From Transatlantic to Global
Crónica in Portuguese and Spanish as Literary Journalism
- 2026
- Book
- Editors
- Alice Trindade
- Isabel Soares
- Book Series
- Palgrave Studies in Literary Journalism
- Publisher
- Springer Nature Switzerland
About this book
This book explores a long-standing of literary journalism form written in Portuguese and Spanish, around the Atlantic triangle of Africa, Latin America and Europe: the crónica. World literary journalism provides audiences and researchers with a wide scope of texts from multiple origins and diverse cultural and language contexts, thus expanding the range of corpus identified for academic study. Crónica, written in two global languages that together form a community of roughly 730 million native speakers across Africa, Latin America and Europe, allows audiences to partake in the lives and struggles of journalists and their fellow citizens, in both the Global North and the Global South. While these cultures share two European languages and a journalistic genre tradition, they also update and adapt it to their own contemporary realities and issues. This book aims to introduce academic and general audiences to an under-researched instance of literary journalism, how it is shared and intersected by multiple cultures and how, ultimately, it is kept distinct from other literary journalism products.
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Table of Contents
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Frontmatter
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Chapter 1. This Thing Called Crónica
Alice Trindade, Isabel SoaresThis chapter delves into the world of crónica, a distinctive form of literary journalism written in Portuguese and Spanish. It traces the genre's historical roots, from medieval chronicles to modern-day narratives, and explores its role in societal and political criticism. The text highlights the work of notable cronistas, such as Fernão Lopes and Miguel Esteves Cardoso, and examines the genre's evolution in different regions, including Africa, Latin America, and the Iberian Peninsula. It also discusses the impact of crónica on public discourse and its relevance in the digital age. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the genre's unique ability to blend literature, journalism, and personal experiences to create engaging narratives that reflect the diversity of human experiences.AI Generated
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AbstractCrónica is the name given to a variety of literary journalism written in Portuguese and Spanish, coincidentally the main languages of the Global South. Cronistas are its practitioners. Usually a short piece, crónica is simultaneously a highly readable form of literary journalism and a tool for societal and political criticism, inspired by day-to-day events and common livelihood. The authors of the chapters in this book are Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking scholars, based in Europe and Latin America, and also, in some cases, cronistas themselves. Their attention is focused on this journalistic format, popular since the nineteenth century, heir to a longstanding tradition in stirring audiences with topics often so close to home that they are invisible to established public opinion. Crónica renders those common issues noticeable and relevant, turning their media inexistence into topic matter. Drawing on examples written in both languages, across the Atlantic and on three Continents, this volume analyzes a corpus seldom viewed together, while establishing their connections and differences, and further opening the study of crónica to English-speaking circles. -
Crónica and Collective Identity in Portuguese-Speaking Africa
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Frontmatter
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Chapter 2. Mozambican Crónicas and Portuguese: The Identitarian Construct of Mozambique in the Literary Journalism of Craveirinha and Patraquim
Isabel SoaresThis chapter delves into the significance of Portuguese language in Mozambique, exploring how it has become a cornerstone of Mozambican identity. Through an analysis of the crónicas by José Craveirinha and Luís Carlos Patraquim, the text examines the role of literary journalism in reflecting and shaping the cultural and linguistic landscape of the country. The chapter highlights the evolution of Portuguese in Mozambique, from its colonial origins to its current status as a unifying force in a multilingual society. It also explores the unique form of literary journalism known as crónica, which allows for a personal and subjective interpretation of newsworthy facts. The analysis reveals how both Craveirinha and Patraquim use crónica to discuss the place of Portuguese in Mozambique, emphasizing its role as a vessel for crossing linguistic divides and a genuinely Mozambican strength. The chapter concludes by arguing that crónica, like Portuguese, is inherently Mozambican, reflecting the country's rich cultural and linguistic diversity.AI Generated
