Embracing Summer Reading in the Canary Islands
Summer has arrived, bringing much-deserved vacations for many fortunate individuals. It is the perfect time to unwind, bask under the sun, or find solace in the shade with a good book. Whether it’s thrilling adventure novels, insightful social science essays, suspenseful detective narratives, scientific writing, travel literature, or introspective poetry, the genre matters little—what’s essential is fostering a love for reading. This is particularly vital in a community like the Canary Islands, which struggles with low reading rates in Spain, a country itself ranking poorly in this regard according to OECD statistics.
Celebrating Insular Literature
Recognizing this pressing issue, we take a moment to recommend some essential island literature for this summer. This year serves as an excellent occasion to champion the rich literary works stemming from the islands, particularly with various events such as book fairs, festivals, and cycles featuring local authors. Among the prominent figures capturing attention in the easternmost islands of the Canaries are Ángela Guerra and Miguel de Unamuno. The suggestions below focus on the significance of the landscapes of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, providing readers with a unique context for these literary treasures.
Remembering Ángel Guerra
This summer marks the 150th anniversary of José Betancort Cabrera, better known by his literary pseudonym, Ángel Guerra, who has made substantial contributions to literature and journalism. In honor of this milestone, the Government of the Canary Islands has dedicated the 2024 Día de las Letras Canarias to him. This serves as a perfect opportunity to revisit Guerra’s poignant yet impactful narratives that reveal the stark realities faced by farmers and fishermen on Lanzarote a century ago. Recent publications include fresh editions of his works with comprehensive studies, such as Ángel Guerra, Relatos canarios (2023) and El justicia del llano (2024). Visitors can also explore an exhibition dedicated to this literary figure at the Casa de la Cultura Agustín de la Hoz in Arrecife during the summer.
Celebrating Miguel de Unamuno’s Legacy
In the twin island of Fuerteventura, various activities have been ongoing since March to commemorate the centenary of Miguel de Unamuno, who was exiled by dictator Primo de Rivera in 1924. Events include talks, theatrical visits, and even escape room games! This summer, the highlight will focus on operatic representations of Unamuno’s sonnets reflecting on the Maxorata region, adapted musically and theatrically by Igor Escudero and performed by the Ópera Fuerteventura association.
Exploring Insular Classics
Beyond Ángel Guerra and Unamuno, both Lanzarote and Fuerteventura offer a plethora of literary gifts for varied tastes. A key figure to consider is Antonio María Manrique, whose works span research and fiction. Born in Tetir in 1837, he spent much of his life in Lanzarote before passing away in 1906. Manrique’s works, such as Fernando de Guanarteme and Estudios sobre el lenguaje de los primitivos canarios o guanches, are essential for understanding the cultural and historical landscape of the region.
For the linguistics enthusiasts, Las escrituras del pueblo majo: Claves para el poblamiento de Canarias (2021) by Nona Perera and Juan Belmonte delves into the unique libyo-Latin script found solely in these islands. Archaeology aficionados will find value in recent findings around the Bocaina, particularly the Franconorman settlement of Rubicón in Lanzarote and a Roman workshop on Isla de Lobos.
The Emigration Story of Josefina Plá
Another pivotal name in the literary scene is Josefina Plá (1903-1999). Though born on Isla de Lobos and having spent her childhood in Lanzarote’s lighthouses, her career flourished in Paraguay, blending her interests in painting and ceramics with poetry and narrative. Despite her international acclaim, including multiple awards in the Americas, she remains a crucial figure bridging the islands and the broader literary world.
Olivia Stone’s Insights
Another classic author is Olivia Stone, who documented the islands 140 years ago in her renowned work Tenerife y sus seis satélites. While many European travelers chronicled their experiences in these landscapes, few have made as significant an impact as Stone. Her story inspired journalist Miriam Ybot’s recent novel Eliza, highlighting the enduring resonance of her words.
A Flourishing Poetry Scene
Recently, both islands have witnessed a vibrant resurgence in poetry, particularly from female voices such as Daniela Martín Hidalgo, Macarena Nieves, María Valerón, and Lana Corujo. Their works reflect the contemporary landscape of insular literature while honoring the rich literary traditions of the past.
A Literary Perspective on Science and Nature
In a region designated as a Biosphere Reserve, literature focusing on nature and science is crucial. A recent addition is La isla de los volcanes. Guía de geología y paisaje by Roger Trend, which elucidates the geological wonders of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. It explains that these islands are geologically identical, even noting that during glacial periods, one could walk across what is now the Bocaina Strait!
For those intrigued by the volcanic history, Tierra quemada unfolds a fictional narrative during the early months of the eruptions leading to the creation of the Timanfaya National Park. Meanwhile, places like Puerto Cabras are explored in depth by researchers Francisco Javier Cerdeña Armas and Javier Cerdeña García in their recent publication Cuaderno de Puerto Cabras II.
Literature on Social Issues
Literature also acts as a mirror reflecting the historical realities of the islands, as explored in Ismael Lozano’s Vagos y maleantes, which addresses the sorrowful history of the agricultural penal colony in Tefía and the struggles of the LGTBIQ+ community during Franco’s regime.
Enchanting Children’s Literature
Lastly, children’s literature in the Canaries is rich with delightful stories. Titles like Comienza la aventura en Fuerteventura by Lárami Alonso introduce young readers to exciting tales of enchanting characters such as Rainbow, a traveling parrot. Similarly, the playful Alisio wind guides children through adventures in the Fórmula creativa series.
Conclusion
This diverse and engaging showcase of literary works provides valuable insight into the unique stories and cultural nuances of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. The summer is a perfect opportunity for locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the beauty of insular literature, discovering the rich tapestries woven by both past and present authors in these remarkable islands.
