Samanta Schweblin Wins Inaugural Aena Prize for Spanish-Language Narrative with 'El buen mal'

Samanta Schweblin has received the inaugural Aena Prize, a newly established literary accolade featuring a grand prize of one million euros and 30,000 euros for each finalist, ranking it among the most generously funded awards globally. This announcement occurred in Barcelona on Wednesday, April 8. Sponsored by airport operator Aena, the prize aims to bolster the Spanish-language literary scene for over 630 million speakers across the Atlantic. In addition to the monetary rewards, Aena will acquire at least 5,000 copies of each finalist's and winner's books, with a maximum budget of 1,404,000 euros, for distribution to employees and local municipalities. The jury, led by Rosa Montero, included notable figures such as Pilar Adón and Jorge Fernández Díaz. Five finalists were chosen, including Schweblin's 'El buen mal'.