Rosa Chacel was hard, demanding, especially with herself, implacable and always unsatisfied, as if she could not manage to say what she wanted to say.
I suppose that is why she was active until the end, writing, thinking, correcting her novels, improving herself, because she knew very well what she was looking for: good literature.
Seix Barral brings together Chacel's three diary entries in a single, forceful volume: Alcancía. Ida (1940-1966), Alcancía. Vuelta (1967-1981) and Alcancía. Estación Termini (1982-1994). Chacel oversaw the editing and selection of the first two, while the editing of the third installment was done by her son, Carlos Pérez Chacel, and Antonio Piedra.
This complete edition comes with a prologue and notes by Elena Medel, who does an impeccable job; the notes provide basic data to situate the character or give context without invading or overwhelming.
By: Paloma Rodríguez
