For the first time in over a decade, Anagrama’s Herralde Prize has recognized two authors in a single year. Xita Rubert, 28, becomes the youngest winner in the award’s history, while 62-year-old Cynthia Rimsky adds this prestigious accolade to her long literary career. Rubert, raised between Barcelona and Galicia, is pursuing a PhD at Princeton University and lives in New York City. Rimsky, a Chilean author of ten novels, resides in Buenos Aires, where she teaches at the Universidad Nacional de las Artes.
The winning novels—Rubert’s The Key Biscayne Affair and Rimsky’s Clara and Confusion—were published by Anagrama in Spain on November 27, with editions across Latin and South America set for release this month. Both authors received €15,000 advances, a recognition that positions their works for international translation deals, according to Anagrama’s editorial director Silvia Sesé.
Rubert’s novel, blending American noir and British humor, follows a divorced father navigating eccentric island life near Miami. Rimsky’s work, her first with Anagrama, introduces a bold narrative voice with translation rights managed by the Indent Agency in partnership with the publisher.
Established in 1983, Anagrama’s Herralde Prize is a cornerstone of Spanish-language literature, spotlighting both emerging and established authors. Founded in 1969 and owned by Feltrinelli, Anagrama remains independent of publishing giants Planeta and Penguin Random House.
