Elma Correa wins the Biblioteca Breve award with a novel about friendship on the Mexican border
Elma Correa has won the 2026 Biblioteca Breve Prize for her novel about female friendship and structural violence, set in Mexicali.
Elma Correa has been awarded the prestigious Biblioteca Breve Prize for her novel 'Donde termina el verano,' which explores themes of female friendship, loss of innocence, and structural violence in the context of Mexicali, a city located just before the U.S. border. The prize, valued at 30,000 euros, was conferred during the 68th edition of the award, which was notably influenced by a weather alert. The announcement reflects a growing recognition of contemporary narratives that confront complex social issues in Latin America.
The jury, composed of notable figures in the literary world, unanimously praised Correa's work for its exceptional narrative technique, combining suspense and emotional depth to engage readers fully. They specifically highlighted how the novel vividly portrays the intricacies of female relationships, as well as the challenges posed by the surrounding environment of violence and societal issues. The decision to celebrate this particular narrative underscores the importance of literature in addressing and reflecting on real-world struggles faced by individuals in border regions.
'Donde termina el verano' is set to be published on March 11, a date eagerly anticipated by readers and critics alike. The novel aims not only to entertain but to provoke thought surrounding the themes of friendship and resilience against a backdrop of adversity, making it a significant addition to contemporary Mexican literature. Correa's recognition with such an esteemed award highlights the potential of literature to spark conversations about critical social issues in a culturally rich yet challenging landscape.