Winning a literary award is an achievement in the career of any writer, a recognition of the talent and effort dedicated to the creation of a work. However, this success also has its less pleasant side: the increase in criticism. Literary awards, in addition to praise and recognition, also come with heightened scrutiny and sometimes harsh criticism. Sonsoles Ónega, who also shines in this sector, has had to live this reality. But she has not remained silent.
The journalist has responded forcefully to the harsh criticism received for her latest novel, “The Maid’s Daughters”, awarded the prestigious Planeta Prize. In a column in El Mundo, Ónega has reflected on the challenge of facing hostile criticism in the literary world, especially after the success of her work. In this sense, the author has highlighted the diversity of her readers and the importance of writing books that resonate with a wide audience.
Ónega has received many bad reviews, but one has stood out above all: that of Literature professor Jordi Gracia. “As it does not always rain to everyone’s liking, I have also read some violent criticism that exorcises its demons against the work for interests that are not my responsibility to identify,” the presenter wrote.
This professor has signed a particularly harsh criticism, which has led Ónega to defend her work and her role as a writer. “It is exhausting to display your service record as if you had to apologize,” she acknowledged. Despite her questions, Ónega has reaffirmed her commitment to writing and to her readers, noting that “readers are the true critics.”
The writer has also referred to the experience of being a woman in the field of literature and the media, and has stressed that she has not felt judged because of her gender. On the contrary, she values ??the support she has received from a diverse audience, highlighting the presence of women of all ages and social conditions in the signatures of her novels.
Finally, echoing Princess Leonor’s motto, “I only know how to keep going”, the writer has closed her column with a message of perseverance and dedication. Despite criticism and attempts to belittle her work, she remains firm in her path, focused on moving forward and continuing to write for her readers, the “sovereigns” of her work.
