Are you on the hunt for fresh Spanish reads but unsure where to begin? Let’s dive into some of the best contemporary Spanish books and explore the talented authors shaping the literary scene today. Whether you’re new to Spanish literature or a seasoned reader, there’s something exciting waiting for you!

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Top Contemporary Spanish Books and Writers

Exploring Spain Through Books

Whenever planning an actual trip to Spain and discovering new dream destinations from your Spain bucket list isn’t possible, traveling virtually as much as you can is the next best thing. While I explore Spain nonstop, traveling through books alongside actual trips often ends up being my wanderlust remedy.

You can find ultimate joy in wanderlust books, documentaries, Spain virtual tours, coffee table books, children’s books set in Spain, or even Spanish travel boards. But there’s no better way to stay connected with a culture than by reading the same bestsellers that locals do.

Even if you’re not a big reader, there’s something in this post for you, as many of these contemporary Spanish books have been adapted into popular local TV shows. You can check them out and compare the two!

For more bookish lists, head to my Flipboard collection, Travel+Books, or visit my Pinterest board Travel Books and Movies.

Where to shop Spain books

I shop most of the books at Casa del Libro bookstores in Spain, or via Amazon. My favorite place to discover audiobooks for road trips is Libro.fm.

Must-read Contemporary Spanish Authors and Books

Arturo Pérez-Reverte

Arturo Pérez-Reverte is a renowned Spanish novelist and journalist, born in Cartagena, a city in the Murcia region of Spain. Often hailed as the master of the intellectual thriller, his works have been published in over 50 countries, earning him an international following.

One of his most popular novels, Queen of the South (or La Reina del Sur in Spanish), was adapted into a successful Netflix TV series, gaining widespread attention. Other bestsellers by Pérez-Reverte include The Flanders Panel, The Club Dumas, The Fencing Master, The Seville Communion, The Nautical Chart, and What We Become.. His ability to craft suspenseful, thought-provoking stories has made him a favorite among readers of various genres.

Arturo Pérez-Reverte was the first contemporary Spanish writer I discovered during a tourist visit to Spain, long before I became an expat. At the time, I was eager to improve my Spanish, so I set out to find popular Spanish novels in the nearest bookshop, while my parents were busy looking for local food souvenirs. The staff recommended Pérez-Reverte’s books, and I was immediately captivated by his writing.

Interestingly, the name “Arturo Pérez-Reverte” ended up being my ticket to success on the conversation part of my DELE Spanish exam years ago. During the interview, the examiner was trying to assess my cultural knowledge of Spain. She asked me just one question: “Anna, I see your Spanish is good enough – do you enjoy reading in Spanish, or can you name any Spanish authors besides Miguel de Cervantes?”

In that moment, I completely blanked and forgot every name I had ever seen or read in Spanish. It was as if my mind had hit a reset button. Thankfully, the name “Arturo Pérez-Reverte” suddenly popped into my head. I mentioned him, and that little detail ended up scoring me a perfect 30 out of 30 on the speaking part of the exam!

Currently, I plan to check out Una Historia de España, one of the bestsellers of 2019 in Spain. This book focuses on the rich and complex history of Spain, and while it dives into historical events, readers insist that it’s also engaging, accessible, and fun to read. I’m looking forward to exploring it soon!

Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Carlos Ruiz Zafón is widely regarded as one of the most influential modern Spanish writers from Barcelona. Sadly, he passed away in 2020. However, despite his death, Zafón’s most renowned novel, The Shadow of the Wind, continues to top lists of the best contemporary Spanish books, remaining a beloved classic for readers around the world. On a more personal note, I’ve absolutely enjoyed reading it, and it inspired me to explore Barcelona with fresh eyes. The novel’s rich atmosphere and intricate storytelling made me see the city in a new light, imagining its streets filled with the mystery and intrigue that Zafón so masterfully created.

