Tenerife Writer Víctor Ruiz Wins 2025 Benito Pérez Armas Novel Prize for 'Nudo'
Tenerife-born writer Víctor Ruiz has won the 2025 Benito Pérez Armas Novel Prize for his debut long-form work, Nudo, a complex narrative that transitions from his poetic roots to challenge conventional storytelling.
Tenerife-born writer Víctor Ruiz has stepped into the spotlight after winning the 2025 Benito Pérez Armas Novel Prize, awarded by the CajaCanarias Foundation. The jury honored his latest work, Nudo, which marks a significant shift in his career as he moves from poetry to long-form fiction.
This prestigious award, which has recognized many notable figures in Canarian literature, offers Ruiz a valuable platform for his unconventional writing style. Previously known for poetry collections like Luminarias, Urnas de la vigilia, and Viaje hacia los signos, as well as his short story collection Lugar (2022), Ruiz continues to challenge traditional storytelling in his new book. Instead of a straightforward plot, he invites the reader to take an active role in building the story, using language as the foundation of the experience.
Nudo avoids the typical formulas of commercial fiction. While the story begins with a simple premise—one character accompanying another toward an uncertain destination—it intentionally blurs the lines between reality and speculation, and presence and absence. For Ruiz, this focus on uncertainty is more than just a stylistic choice; it is a stand against the standardization of modern culture.
The author views writing as a form of resistance against consumerism, aiming to create "cracks" in conventional thinking. His prose is heavily influenced by his poetic background, prioritizing rhythm and metaphor over simple factual exposition. Ultimately, Nudo is a complex work that rewards careful reading, encouraging us to look beyond the immediate and engage with the fragility and interconnectedness of our modern world.