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AbstractIn paradoxical twists of fate, for many once colonially occupied nations, the language of the oppressor became the language of freedom, unification, and healing. Examples abound in Africa, where European-originated languages such as English and Portuguese operated as instances of a lingua franca bridging ethno-linguistic divides for the pursuit of self-determination and the consolidation of national identities. Crónica, as a form of literary journalism located in the Portuguese and Spanish languages, was and has been instrumental in the panorama of Mozambican journalism as an instrument for identitarian construction. In Mozambican crónicas by José Craveirinha in a period of pre-independence and by Luís Carlos Patraquim in an era of post-independence, it is possible to see the Portuguese language undergoing processes of appropriation and change for the purposes of a Mozambican sense of pride and nationalism. Our study analyses how Portuguese linguistic hybridization occurs in the crónicas by these two authors while exemplary of the language paradox of the once colonized choosing the language of the former colonizer as a stepping stone for self-expression and identity. -
Chapter 3. Angolan Contemporary Crónicas: A Constructive Lens
Alice TrindadeThis chapter delves into the world of Angolan crónicas, a distinctive form of literary journalism that has evolved from its European roots to become a powerful tool for storytelling in the Global South. The focus is on the works of two contemporary journalists, Luís Fernando and Luísa Rogério, who use this format to explore and critique everyday life in Angola. The analysis is structured around three key categories: time, media choice, and author’s gender, each offering a unique lens through which to understand the crónicas. Time is examined not just chronologically but also politically, highlighting how it shapes societal norms and individual experiences. The choice of media, whether print or digital, influences the reach and impact of the crónicas, while the gender of the authors adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. The chapter also touches on the broader theoretical frameworks of literary journalism, constructive journalism, and post-colonial/decolonizing theory, providing a comprehensive understanding of the genre. Through detailed case studies, the chapter illustrates how crónicas can validate and make visible the lives and experiences of ordinary Angolans, contributing to a more nuanced and inclusive media landscape.AI Generated
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AbstractThe chapter analyzes a corpus of contemporary Angolan crónicas by Luís Fernando and Luísa Rogério, highlighting their evolution and impact, from the theoretical and analytical standpoint of literary journalism. The text explores the evolution of contemporary Angolan crónicas, highlighting the work of the two journalists, and how their articles reflect the social and political reality of Angola in the twenty-first century. The study focuses on the adaptation of crónica in African contexts, especially in Angola, and how the Portuguese language and local journalistic practices with Iberian roots intertwine.The analysis highlights that these chronicles reveal stories that might otherwise go unnoticed, contributing to the visibility and recognition of social realities in Angola.
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Crónica in Spain
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Frontmatter
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Chapter 4. The State of the Crónica in Spain: Influences, Effects, and Consequences
Antonio CuarteroThis chapter delves into the state of the crónica genre in Spain, highlighting its influences from Latin American journalism and the effects on Spanish journalists. It analyzes the works of Agus Morales, Gabi Martínez, Virginia Mendoza, and Silvia Cruz, identifying common aspects such as ethnography, self-referencing, and political commitment. The text explores the hybrid nature of the crónica, its funding challenges, and the incorporation of poetry and musicality in narrative journalism. It also discusses the shift towards topics like rural depopulation and the environment, moving away from traditional themes of violence and crime. The conclusion emphasizes the evolving nature of the crónica in Spain, its semantic complexities, and the precariousness faced by journalists in this field. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the crónica's current state and its future prospects in Spain.AI Generated
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AbstractWhenever a research territory is to be approached, it is necessary to bring order to the semantic field and contextualise its confusions and entanglements to obtain a better conceptual tool that provides identifiable limits to that territory (Scolari, 2013). In the case of the crónica genre within literary journalism in Spain, it has been anchored and linked to the effects and influences of the Latin American crónica, and therefore addressing the semantic territory covered by this genre in Spain is essential to understand its situation today.There is no doubt the Latin American crónica sets the way of this genre in Spanish and therefore the influences it exerts on the rest of the Ibero-American territories, as is the case of Spain, is unquestionable. The creativity has overflowed the American territory and has had a great influence on several Spanish journalists who have begun to break the limits of the genre to enlarge the margins of the crónica.This research work aims to analyse the state of the crónica in Spain through the influences it has received from the Latin American crónica and what effects this has had on the work of Spanish journalists, as well as the consequences of this work that will have future effects on narrative journalism. With this goal, we are going to analyse the works of Gabi Martínez, Virginia Mendoza, Agus Morales, and Silvia Cruz.These four journalists, through their recent work, both in books and in crónicas published in different magazines, have shown the influences the Latin American crónica is exerting on the Spanish crónica and how the rigid limits between the genres that exist in Spain are being diluted and phagocytising by the Latin American influence. In the works of these journalists, we can detect how the crónica concept started to hybridise with other genres like the reportage, the literary reportage, the profile and the interview, but above all, we can see a transformation in the subjects of this journalist’s deal. The thematic of their works is far from the national Spanish thematic in journalism, and it could be seen as an international vision in their worries about climatic change, rural depopulation, immigration, or new cultural perspectives. -
