The Premi Llibreter 2026 has recognized Ferran Garcia's 'Sau' and Rita Bullwinkel's 'Golpe de luz-Copde llum'. The awards ceremony also addressed challenges facing independent bookstores in Catalonia.
The Premi Llibreter 2026, one of Catalonia's most respected literary awards, has named Ferran Garcia's novel 'Sau' as the top work in Catalan literature this year. The announcement comes as Catalan bookstores rally to defend their role in the cultural landscape, emphasizing the need to protect independent shops from growing commercial pressures.
In the category of Other Literatures, the award went to Rita Bullwinkel for 'Golpe de luz-Copde llum', published by Sexto Piso and Segona Perifèria. The prize for Catalan Children's and Young Adult Literature was given to 'Cartes imprevistes', a collaboration between Tina Vallès and illustrator Mercè Galí. Meanwhile, 'El gigante de hierro-El gegant de ferro' by the late Ted Hughes, illustrated by Chris Mould, was recognized in the Children's and Young Adult Literature from Other Literatures category. The Illustrated Album award went to 'El rincón de pensar-El racó depensar' by Pieter van hen Heuvel, translated by Maria Rosich. In the field of Essay, Thought and Other Narratives, Marina Garcés was honored for 'La pasión de los extraños-La passió dels estranys'.
All winners were selected by a vote among member bookstores of the Gremi de Llibreries de Catalunya, which has organized the Llibreter awards for 27 years. This year's ceremony, held under the slogan 'Combate la distopía. Escoge la librería', doubled as a call to action against practices that threaten the future of independent bookstores. Organizers highlighted the importance of supporting the book supply chain and resisting trends that undermine local shops.
The event also paid tribute to two veteran booksellers, Irene Tortós-Sala of Librería L’Altell and Araceli Clares of Librería Hispano Americana, marking their 35 years in the profession. Journalist and writer Elisenda Roca hosted the ceremony, with the keynote address delivered by Xavier Vidal from Nollegiu.
Ferran Garcia, recognized for 'Sau', described the award as a moment of personal joy, noting the novel's focus on transforming the nature, folklore, and memory of Osona into a mythical landscape. Rita Bullwinkel, speaking via video from San Francisco, expressed gratitude for the reception of her work in Catalonia. Tina Vallès and Mercè Galí highlighted the growing recognition for 'Cartes imprevistes', while Chris Mould, illustrator of 'El gigante de hierro', also shared his appreciation remotely. Maria Rosich, translator of 'El rincón de pensar-El racó depensar', joined the celebration online with a lighthearted message.
Marina Garcés, awarded for 'La pasión de los extraños', reflected on the theme of friendship explored in her book and the longstanding desire to be recognized by the Llibreter, especially as bookstores face increasing pressures. She emphasized the role of bookstores as spaces for connection beyond private life.
The Premi Llibreter does not include a cash prize but is considered a significant honor within the Spanish literary community. According to the Gremi de Llibreries de Catalunya, currently led by Eric del Arco, the award aims to reinforce the bookseller's role as a curator and to promote high-quality literature. The Llibreter has become a key event for authors, publishers, and readers in Catalonia, reflecting both literary trends and the ongoing challenges facing independent bookstores. In Spain, independent bookstores continue to play a crucial role in supporting local authors and maintaining cultural diversity, despite competition from large online retailers and changing consumer habits.
