Juan del Val Wins Planeta Award for ‘Vera, a Love Story

by Ibrahim Khalil - World Editor
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The writer Juan del Val has won the Planeta 2025 Prize, worth one million euros, for the novel Vera, a love story. The author was awarded the 2019 Primavera Novel Prize with his novel Candela, where she explains the story of a middle-aged woman who runs a neighborhood bar with her grandmother and mother. This is an author who publishes with Planeta, so his presence at the gala has been common in recent years.

“This award is such a fantastic thing that it seems like it can only happen too others,and my life is a little like that,a succession of good things that I didn’t expect,” del Val said. “Vera, a love storyis the sto

Juan Ángel del Val Pérez was born in madrid in 1970 and although he has collaborated as a columnist, screenwriter, director, producer, presenter and talk show host on radio and television, he has also developed a parallel career as a writer. Additionally, he has worked in media such as National Radio of Spain, Spanish Television, Canal 9, Antenna 3 y Telecinco and co-presented The best thing that can happen to you next to Nuria Roca in FM Melody for four years.He is currently co-writer of the Antena 3 television program The anthill and talk show host The Rock, the program that his wife presents and directs on La Sexta.

Author María López-Sández Wins the 2023 Planeta Prize with The Shadow of the Rose

maría López-Sández has been awarded the 74th Planeta Prize for her novel The Shadow of the Rose. The author, originally from Galicia, captivated the jury with a story that blends suspense and vivid descriptions of the Galician landscape, a hallmark of her writing.

López-Sández’s literary journey began with The Silence of the Waves (2021), wich garnered significant success with readers. She followed this with The Conspiracy of the Fog, and now The Shadow of the Rose, published in 2023.

The Planeta Prize committee highlighted the novel’s intriguing plot and evocative portrayal of the setting. Jury member Luz Gabás noted that it is “a novel with intrigue and a fabulous description of the landscape.” The story follows a protagonist who travels to a hospital, allowing her to observe reality free from the stark divisions prevalent in her native Galicia during a specific period.

This year’s competition saw a record-breaking 1,320 fiction submissions, demonstrating a strong commitment to the literary project, as stated by representatives of the award.

Van Gogh’s Ear Welcomes Back Amaia Montero, Says Goodbye to Pablo Benegas

Spanish indie pop band Van Gogh’s Ear has announced significant changes to its lineup. Former vocalist Amaia Montero is rejoining the group, while guitarist Pablo Benegas is departing. This marks a full-circle moment for the band and its fans, as Montero was a key figure in their initial success before leaving in 2007 to pursue a solo career.

Montero’s return was revealed through the band’s official channels on October 15, 2024, generating considerable excitement among long-time followers.She originally fronted Van Gogh’s Ear from 1998 to 2007, contributing to their most popular albums including Caleidoscopio (1999) and Guantanamera (2000). Her distinctive vocals and songwriting were integral to the band’s signature sound.

The band also announced the amicable departure of Pablo Benegas, who has been with Van Gogh’s Ear as 2017. The band expressed gratitude for his contributions and wished him well in his future endeavors. Benegas’s exit creates a vacancy in the guitar position, and the band has not yet announced a replacement.

The current lineup now consists of Montero, Álvaro Martín, Iñigo Sagariz, and Diego Herrera. Fans are eagerly anticipating what this new chapter holds for Van Gogh’s Ear, and whether it will lead to new music or a revisiting of their classic material. The band has hinted at upcoming projects, promising more details soon.

Key takeaways

  • amaia Montero has rejoined Van Gogh’s Ear after a 17-year absence.
  • Guitarist Pablo Benegas has left the band.
  • The current lineup includes Amaia Montero, Álvaro Martín, Iñigo Sagariz, and Diego Herrera.
  • The band has teased future projects.

FAQ

Why did Amaia Montero leave Van Gogh’s Ear originally?
Montero left in 2007 to focus on her solo career. She expressed a desire to explore different musical avenues and creative directions.
Why is Pablo Benegas leaving now?
The band stated that Benegas’s departure was amicable and that he is pursuing other opportunities. Specific reasons were not detailed.
Will Van Gogh’s Ear release new music with Montero back in the band?
The band has hinted at upcoming projects, but no specific details about new music have been released yet. Fans are hopeful for new material.
Where can I find more information about Van Gogh’s Ear?
You can find more information on their official website and social media channels. https://www.vanguoghsear.com/

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