Chapter 5. Spanish Intellectuals and Their Time: José Ortega y Gasset and María Zambrano, Between Journalism and Current Affairs
Juan Antonio Garcia Galindo, Luis Ortega HurtadoThis chapter delves into the significant contributions of José Ortega y Gasset and María Zambrano to Spanish journalism during a period of profound political and social upheaval. The text explores how their writings in newspapers like El Imparcial and El Sol became powerful tools for fostering social awareness and advocating for political change. It highlights their roles in the Generation of '98 and the Generation of '27, respectively, and their efforts to educate and mobilize the public through their articles. The chapter also examines their responses to the political crises of the time, including the rise and fall of the Second Republic, and their commitment to democratic ideals. Additionally, it discusses their use of literary journalism to address contemporary issues, blending creative freedom with a sense of social responsibility. The conclusion underscores the enduring impact of their work on Spanish journalism and the broader cultural landscape.AI Generated
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AbstractDuring the first third of the twentieth century, many Spanish intellectuals found the press to be a preferential medium for raising social awareness and questioning the political situation of the time. The newspaper was a constantly evolving medium, and it became the ideal platform for intellectuals who were conscious of the historical period in which they lived, as they could use it to reflect on the most important events of their time from an analytical perspective.Through a comparative reading of Ortega and Zambrano, two of the most prominent intellectuals produced by our country in recent times, along with the articles they wrote, we intend to confirm the way in which elements that have been found in their writings are associated with the hybrid press genre known as the crónica. We have observed in both writers a repeated use of reality as a starting point for many of their journalistic texts, which were subsequently transformed into theoretical reflections.In order to carry out this study, we have decided to limit the present work to the first third of the twentieth century, specifically between 1904 (the first collaboration of a young Ortega y Gasset in the Madrid daily known as El Imparcial and, coincidentally, also the year of María Zambrano’s birth), and 1939, which marked the end of the Civil War and the beginning of a prolonged exile for many Spanish intellectuals.
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Latin America Through Crónica
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Frontmatter
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Chapter 6. Understanding Latin America: Spanish Narrative Journalists Writing in the Region
Dolors Palau-SampioThis chapter delves into the growth of narrative journalism in Latin America, particularly since the year 2000, and its impact on Spanish journalists who have made the region their professional home. The text highlights the role of the Gabo Foundation in promoting narrative journalism through workshops, gatherings, and the creation of a network of journalists dedicated to the crónica. It explores how these journalists discovered and adapted narrative tools to address the complex realities of Latin America, contrasting their experiences with practices in Spain. The chapter also examines the influence of the sociopolitical context, especially in Central America, on the development of narrative journalism. Through interviews with seven Spanish journalists, the text provides insights into their professional journeys, the challenges they faced, and the unique opportunities they found in Latin America. The conclusion underscores the growing interest in narrative journalism in Spain and the potential for further development in the region.AI Generated
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AbstractThis chapter focuses on the experiences of seven Spanish narrative journalists who discovered and developed a long-form, nonfiction genre during their professional assignments in Latin America. By using in-depth, semi-structured interviews, this research confirms the importance of the professional environment in assimilating the reporting, writing, and editing tools that characterize narrative journalism, after the journalist arrived in the region. They have reflected on the motivation acquired in the form of workshops, professional gatherings, and readings, mostly linked to the networking activity of the Foundation for New Ibero-American Journalism. Moreover, they emphasize the possibility of finding publishing opportunities for narrative journalism at a time when they were not available in Spain. The narrative journalists interviewed agreed that there has been increasing interest and openness to this type of journalism in this country since the end of the last decade. -
