The Instituto Cervantes Manchester dedicates the second session of its Library Talks series to commemorating the 140th anniversary of Elena Fortún’s birth.

“Elena in the Revolution. Conversation on Elena Fortún’s Literary Works” will feature Professor Nuria Capdevila-Argüelles (University of Exeter) and Christina Linares (Renacimiento Publishing House), who will explore the life, context, and legacy of one of the most influential voices in twentieth‑century Spanish literature.

Elena Fortún is widely known in Spain for her series about Celia, a character who shaped the reading experience of several generations and through whom the author examined key aspects of social life in her time. Her work includes titles such as Celia en la revolución, where she offers a personal perspective on the Spanish Civil War and its impact on everyday life.

This event will explore the significance of her career, the development of her writing, and the growing interest in her work beyond Spain, particularly in the English‑speaking world, where recent translations have broadened access to her books and renewed attention to her legacy.