María del Mar Rodríguez to Receive Award at Tacoronte Historical Novel Festival

María del Mar Rodríguez has become a vital voice in contemporary Canary Islands literature, known for reclaiming historical memory through a female perspective. Her narrative cycle, Relatos de unas islas desamparadas (Tales of Forsaken Islands), has now reached its conclusion. This trilogy, published by Baile del Sol, includes La prestamista (The Moneylender), La tuerta (The One-Eyed Woman), and La viuda blanca (The White Widow), marking a significant milestone in her career.

In recognition of this work, Rodríguez will receive an award at the sixth annual Ciudad de Tacoronte Historical Novel Festival this Saturday, November 14, at the Casa de la Cultura in Tacoronte. The event will feature a speech by author José Zoilo and a performance by violinist Ana Obando Rivas. It will also highlight the evolution of an author who began her writing career after retiring from her work as a public school guidance counselor.

Rodríguez is celebrated for bringing silenced stories to light. By collaborating with researchers like Salvador González Vázquez and Aarón León Álvarez, she ensures her work is grounded in rigorous historical accuracy. Her stories, which span from the mid-19th century to the postwar era, avoid romanticizing island life, choosing instead to focus on the harsh realities faced by women. She remains deeply committed to highlighting women’s experiences, a theme she intends to keep at the heart of her future projects.

Beyond her success in Spain, where her books are widely read and discussed in book clubs, Rodríguez has gained international recognition. Her appearances at the Coyoacán International Book Fair and the University of Carabobo Book Fair, along with her 2024 "Breakthrough Writer" award from the La Literatura es femenina competition, underscore her growing influence. As she promotes her latest book and begins new projects, Rodríguez continues to champion the importance of women’s roles in shaping our collective history.