Sonsoles Ónega promotes novel 'Llevará tu nombre' and addresses criticism of Planeta award

Sonsoles Ónega, a Spanish television journalist and writer, is at the center of media attention due to the promotion of her latest novel, titled „Llevará tu nombre”. The book was released shortly after the author won one of the most important and lucrative literary awards in the Spanish-speaking world – the Planeta Award in 2023. However, Ónega's victory, as someone known primarily from television, sparked controversy and allegations of self-interest from some literary circles. The Planeta Award, funded by the Planeta publishing house, has been awarded since 1952. Its high monetary endowment, reaching one million euros, makes it one of the most lucrative literary prizes in the world. The competition's history is rich with discussions about selection criteria and the commercial nature of the award. In a series of interviews given to Spanish media outlets such as Antena 3, ABC, and La Razón, Ónega firmly addressed these allegations. In a conversation with „20 minutos”, she stated that the criticism directed at her had a „taste of dishonest interest”. She emphasized her true literary calling and emotional involvement in the creative process. On the „Antena 3” program, the author admitted she feels very moved and added: „I would be ungrateful if I didn't admit that”. These statements are a response to suggestions that her victory was more related to media recognition than literary value.

Simultaneously, Ónega is promoting her new novel, which is the fruit of her work after the victory. The book presentation took place in Madrid, where the writer appeared in an elegant outfit – a leather skirt and a mohair sweater – which was noted by the magazine „La Razón”. The book's theme focuses on the mother-daughter relationship, and the title „Llevará tu nombre” (English: „She Will Bear Your Name”) suggests questions about legacy and identity. In an interview for „ABC”, the author explained that her novel is not aimed against men. „I am not writing against men; there are good men and bad women” – she said, pointing to the complexity of the characters she portrays. She also defended the right to fair literary criticism, but opposed personal attacks. In „La Razón”, she stated: „You can say a novel is shit, but not that 'this woman is a product'”. „Se puede decir que una novela es una mierda, pero no "esta mujer es un producto"” (You can say a novel is shit, but not that 'this woman is a product') — Sonsoles Ónega Although the articles do not provide specific numerical data regarding sales or the prize amount, they mention the symbolic one million euros that accompanies the Planeta Award. An article from „ABC” even asks what Ónega did with that sum, although it does not provide a specific answer. The entire situation illustrates the broader phenomenon of the commercialization of literature and tensions between the media world and the literary community. The promotion of the new book and the author's response to criticism represent an attempt to affirm her position as a writer, not just a media celebrity.