Women's Day 2025 : Ana María Matute & Carmen Martín Gaite

This year is the centenary of the births of Ana María Matute and Carmen Martín Gaite, two great 20th century Spanish writers.

Born in 1925, they lived through crucial moments in Spanish history: both the Civil War as children and Franco’s time as teenagers and adults.

Although they each have very individual styles, their writing shows the dark times that they endured: severe poverty, a very restrictive society, the limited understanding of their work, censorship and lack of freedom, especially for women. Nonetheless, what also comes across is the courage, independence, sense of humour, sensitivity, and clearness of thought of two strong and brilliant women.

With this showcase of their books in our library, we hope to bring their work to you and keep their memory alive.