The motion, promoted by the department led by José Carlos Acha, will be put to a vote in this month's plenary session, seeking to honor one of Canarias' most prominent storytellers. Vázquez-Figueroa, who prefers to be described as a «storyteller» rather than a writer, has left a significant mark on the literary scene.
Born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1936, Alberto Vázquez-Figueroa humorously recounts his childhood, marked by scarcity and an unexpected turn at age nine when he moved to Africa. There, in the Spanish Protectorate of Morocco, he developed a deep affection for the continent, which would later become the setting for many of his works.
“"Old Lara approached me one night and said, 'Alberto, when are we going to fix this?'... I don't remember exactly what I told him, but it was something like, 'José Manuel, don't mess up my life!'"
Throughout his career, Vázquez-Figueroa has covered nine war conflicts as a special correspondent, an experience that has often inspired his novels. Among his most notable works are Ébano, Manaos, and Tuareg, many of which have been adapted into film or television.
The writer, who considers himself «a bit of a rogue and a womanizer», has previously rejected the Premio Planeta, arguing that the recognition would limit his creative freedom. Currently, at almost 90 years old, he is working on a female version of Robinson Crusoe, maintaining his innovative spirit.
“"I wish I could tie the shoelaces of Mr. Jules Verne"
Regarding Canarias, where his children live in Lanzarote, Vázquez-Figueroa expresses concern about urban speculation and the impact of mass tourism, although he still values the quality of life on the islands. The Gold Medal proposal now awaits the endorsement of politicians in the upcoming insular plenary session.