In addition to The Shadow of the Wind, Zafón’s other best-selling works include The Angels Game, The Prisoner of Heaven, The Labyrinth of the Spirits, Marina, The Watcher in the Shadows, and The Midnight Palace. Each of these books captures the essence of Zafón’s signature style, weaving intricate plots with rich, atmospheric storytelling.

Below, I’ve included a brief interview with Carlos Ruiz Zafón, which offers a glimpse into his unique perspective on writing. It might help you determine if his approach to storytelling resonates with you and sparks your curiosity.

Fernando Aramburu

Fernando Aramburu is a contemporary Spanish writer from San Sebastián, best known for his novel Patria (translated as Homeland in English), which has recently been adapted into a successful HBO TV series. I mentioned it in a recent post about the Basque Country while discussing the region’s tragic history.

Although I haven’t read the novel yet, I watched the Spanish TV series in one go before realizing it was based on one of the most acclaimed contemporary Spanish books. After finishing the last episode, I discovered its literary origins, which made me even more eager to explore the book.

Now, I’m planning to dive into more of Fernando Aramburu’s works, possibly  Hijos de la Fabula or Los Vencejos. I’ll be sure to share my thoughts with you on my IG Highlights Books as soon as I get the chance!

Elizabeth Benavent

Elizabeth Benavent is one of the top bestselling Spanish authors from Valencia. If you’re a fan of romance novels and enjoy holiday reads with a romantic twist, her books are definitely for you.

At the moment, her popular books are mostly available in Spanish, including Como no escribi nuestra historia, Mi isla, Toda la Verdad de mis Mentiras. However, A Perfect Story and Everything I’ll Say to You Tomorrow are already available in English. Also, one of her bestsellers here in Spain, Valeria, has recently been adapted into a popular Spanish TV series. Given this growing recognition, it’s likely that all of her books will be translated into English in the near future.

Benavent’s stories are known for their compelling characters, emotional depth, and captivating plots, making her a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.

Maria Dueñas

Maria Dueñas is one of Spain’s most iconic female writers, hailing from Puertollano, Ciudad Real. She gained international recognition in 2009 with her bestselling novel The Time in Between (original title: La templanza). Since then, her works have been translated into over 25 languages, earning her a global readership.

Some of Maria Dueñas’ most popular works include The Time in Between, The Seamstress, The heart has its reasons, and The Vineyard. Two of these novels, The Time in Between and The Vineyard, were adapted into successful Spanish TV series, which are available for streaming on Amazon Prime.

Below, you can find a YouTube video where Maria Dueñas discusses her international bestseller The Time in Between.

Idelfonso Falcones

Idelfonso Falcones is a Spanish writer and lawyer, best known for his historical thriller Cathedral of the Sea, which is set in 14th-century Barcelona. This novel has garnered widespread acclaim, making it a must-read for fans of historical fiction, especially for those who prefer Barcelona over Madrid. Alongside The Shadow of the Wind, it’s one of the top recommendations for lovers of Spanish literature.

Other notable works by Falcones include The Hand of Fatima and The Barefoot Queen, which also explore historical themes and complex characters.

Additionally, his bestselling novel Cathedral of the Sea was adapted into a Spanish TV series, which is available on Netflix. The series captures the gripping narrative of the book, offering fans an engaging visual experience of 14th-century Barcelona.

Juan Gómez-Jurado

If you were to ask which modern novels Spaniards are reading this year, I would have to mention Red Queen by Juan Gómez-Jurado.

Juan Gómez-Jurado, a renowned contemporary Spanish author and journalist from Madrid, has become a staple in the literary world. His works, primarily thrillers, have captivated readers both in Spain and internationally. Gómez-Jurado‘s bestselling books currently form an exciting trilogy: Red Queen, Black Wolf, and Rey Blanco. Each novel offers a gripping combination of suspense, complex characters, and twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Once again, the literary success of the book Red Queen was transformed into a successful series on Amazon Prime, which aired in 2024. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. The adaptation stays true to the essence of the novel while adding some exciting new elements that keep things fresh for both fans of the book and newcomers. 

