Alana S. Portero Sets New Gothic Novel Cosamala in Guillena
Spanish author Alana S. Portero sets her new novel, Cosamala, in the Sevillian town of Guillena, utilizing the historical execution of 17 local women during the Spanish Civil War as the core narrative framework, Canal Sur reported. The book blends historical tragedy with magical realism, introducing witches who guide souls to the afterlife and mend a landscape tainted by mass graves.
Portero, who was born in Madrid in 1978, moves fluidly through the streets of Guillena for the primary setting of her work, which ultimately leads characters and readers to the local cemetery where the victims rest, according to Canal Sur. Expanding beyond pure historical fiction, the narrative incorporates supernatural elements to address the lingering trauma of bodies cast into ditches without proper burial.
Literary Influences and the Ghost of Lorca
The lyrical style and musical cadence of Federico García Lorca heavily influence the text. Portero describes the poet as the ultimate ghost of the Spanish Civil War, stating that he appears repeatedly to demand resolution because complete societal healing has not yet occurred, Canal Sur noted.
This release follows the massive critical and commercial success of Portero’s debut novel, La mala costumbre (2023). Published by Editorial Planeta under its Planeta de Libros imprint, that previous work earned multiple accolades including the CEGAL Todostuslibros Award, the Cálamo Award, the Vanity Fair Award, the Time Out Culture Award for Best Work, the Dulce Chacón Award, the Almudena Grandes Award, and the Prix Méditerranée in France, as detailed by Planeta de Libros.
Portero establishes career with debut novel and journalism
While Cosamala arrives in 2026, Portero established an extensive writing and cultural career across several Spanish publications, including El País, Eldiario.es, Vogue España, and Público, alongside her work as a stage director and medievalist. Her debut novel achieved international reach, translating into 19 languages and publishing across 23 countries while appearing on year-end best books lists by outlets such as Babelia, El Cultural, and RTVE.
When was Cosamala published?
When was Cosamala published?
Alana S. Portero’s novel Cosamala is slated for release in 2026, following her award-winning 2023 debut, La mala costumbre, according to Planeta de Libros.
What historical event inspired the novel?
The narrative originates from the execution of the 17 Rosas de Guillena by Nationalist forces during the Spanish Civil War, as reported by Canal Sur.
Which literary figure influences the tone of the book?
Federico García Lorca strongly influences the work, with Portero identifying the poet’s lyrical presence as a central thematic ghost of the Spanish Civil War.
Who publishes Alana S. Portero’s books?
Her works are published through Planeta de Libros, which noted that her debut novel was translated into 19 languages across 23 countries.
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