As lovers of literature, our interests must cross the narrow confines of national boundaries. Moreover, looking at books in different languages gives us an insight into diverse cultures. Spanish literature books in English span genres and evoke the most profound emotions in people.
Spanish literature should not be overlooked because of the language barrier, from beautiful prose to exploring sublime emotions. Finally, for anyone who wants to enter this world of enticing literature, we recommend a list of 5 Spanish literature books in English.
#1 A Heart So White by Javier Marías
About The Book
Title: A Heart So White
Author: Javier Marías
Genre: Drama, Fiction
Publisher: The Harvill Press
Type: Standalone
Pages: 304
Goodreads rating: 4.0/ 5
A deep and raw exploration of the past in the form of hauntingly beautiful prose, Juan uses his newly-wed wife to explore his father’s relationships with two women other than his mother. However, through navigating these relationships, the book ultimately talks about marriage and the pain that deeply plagues love and romance.
Why Do we recommend This Book?
Moreover, with excellent prose and poignant exploration of the nuances of love and pain, the book leaves a bittersweet feeling long after one closes the book. Finally, a perfect entry point to one of the most emotionally charged languages, this book has no flaws and is one of the best Spanish literature books in English.
To buy/gift A Heart So White, click on the below link:
#2 Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel García Márquez
About The Book
Title: Chronicle of a Death Foretold
Author: Gabriel García Márquez
Genre: Crime Fiction
Publisher: La Oveja Negra
Type: Standalone
Pages: 128
Goodreads rating: 3.9/5
An inquiry into a murder that happened twenty-seven years earlier, the book retrospectively follows the story of Santiago Nassar and his gruesome murder. However, the day after her wedding, Angela Vicario is returned to her house in disgrace. On learning that Santiago was her first lover, her twin brothers took it upon themselves to defend the family’s honor. Lastly, this novella’s horrific account of honor killing attempts to analyze the ‘why’ of this crime.
Why do we recommend this Book?
Moreover, the book expertly criticizes the image of society and our attitude regarding honor. The inhumanity that plagues our community is also analyzed perfectly. Even if everyone in the story is aware of the crime, no one comes forward to stop it.
To buy/gift Chronicle of a Death Foretold, click on the below link:
#3 Death in Spring by Mercè Rodoreda
About The Book
Title: Death in Spring
Author: Mercè Rodoreda
Genre: Dystopia, Horror
Publisher: Open Letter Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 150
Goodreads rating: 3.8/5
This book chronicles the bizarre customs of an eccentric town. However, the dead are buried under trees after pouring cement into their mouths. This prevents their soul from escaping. Lastly, written from the perspective of a fourteen-year-old boy who comes to terms with the Horror of this odd town, Death in Spring tells the story of an oddly disturbing town.
Why do we recommend this Book?
However, this book brilliantly juxtaposes the town’s horrors against lyrical prose written by a female author. Finally, Rodoreda’s usage of sublime emotions to describe such visceral actions speaks to her caliber.
To buy/gift Death in Spring, click on the below link:
#4 The Obscene Bird of Night by José Donoso
About The Book
Title: The Obscene Bird of Night
Author: José Donoso
Genre: Drama, Psychological thriller, Magical realism, Horror
Publisher: Verbamundi
Type: Standalone
Pages: 504
Goodreads rating: 4.1/5
The story of the last member of the aristocratic Azcoitia family, this book explores the cyclical nature of life and death and the nuances of obsession, pain, and frustration through its protagonist. However, horrific and grotesque, it paints a picture of the underbelly of man’s psychological turmoil in beautiful allegories and metaphors.
Why do we recommend this Book?
Moreover, this book’s exploration of lunacy fears and obsession is one of the best. Lastly, the text’s raw and dirty surrealism and magical realism elements horrify the reader.
To buy/gift The Obscene Bird of Night, click on the below link:
#5 The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
About The Book
Title: The Shadow of the Wind
Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Genre: Mystery, Dark academia, Historical fiction, Gothic
Publisher: Penguin Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 304
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
Daniel tries to find solace in Julian Carax’s thriller by the same title as the book to deal with the loss of his mother. A chilling tale of madness, murder, and mayhem ensues when Daniel realizes that someone is systematically destroying every copy of Carax’s books. However, with the sole copy of Carax’s work with him, Daniel explores Barcelona’s deepest secrets.
Why do we recommend this Book?
Firstly, a shining example of the Dark Academia genre, Zafon weaves a chilling tale of secrets and mystery. Secondly, this book is a must-read with beautiful prose and fast-paced writing. While most people stick to Gabriel García Márquez, Spanish literature doesn’t stop there. Moreover, a foray into this diverse culture will only enrich a reader’s substance. Many more books could be added to this list, but for now, Happy Reading!
To buy/gift The Shadow of the Wind, click on the below link :
That’s all for the recommendations for books in Spanish Literature for now.
P.S.: Some books recommended here are available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, you can read these books. Check out this article: Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?
To conclude, here are the books in Spanish Literature in English.
| 1 | A Heart So White by Javier Marías | Buy Now |
| 2 | Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel García Márquez | Buy Now |
| 3 | Death in Spring by Mercè Rodoreda | Buy Now |
| 4 | The Obscene Bird of Night by José Donoso | Buy Now |
| 5 | The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón | Buy Now |
Read every book on this list. I am sure it won’t disappoint you.
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Disclosure: All our recommendations are honest. Most importantly, some links in this post are affiliate links (i.e.) we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we recommend.
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