«I Never Accepted Authoritarianism»: Peruvian Poet Carmen Ollé Receives the José Donoso Ibero-American Literature Award

Original article: «Nunca acepté el autoritarismo»: Poeta peruana Carmen Ollé recibió el Premio Iberoamericano de Letras José Donoso

Peruvian narrator, poet, and critic Carmen Ollé has been awarded the José Donoso Ibero-American Literature Award 2025, one of the most prestigious literary honors in the Spanish-speaking world, presented by the University of Talca in Chile.

Visibly moved during the ceremony held at the Lircay Campus, she expressed her gratitude for the recognition of her career and the impact of her work: «This means so much to me; it’s a great surprise. At my age, 78, after a long life, to reach this moment when many of my titles have been read fills me with joy,» Ollé stated.

University of Talca Rector Carlos Torres praised the poet’s long-standing contributions, highlighting that «since the eighties, there has been an imprint in her writings that, in a way, challenged conventions, which is relevant as they are voices that have been constructed over time, paving the way for other writers and poets.»

Meanwhile, Claire Mercier, the prize coordinator and an academic at the Institute of Humanistic Studies at the University of Talca, emphasized Carmen Ollé’s versatility and her influence on contemporary literature.

«She is fundamental to Peruvian and Latin American poetry. In 1981, she published Noches de Adrenalina, which was crucial in female poetry, addressing themes of the body, everyday life, and using a prosaic language. Today, it resonates greatly with feminist perspectives and non-normative views. She is now a key figure recognized by the José Donoso Award,» Mercier noted.

Selected Unanimously

Carmen Ollé was chosen unanimously, as stated in the minutes of the international jury’s decision regarding the 2025 award presentation.

During the event, the laureate received a medal and a monetary award of US$50,000, provided by Banco Santander, an institution involved in the award since its inception in 2001.

In light of this edition of the award, Marcela Albornoz, Director of Cultural-Artistic Extension and Editor at the University of Talca, announced the forthcoming publication of a book by Carmen Ollé, which will be included in the José Donoso Award Collection under the university’s imprint.

«The book is Halcones en el Parque and is currently in production, set to go to press soon. We are thrilled to publish this book by the recipient of the José Donoso Award. This is a remarkable collection that has showcased the works of all past award winners since 2001,» Albornoz emphasized.

Born in Lima in 1947, Carmen Ollé is a writer, literary critic, and a prominent figure in Peruvian female poetry. Her first poetry collection, Noches de Adrenalina, published in 1981, is a seminal work in Latin American literature.

Her poetic work later expanded with volumes such as Todo orgullo humea la noche (1988) and Girabel (2000).

Additionally, the award-winning poet was a member of the avant-garde collective Hora Zero, which transformed the Peruvian poetic scene and championed a new prominence for women in her country and in 1970s Latin America.

In this context, Carmen Ollé has consistently advocated for freedom through her writing, teaching, and writing workshops, affirming, «I never accepted authoritarianism, prejudices, or conventions,» a principle that has been a cornerstone of her work over time.

About the Award

The José Donoso Ibero-American Literature Award is bestowed annually by the University of Talca and recognizes writers in the genres of poetry, narrative, theater, or essay, originating from Latin America, Spain, or Portugal.

The award was established in 2001 by the Institute of Humanistic Studies at the University of Talca to honor the most significant figures in Ibero-American intellectual production while paying tribute to Chilean writer José Donoso.

Previous award recipients include:

Mariana Enriquez (2024); Lina Meruane (2023); Samanta Schweblin (2022); Cristina Rivera Garza (2021); Cristina Peri Rossi (2019); Mario Bellatin (2018); Raúl Zurita (2017); Pablo Montoya (2016); Rodrigo Rey Rosa (2015); Silviano Santiago (2014); Pedro Lemebel (2013); Juan Villoro (2012); Sergio Ramírez (2011); Diamela Eltit (2010); Jorge Volpi (2009); Javier Marías (2008); Miguel Barnet (2007); Antonio Lobo Antunes (2006); Ricardo Piglia (2005); Antonio Cisneros (2004); Isabel Allende (2003); Beatriz Sarlo (2002); and José Emilio Pacheco (2001). The 2020 award was suspended due to the pandemic.

The Citizen