Santiago Posteguillo

Santiago Posteguillo is a renowned Spanish author from Valencia, celebrated for his works set in Ancient Rome. He has written several best-selling novels, including  Scipio Africanus, Trajan (available in Spanish), I am Rome (or Roma soy yo in Spanish). Therefore, his bestselling novels might be a perfect addition to exploring Roman ruins in Spain.

Below, I’ve included a YouTube video in Spanish where Santiago Posteguillo takes you through his reading corner and impressive collection of books on Ancient Rome. In the video, he also recommends a few classic and must-read titles for history and literature enthusiasts.

Alice Kellen

Alice Kellen is a bestselling author of romantic fiction from Valencia, Spain. While not all of her books are available in English, you can easily find  All that we never were and All that we are together. One of her most popular contemporary Spanish novels is Nosotros en La Luna, though it has yet to be translated into English.

In my opinion, Alice Kellen’s novels are also perfect for holiday beach reads. Her storytelling is engaging, emotionally charged, and beautifully crafted, making them ideal for those seeking a romantic escape while lounging by the sea. Whether you’re looking for a deep, heartwarming connection or a light, captivating plot, her books offer something for every reader.

Javier Castillo

Javier Castillo is a renowned Spanish author from Málaga. His novel La Chica de Nieve (or The Snow Girl in English) became the most-read book during Spain’s strict 2019-2020 lockdown. Castillo is also known for other popular works, though they are currently only available in Spanish: El Cuco de Cristal, El Juego del Alma, El Dia que se perdio el amor.

The Snow Girl (2023) has since been adapted into a highly popular Spanish TV series on Netflix, which I’ve enjoyed immensely. The gripping story, filled with suspense and mystery, has captivated audiences around the world, further solidifying Castillo’s reputation as a master of psychological thrillers.

Contemporary Spanish literature: More Ideas

If you’re interested in contemporary Spanish literature but aren’t sure where to begin, Great Spanish Short Stories could be the perfect starting point. This new dual-language edition from Penguin Random House UK features 10 diverse short stories from various regions of Spain, some originally written in Basque, Catalan, and Galician.

Personally, I found this collection invaluable in discovering new Spanish writers. One standout for me was Karmele Jaio. Although her debut novel Her Mother’s Hand has been a best-seller in the Basque Country for years, I somehow missed it. Now, after reading her short story, I’m excited to dive into the novel as my next read.

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For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

• Accommodation: For short stays, I usually book via Agoda, Booking, and Hotellook
• Tours&excursions: My favorites for guided tours are GetYourGuide, and Viator
• Museums&attractions: Get mobile tickets for attractions via Tiqets (use ATC5 code for a 5% discount via this link)
• Semi-private & private tours: LivTours is my favorite place for unique & crafted experiences in Europe
• For Foodies: Eatwith is a unique platform for finding culinary experiences with locals around the world
• Audio guides: Book audio excursions & tours in 35+ countries via WeGoTrip
• Flights: Find the best deals with Skyscanner, WayAway, and Kiwi
• Driving in a new country? – Check out Tripiamo guides (do not miss Tripiamo Driving in Spain Guide)
• Train&bus tickets: Currently, I book via Trainline, Busbud, and Omio
• Car rental: To find the best deals, I use Rental Cars and Discover Cars
• Top E-Sim: GigSky helps me to avoid roaming fees and provides connectivity everywhere (even on a cruise ship)
• Internet Security on the road: Connect safely to public Wi-Fi and bypass censorship with NordVPN
• Transfers: For individual transfer services, I like GetTransfer and Kiwitaxi
• Suitcases&Luggage: Discover where to store your luggage on the go with Radical Storage
• Travel Insurance: Find the best trip insurance plans via VisitorsCoverage and EKTA
• Compensation for delayed/canceled flights: Check out AirHelp and Compensair
• Renting Bikes: To find motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles, I use BikesBooking
• Package Tours: Head to CheapOair and Expedia
• For Bloggers: To monetize my blog, I work with Travelpayouts and Stay22