7 Books by Rosa Montero that Break all the Rules
Spanish learners, please do yourself a favor and read Rosa Montero books.
Rosa Montero is a powerhouse of a woman, journalist, and writer! Read this blog post to discover why you should add this amazing woman’s work to your reading list.
Why Read Spanish Literature as a Spanish Student
While reading in a different language may seem intimidating at first, literature is one of the best tools to learn a foreing language. Check out these benefits.
When you read in another language, you:
- Learn new grammar constructs, advanced words, and context-rich slang
- Internalize the language at a higher level with authentic, native material
- Experience direct contextualization of the language, exposing you to a native’s application of words and expressions
- Discover real ways to use phrases and words for conversation rather than textbook examples or exercises
Reading Rosa Montero’s creative and culturally explorative books will be an educational experience you won’t soon forget!
Rosa Montero’s Biography
Rosa Montero was born on January 3, 1951, in Madrid, Spain to a bullfighter and a housewife. She was an avid reader and an early writer, writing her first novela (novel) when she was only 5 years old! She began to work in journalism at age 19.
She was part of some of the most important journals in Spain in the 70s—Pueblo, Fotogramas, and Posible. She is best known for her work at El País as an editor and writer, which earned her the “Manuel del Arco” prize.
Throughout her career, Montero has interviewed more than 2,000 people, including Julio Cortazar, Indira Gandhi, and Richard Nixon. Her unique interview technique is studied by several journalism schools in Spain and Latin America.
The 7 Best Rosa Montero Books
Since 1979, Rosa Montero has published several novels, children’s books, story compilations, and collaborations with other authors. Check out this curated list of 7 of her masterpieces.
1. La Ridícula Idea de No Volver a Verte
Source: planetadelibros.com
Publishing date: February 28, 2013
Pages: 240
Editorial: Seix Barral
Book in Spanish: $14.95
Audiobook in Spanish $18.78
La Ridícula Idea de no Volverte a Ver (The Ridiculous Idea of Not Seeing You Again) is one of the rawest Rosa Montero books. She lost her husband in 2009 and found solace and inspiration in the personal story of Marie Curie.
Montero’s novelization of Curie’s experience with death was used as a way to express her own struggles with it, and she does it with originality, skill, and modesty. This book fuses autobiography, novel, and essay. Montero’s style of writing is clear and pristine.
2. Nosotras: Historias de Mujeres y Algo Más
Source: penguinlibros.com
Publishing date: September 25, 2018
Pages: 304
Editorial: Alfaguara
Book in Spanish: $18.99
Audiobook in Spanish $17.36
The first edition of Nosotras (Us) was published more than 25 years ago, and this new one adds 90 new stories for and about incredible women.
In this biographical book, Rosa Montero’s prose engages the reader’s interest in every story.
If you’re looking to expand your vocabulary, this book is perfect because of the variety of professions, people, and time periods in it. The clarity of this book make it an easy and enjoyable read.
3. Lágrimas en la Lluvia
Source: planetadelibros.com
Publishing date: June 21, 2011
Pages: 480
Editorial: Editorial Planeta
Book in Spanish: $29.61
Audiobook in Spanish $21.74
Lágrimas en la Lluvia (Tears in the Rain) is the first of a trilogy that you must read if you enjoy futuristic works like Blade Runner. This Rosa Montero book series focuses on themes including human responsibility, banality, technology, human struggle, and pain.
Montero crafted an immersive world, and the attention is mainly on the protagonist’s struggles, victories, and relationships. This is a perfect book for young adult readers, or those who enjoy sci-fi and steampunk-themed worlds.
4. La Hija del Caníbal
Source: planetadelibros.com
Publishing date: April 30, 2004
Pages: 337
Editorial: Planeta Publishing
Book in Spanish: $11.27
La Hija del Caníbal (The Cannibal’s Daughter) has plenty of mystery, philosophy, and humor. This book is full of good quotes about life, marriage, love, and other important elements of human life.
While this work received mixed reviews because of its story, characters, and themes, no one can deny that it is one of the greatest Rosa Montero books. Written with her characteristic skill, this engaging story is perfect to read in your free time to practice your Spanish.
5. El Nido de los Sueños
Source: amazon.com
Publishing date: April 28, 2000
Pages: 146
Editorial: Siruela
Book in Spanish: $6.59
El Nido de los Sueños (The Dream’s Nest) is a funny, tender, and adventurous story crafted and created for people of all ages (even though it has been labeled a children’s book). This book is a perfect example of Rosa Montero’s style and versatility.
Rosa Montero books for children are perfect to read with your kids or to enjoy on a quiet afternoon. This book is easy to understand, enjoyable, and full of words that are perfect to practice your Spanish fluency.
6. Las Barbaridades de Bárbara
Source: tienda.sophosenlinea.com
Publishing date: November 1, 1997
Pages: 115
Editorial: Alfaguara
Book in Spanish: $5.99
This book is the first of a series starring Bárbara, a modern girl who’s talkative and full of energy. This amazing character makes readers laugh and think with her hilarious adventures
Las barbaridades de Bárbara (Barbara’s Barbarities) is one of Rosa Montero’s best works for kids. It’s easy to understand, with a simple but engaging story.
This book is perfect for intermediate Spanish learners because of its simplicity and brevity.
7. La Loca de la Casa
Source: amazon.com
Publishing date: April 1, 2005
Pages: 253
Editorial: Suma
Book in Spanish: $30.87
Audiobook in Spanish $14.05
La Loca de la Casa (The Crazy Lady of the House) is a mix of several literature genres. Full of unexpected events, secrets and her own and other people’s biographies and stories, this book has something for everyone.
This is one of Rosa Montero’s best books; in it, she questions her career and offers deep personal thoughts and reflections. There are so many themes touched in this work that you will find a rich selection of anecdotes with new words to learn and practice your fluency with.
Keep Learning Spanish!
When you read a good book, you want to tell everyone about it! Rosa Montero is one of the most influential Spanish authors today, and if you fall in love with her work, I’m sure you’ll want to talk about your new passion for her books. And what a better way to do it than with other people who have read her work? According to CNN, more than 41 million people speak Spanish in the United States, so it won’t be difficult to find more Montero fans out there.
Some Rosa Montero books in English are hard to find but not impossible. Sign up for a free class with a native Spanish-speaking teacher who can help you read and understand these amazing books in their original language!
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