Peruvian poet Carmen Ollé has been honored with the 2025 José Donoso Ibero-American Prize, a prestigious award recognizing her extensive literary career. The award, according to latercera.com, honors the long-term trajectory of authors, placing Ollé alongside luminaries such as Isabel Allende, Ricardo Pervia, and Samanta Schweblin.
Ollé expressed relief that the jury examined her broader body of work rather than focusing solely on her 1981 debut,Noches de Adrenalina. The poet noted that while her first book brought her initial fame for its bold exploration of female desire, she has written thirteen other books that often go unmentioned.
“I am used to people always talking about my first book and not mentioning the reading of my other books. I have about thirteen!” Ollé told Culto via telephone, as reported by La Tercera. “The fact that the jury read with meticulousness and interest many of my titles means that I have not worked in vain.”
Reflections on literature and reality
Ollé described the award as a form of recognition for a lifetime of effort, though she found it difficult to celebrate amidst current social instability. The author noted the violence currently affecting her home country, mentioning the recent deaths of drivers and passengers in Peru.
“I cannot celebrate alone in a moment when the world is surrounded by death and is in danger,” Ollé said.
During the interview, the poet also addressed the evolving role of women in contemporary literature. She observed that modern female writers often have more freedom to dedicate themselves to their craft than previous generations.
“Now, women writers have much more time to dedicate to literature than to the kitchen,” Ollé remarked. She added that many women are choosing to focus on their writing rather than traditional paths of motherhood or partnership.
Ollé also shared her views on the current state of the Latin American literary scene. She criticized a trend of writers seeking overnight fame and success through social media or reputation-building rather than substance.
“Don't be writing for success; write because you are looking to ask questions about reality, about life. That is what is important,” she told her students in writing workshops, according to the report.
