Espido Freire: “I’m Far Too Interested in Being Remembered” – The Writer Takes Centre Stage at the Cuenca Book Fair 2026

There are writers who pass through life leaving a mark that’s hard to measure. And then there’s Espido Freire, that force of nature from Bilbao who has spent decades showing that literature isn’t just a craft – it’s a way of being in the world. These days, her name is resonating strongly in the province of Cuenca, where the Book Fair has given her a central spot. And rightly so: when Espido speaks, you listen.

From Cuenca to the airwaves: the enduring relevance of a unique voice

Espido Freire’s presence at the 2026 Cuenca Book Fair has been one of the big drawcards of this year’s event. Not just because of her impeccable CV – which includes winning the Planeta Prize at just 24 for Melocotones helados – but because of her gift for connecting with readers. Around the fair’s stalls, she looked completely at ease, chatting with lifelong booksellers and signing copies in that distinctive handwriting of hers – firm and full of personality. It’s the same energy she brought just days earlier when she sat down in the studio to talk about, among many other things, literature, of course, but also about the regularisation of immigrants and the more human side of current affairs. Because that’s the thing about Espido Freire: she’s never shut herself away in an ivory tower.

“I’m far too interested in being remembered”

One of the quotes that’s been doing the rounds lately – and sums up her character perfectly – came in a recent interview tied to the Cuenca fair. She said it without hesitation: “I’m far too interested in being remembered.” And make no mistake, this isn’t a boast; quite the opposite. It’s a statement of intent. In a world where a lot gets published and reading is often rushed, Freire champions ambition in the best sense: the ambition to build a body of work that endures, to put words out there that truly matter. This reflection on literary memory feels especially resonant in a place like Cuenca, a city steeped in history and culture, where every corner seems to ask you to pause for a moment. In her talks, she made it clear she doesn’t write just to fill shelves, but to leave something that lingers.

An intimate connection with readers

If there’s one thing that defines Espido Freire, it’s that almost conspiratorial bond she shares with anyone who picks up her books. In her public appearances – whether at a regional book fair or on a radio show – you get the sense that she’s one of us. And she proves it every time she opens her mouth, because she doesn’t just talk about literature; she lives it. From her early novels to her most recent essays, she’s explored the margins, female psychology and the darker corners of society with a perspective that never tries to be anything it’s not.

At the Cuenca Book Fair, beyond meeting her readers, she made her current priorities clear. Those lucky enough to hear her speak noted her fierce advocacy for culture as a social pillar. It’s no coincidence that in recent months her schedule has taken her crisscrossing Spain, from big cities to smaller fairs, because for her, the spotlight belongs wherever there’s an open book.

• Her time in Cuenca: The undisputed star, she left behind memorable words on the importance of building a legacy.
• A voice on the airwaves: Her appearances on afternoon radio showed off her versatility, tackling social issues with the same ease she brings to dissecting a literary character.
• A legacy in the making: Beyond the awards, Espido Freire insists her greatest ambition is that her words live on.

The perspective of a writer in full

With over two decades in her career, Espido Freire has managed to reinvent herself without losing her essence. Those who thought she’d stay anchored to a single style after winning the Planeta Prize have had to revise their views with each new release. Because she, who started out as one of the brightest young promises, has become one of the most mature and incisive voices in Spanish literature. And she’s done so without fanfare, earning her place in readers’ memories.

While some writers chase the fleeting buzz of media attention, Espido Freire plays in a different league: the league of those who understand that literature is a muscle strengthened by truth. And judging by her schedule – one book fair after another, and collaborations with leading media – that muscle seems to be in peak condition. If you get the chance to see her at an upcoming event, don’t hesitate. It’s worth listening to someone who, being so intent on being remembered, gives us the tools every day to better understand who we are.