Espido Freire: “I’m 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’s spent decades proving that literature isn’t just a craft—it’s a way of being in the world. These days, her name is echoing 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 Cuenca Book Fair 2026 has been one of this edition's biggest draws. Not just because of her undeniable CV—which includes winning the Planeta Prize at just 24 for Melocotones helados—but because of her ability to connect with readers. Around the fair, she looked at ease, chatting with long-time booksellers and signing copies in that unmistakable handwriting of hers, bold and full of character. It's the same energy she brought just days earlier, when she sat down in the studio to talk about literature, of course, but also about the regularisation of immigrants and the more human side of current events. Because that’s the thing about Espido Freire: she’s never been one to stay in an ivory tower.

“I’m too interested in being remembered”

One of the phrases that’s been making the rounds lately, and which perfectly sums up her attitude, came from a recent interview tied to the Cuenca fair. She said it without hesitation: “I’m too interested in being remembered.” And look—this isn’t a boast, quite the opposite. It’s a statement of intent. In a world where a lot gets published and read in a hurry, Freire champions a healthy kind of ambition: to build a body of work that endures, to put words that matter out there. This reflection on literary memory hits home especially in a setting 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 a lasting impression.

A close relationship with readers

If there’s one thing that defines Espido Freire, it’s this almost conspiratorial bond with those who pick up her books. In her public appearances, whether at a regional 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 more recent essays, she’s explored the margins, female psychology, and the darker corners of society with a perspective that never feels performative.

At the Cuenca Book Fair, beyond meeting her readers, she made her current priorities clear. Those who had the chance to hear her noted her strong defence of culture as a social cornerstone. It’s no coincidence that in recent months her schedule has taken her right across Spain, from big cities to smaller fairs, because for her, the focus is wherever an open book is.

• Her time in Cuenca: As the undeniable star, she left behind memorable quotes about the need to build a legacy.
• Voice on the airwaves: Her appearances on afternoon radio showed her versatility in tackling social issues with the same ease she brings to dissecting a literary character.
• A legacy in progress: Beyond the awards, Espido Freire insists her greatest ambition is to keep her words alive.

The perspective of a total 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’d be stuck in one style after the Planeta have had to revise their opinions with each new release. Because she, who started out as one of the brightest young talents, has become one of the most mature and critical voices in Spanish literature. And she’s done it without fuss, earning her place in readers’ memories.

While some writers chase the fleeting noise of media attention, Espido Freire plays a different game: the game of those who understand that literature is a muscle you work out with truth. And judging by her schedule—going from one fair to the next, with features in leading media—that muscle looks to be in top shape. If you get the chance to see her at an upcoming event, don’t hesitate. It’s worth listening to someone who, with such an interest in being remembered, gives us the tools every day to understand ourselves a little better.