Germán Delibes, the second of 18 grandchildren of the acclaimed Spanish novelist Miguel Delibes, has published a new tribute book titled El abuelo Delibes through the Destino publishing house.
The 52-year-old author set out to present the human figure behind the literary icon, offering an intimate perspective drawn from decades of personal family memories and shared moments.
Alongside the book, Germán Delibes is conducting an educational lecture series titled El otro Delibes, organized in partnership with the Miguel Delibes Foundation and the Regional Ministry of Education of Castile and León.
A Pop Icon in Valladolid
The initiative aims to preserve the novelist's memory and promote reading among younger generations in his native region of Castile and León, where Miguel Delibes remains a central figure of post-war Spanish literature.
Germán Delibes noted that in his home city of Valladolid, his grandfather is viewed almost as a pop icon among local residents and literature enthusiasts.
Following a delay of roughly 13 or 14 years after it was initially promised, Valladolid has also opened the Casa Museo housing the writer's complete legacy for public exhibition.
In secondary education across the region, Miguel Delibes' classic novel El camino is included as recommended reading for second-year high school students preparing for university entrance examinations.
Germán Delibes said several teachers had written to express gratitude for his lectures, which provide students with a warmer and more accessible perspective on the author's life and work.
Tribute to a Beloved Grandmother
When asked to choose a single favorite from his grandfather's extensive bibliography, Germán Delibes highlighted Señora de rojo sobre fondo gris.
Although not necessarily his grandfather's most famous work, the novel served as a poignant tribute to Miguel's wife, Ángeles, who died at the age of 51.
Germán Delibes explained that while only he and his cousin Elisa were born before her death, the novel allowed all 18 grandchildren to understand their grandmother's pivotal role in supporting Miguel's writing career.
Following the loss of his wife, Miguel Delibes remained a widower for nearly four decades and never remarried.
He chose instead to live alongside family in a duplex apartment building, occupying an eighth-floor apartment directly below his daughter Elisa and her family on the ninth floor.
Warmth Behind a Stern Public Image
Germán Delibes was 37 years old when his grandfather passed away, giving him ample time to form clear personal memories of their relationship.
He explained that one of his primary motives for writing the book was to challenge the widely held perception of Miguel Delibes as a dry, stern Castilian figure.
Within the family circle, the writer was pleasant, possessed a strong sense of humor, and showed far greater leniency toward his grandchildren than toward his children.
Germán's aunt Elisa previously recalled in an interview that Miguel had been a demanding parent with his seven children, yet proved exceptionally permissive and affectionate with his grandchildren.
Though a chapter in the book is titled Enfados in recognition of occasional strict moments, Germán recalled that his grandfather never scolded him harshly, even when his academic performance fell short.
Reluctance Toward International Honors
Miguel Delibes achieved Spain's highest literary award, the Cervantes Prize, and was frequently considered for the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Germán Delibes recounted how a delegation from the Swedish Academy once traveled to Valladolid to interview his grandfather as part of the evaluation process.
However, the author showed no interest in campaigning for the award, with his uncle Juan observing that winning a Nobel requires background diplomacy that Miguel flatly refused to pursue.
Germán recalled his grandfather stating that he would pay money to avoid traveling to Sweden, as he was in poor health and deeply disliked public ceremonies, official speeches, and large crowds.
Responsibility and Future Plans
None of Miguel Delibes' seven children or 18 grandchildren went on to write novels, though some pursued non-fiction in their professional fields.
Germán's uncle Miguel, a biologist, and his father, an archaeologist, have both authored works within their respective disciplines.
Germán Delibes admitted that carrying the family name and writing about his grandfather brought a heavy sense of responsibility and fear of severe critical judgment.
He initially intended only to self-publish the manuscript as a private gift for his cousins, but positive critical reception eventually eased the family's concerns.
Ramón García had previously published a comprehensive biography of the novelist, but Germán's work adds previously unpublished personal details.
Looking ahead, the 52-year-old author stated he has no plans to write further books about his grandfather and feels somewhat overwhelmed by the demands of media interviews and book presentations.
At the same time, Germán Delibes emphasized that he remains energetic and eager to continue enjoying life.
