of characters who walk the line between the sublime and the absurd, while questioning the meaning of life and the role of art.
For jury Gonzalo Pontón, the book stood out for its “very complex yet simple narrative”. Marta Sands highlighted how the novel combines “beauty, wisdom and humor”.
on the other hand, Biscayne Key FactsSet against the backdrop of Miami’s affluence, Xita Rubert’s work explores the complex relationship between a daughter and her father. In this way, the author reveals the ambivalence of emotion, memory, and the limitations of the father figure.
For jury Marta Sanz, Rupert has created “a novel full of ambiguities and implications”, while for jury Juan Pablo Villalobos, “the story’s Rhythm and structure “stay on the reader’s skin” stand out.
What is the Herald Prize?
The Herralde Novel Prize is a literary award awarded annually by the Spanish Anagrama Publishing House. This year it has been held for the 42nd time.
The award was established in 1983 by publishing house founder Jorge Herralde to recognize unpublished Spanish-language novels, highlighting those with original style and innovative themes. Its purpose is to discover and promote writers with their own subversive voices in Spanish-language contemporary narratives.
In addition to having the honor of being published by Anagrama and distributed in several Spanish-speaking countries, the winning novel will also receive a prize of 25,000 euros, giving it high visibility in the literary field.
Among the Argentinian writers who have won prizes in recent years, Mariana Henriques, Martin Caparros and Alan Pauls stand out.
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**Interview with Cynthia Rimsky and Xita Rubert: Winners of the 42nd Herralde Prize**
*Date: November 4, 2024*
*Host: Welcome, Cynthia Rimsky and Xita Rubert! Congratulations on winning the prestigious Herralde Prize for your respective novels! How does it feel to receive such esteemed recognition?*
**Cynthia Rimsky:** Thank you! It’s an incredible honor. Winning the Herralde Prize is a dream come true. It’s really gratifying to see my work resonate with readers and critics, especially with *Clear and Confusing*, which explores the often chaotic intersections of love and art.
**Xita Rubert:** Absolutely! I share Cynthia’s sentiments. *Biscayne Key Facts* was a labor of love, and being recognized among so many talented authors is genuinely humbling.
*Host: Your novels tackle unique themes. Cynthia, can you tell us more about *Clear and Confusing*?*
**Cynthia Rimsky:** Certainly! The novel follows a plumber who unexpectedly falls for a conceptual artist. It blends romance with absurdity to highlight the complexities and often humorous misunderstandings in relationships. I aimed to create characters that may seem exaggerated but reflect parts of our reality.
*Host: That sounds intriguing! Xita, can you share what inspired *Biscayne Key Facts*?*
**Xita Rubert:** My novel is an exploration of identity and belonging, intertwined with the vibrant backdrop of Miami. Through a cast of diverse characters, I delve into their personal struggles and triumphs, often in settings that challenge their perceptions of ‘home.’ It’s both a personal and collective journey.
*Host: The jury had a tough job selecting from 1,149 novels this year! What do you think set your works apart?*
**Cynthia Rimsky:** I believe the playful yet poignant nature of *Clear and Confusing* caught the jury’s attention. It’s a reflection of the absurdity of life, presented with humor that resonates with readers from various backgrounds.
**Xita Rubert:** For me, it could be the blend of philosophical inquiry with storytelling in *Biscayne Key Facts*. I aim to create literature that provokes thought while still being accessible and engaging.
*Host: As authors, how do you view the role of literature in today’s world?*
**Cynthia Rimsky:** Literature is vital. It gives voice to our experiences, encourages empathy, and can spark necessary conversations. It’s a way to make sense of the world around us, especially in these turbulent times.
**Xita Rubert:** I couldn’t agree more. Literature can bridge divides and invite readers into new perspectives. I hope my work contributes to this broader dialogue.
*Host: Thank you for sharing your insights with us today. Any final thoughts for aspiring writers?*
**Cynthia Rimsky:** Write fearlessly and let your authentic voice shine through.
**Xita Rubert:** Never underestimate the power of storytelling; embrace it, and be open to where it takes you!
*Host: Thank you both for your time. Congratulations once again on your remarkable achievements!*
**Cynthia Rimsky and Xita Rubert:** Thank you!
