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 proving that literature is not just a craft, but a way of being in the world. These days, her name is echoing strongly throughout 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 Cuenca Book Fair 2026 has been one of the major highlights of this year’s event. Not only because of her undeniable track record – which includes winning the Premio Planeta at just 24 for Melocotones helados – but also because of her ability to connect with readers. Around the fair’s stalls, she seemed completely at ease, chatting with long-time booksellers and signing copies with that distinctive handwriting of hers, bold and full of personality. It’s the same energy she brought just days ago, when she sat down in the studio to talk about, among many other things, literature, of course, but also the regularisation of immigrants and the most human of current affairs. Because that’s the thing about Espido Freire: she’s never been one to stay in an ivory tower.

“I’m far too interested in being remembered”

One of the most widely quoted lines in recent days – which sums up her character perfectly – came in a recent interview around the Cuenca fair. She said it without hesitation: “I’m far too interested in being remembered.” And make no mistake, it’s not a statement of arrogance; quite the opposite. It’s a statement of intent. In a world where a lot is published and reading is rushed, Freire champions ambition in its truest sense: the ambition to build a body of work that endures, to put words out there that matter. That reflection on literary memory resonates especially in a setting like Cuenca, a city steeped in history and culture, where every corner seems to urge you to pause for a moment. In her talks, she made it clear that she doesn’t write to fill shelves, but to leave a lasting impression.

An intimate relationship with the reader

If there’s one thing that defines Espido Freire, it’s this almost conspiratorial bond she has with those who pick up her books. In her public appearances, whether at a provincial 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 has explored the margins, female psychology and the darker corners of society with a perspective that brooks no pretence.

At the Cuenca Book Fair, beyond meeting her readers, she made it clear what her current priorities are. Those who had the chance to hear her noted her fierce defence of culture as a cornerstone of society. It’s no coincidence that in recent months her schedule has taken her across the length and breadth of Spain, from major cities to smaller fairs, because for her, the focus is wherever there’s an open book.

• Her time in Cuenca: An undisputed star, she left memorable quotes about the need to build a legacy.
• A voice on the airwaves: Her appearances on afternoon radio showed her versatility in tackling social issues with the same ease with which she dissects a literary character.
• A legacy in the making: Beyond the awards, Espido Freire insists that her greatest ambition is for her words to remain alive.

The perspective of a complete writer

With more than two decades of career behind her, Espido Freire has managed to reinvent herself without losing her essence. Those who thought she would be stuck in a particular style after winning the Planeta have had to revise their opinion with each new work. Because she, who started out as one of the brightest young promises, has become one of the most mature and critical voices in the Spanish literary landscape. And so, without any fuss, she has earned a place in readers’ memories.

While some writers chase the immediacy of media noise, Espido Freire plays in another league: the league of those who understand that literature is a muscle exercised through truth. And judging by her schedule, moving from one fair to the next with collaborations in major media, it seems that muscle is in top form. If you get the chance to see her at an upcoming event, don’t hesitate. It’s worth listening to someone who, with such a keen interest in being remembered, gives us the tools each day to understand a little better who we are.