ODILO had the honor of welcoming Begoña Valero, the winner of the 2024 ODILO Historical Novel Award in Cartagena, for her work “Un testigo llamado Cervantes”.
She joined us to share not only her excitement about this well-deserved recognition, but also to discuss the details of her historical novel, a fascinating tale of crime, betrayal, and justice in 16th-century Valencia.
A real story shrouded in mystery
“Un testigo llamado Cervantes” is inspired by real events, immersing readers in the disappearance of Jeroni, a young Valencian fisherman in 1580, and the dramatic events surrounding the trial of the alleged culprits. Pere de Pax, a Mallorcan merchant, takes it upon himself to investigate and save his friends from an unjust conviction. This is where Miguel de Cervantes enters the scene, having just returned from captivity in Algiers. Cervantes becomes a key witness in the trial, setting off a series of events that shake the city.
During her visit, Begoña Valero shared how her interest in Cervantes led her to choose him as the witness for this thrilling novel of crime and justice. “We often picture Cervantes as the older man writing Don Quixote, but I was drawn to the younger Cervantes, a brave soldier, risking his life not just for his own sake, but for those around him.”
The value of digitalization in promoting reading
The author emphasized the importance of digital platforms like ODILO in promoting reading, especially among young people, as they allow access to personalized content tailored to individual tastes, ages, and specific needs. She also highlighted how these platforms connect people from different places through book clubs and other shared experiences.
As an author who has witnessed the transition from traditional to digital reading, Begoña noted the positive impact of this shift, offering users thousands of multi-format literary resources at the click of a button, making reading more accessible and sustainable. Moreover, it removes geographical barriers and encourages more people to read without requiring physical access to resources.
Many more ideas to bring to life
At the end of the interview, Begoña gave us a sneak peek into her upcoming projects, where she will continue exploring historical novels while also venturing into new literary genres, sure to spark her readers’ curiosity.
At ODILO, we are proud to have recognized her talent, and we are confident that “Un testigo llamado Cervantes” will continue to connect readers of all ages.
Thank you, Begoña, for sharing your work with us! Enjoy this well-deserved award!
