Sonsoles Ónega: "I wrote this new novel with rage. What was said about the previous one enraged my soul"
Journalist and writer Sonsoles Ónega presents her new book, 'Llevará tu nombre', in Madrid after the success of her previous novel, 'La hija de la criada', which won the Planeta Prize in 2023.
Sonsoles Ónega, a prominent Spanish journalist and author, introduced her latest novel 'Llevará tu nombre' in Madrid, expressing deep emotional resonance regarding the criticism her previous work faced. During the presentation held at the historic restaurant L'Hardy, she revealed that she wrote this new book 'with rage' as a response to feedback that impacted her profoundly. Ónega, who gained considerable attention and acclaim after winning the prestigious Planeta Prize in 2023 for her earlier work, feels that the literary world has dramatically changed her perception as an author.
The setting of the book launch at L'Hardy, a restaurant dating back to 1839, symbolized a connection to history, which Ónega embraces as part of her artistic journey. She reflected on the unexpected nature of her success, stating that she never anticipated that her writings would bear her name, a statement illustrating the weight of public scrutiny on her literary identity. The event highlighted Ónega's vulnerability, revealing that she is not just a media figure but a sensitive creator aware of the challenges that come with fame and recognition in the literary scene.
The new novel 'Llevará tu nombre' is seen as a significant milestone in Ónega's career, representing a transformation influenced by her interactions with readers and critics alike. This work is not only a continuation of her literary exploration but also a commentary on the pressures authors face in the contemporary landscape. With the backdrop of her past accomplishments, Ónega stands poised to further shape her legacy in Spanish literature, encouraging discourse around the emotional and psychological implications of public reception of creative works.