Chapter 7. Rodrigo Fluxá, Creator and Demolisher of the Chilean Crónica
Roberto HerrscherRodrigo Fluxá's work as a Chilean investigative reporter and narrative journalist has significantly influenced the magazine feature and true crime story genres. His innovative approach to storytelling challenges traditional methods and offers a unique perspective on crime and society. Fluxá's stories often involve unexpected twists and turns, revealing the complexities of human nature and the justice system. His work has been recognized with numerous awards and has had a profound impact on the field of journalism. The text also explores the evolution of the crónica genre in Latin America, highlighting the contributions of various writers and journalists. Fluxá's work is notable for its ability to engage readers and provoke thought, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the intersection of journalism and literature.AI Generated
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AbstractRodrigo Fluxá’s career reflects the evolution of the Latin American cronista in the twenty-first century. Beginning in widely read magazines, Fluxá adapted as long-form journalism shifted from print to books and digital formats. By July 2022, he was focused on audiovisual projects, co-writing Netflix’s first Chilean true crime film, 42 días, inspired by his book on Viviana Haeger. Unlike many literary journalists chasing market trends, Fluxá is committed to creating a coherent body of work. He aims to be writing more books over the next two decades, balancing commercial projects like Netflix collaborations with his literary goals. His innovative path in Chile’s constrained literary journalism landscape is both impressive and inspiring. In an environment often shaped by rigid conventions, Fluxá’s work exemplifies the enduring relevance and appeal of the Latin American crónica, offering hope for its continued vitality.
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Crónica as Active Voice in Europe and Across the Ocean
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Frontmatter
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Chapter 8. Humouristic Crónicas Cast Social and Political Criticism on Venezuelan Society: Miguel Otero Silva Under Scrutiny
Raquel Baltazar, Rita AmorimMiguel Otero Silva, a prominent Venezuelan writer and journalist, uses his crónicas to critique the social and political landscape of Latin America. His works, characterized by humor and satire, question human behavior under systems of government surveillance and economic control. The text delves into the impact of political life on the social organization and identity of individuals, highlighting the role of crónica as a tool for social and political commentary. It also explores the consequences of modernity and globalization on Latin American societies, emphasizing the peripheral character of Latin American modernity and the struggle for cultural and economic independence. The text concludes by examining the use of irony and humor in Otero Silva's crónicas as a means of social and political critique, making his works a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of Latin American society.AI Generated
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AbstractThe Venezuelan journalist and author, Miguel Otero Silva (MOS 1908–1985) has written a variety of crónicas making use of irony, humor and sarcasm to portray the Venezuelan society in the 1940s. This chapter scrutinizes several Crónicas Morrocoyunas, published in Un morrocoy en el infierno (1981) (A Morrocoy in hell) where the reader is given a realistic view of the injustices endured by the Venezuelan people at the hand of several consecutive dictators. As samples of literary journalism, these crónicas reveal true facts and real plights, authentic stories about ordinary people, along with the author’s penetrating subjectivity. MOS uses satire, irony, sarcasm and humor to cast political and social criticism on the cultural values, beliefs and attitudes not just of the Venezuelan society but of all Latin America. The impact of these crónicas echoes in later literary works and their recurrent themes. -
Chapter 9. Humour and Irony as Weapons of Criticism Portraying the Portuguese Society: Crónicas by Miguel Esteves Cardoso
Rita Amorim, Raquel BaltazarThis chapter delves into the rich history and evolution of the crónica, a unique literary-journalistic genre that has captivated Portuguese and Spanish-speaking authors for centuries. It explores how the crónica transitioned from a simple record of historical events to a sophisticated form of literary journalism, offering a blend of personal commentary and factual narration. The text highlights the work of Miguel Esteves Cardoso, a prominent Portuguese writer and journalist known for his witty and incisive crónicas that critique Portuguese society with humour and irony. Cardoso's crónicas are examined for their use of satire, sarcasm, and humour as tools for social and political commentary. The chapter also discusses the unique features of the crónica genre, such as its hybridity, immediacy, and subjective narration, which make it a powerful form of literary journalism. Through an analysis of Cardoso's crónicas, the text provides insights into the Portuguese national identity, social issues, and cultural nuances. The chapter concludes by reflecting on the enduring impact of the crónica genre and its relevance in contemporary literary journalism.AI Generated
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AbstractThe renown Portuguese journalist and author, Miguel Esteves Cardoso (known as Cardoso), has written over 20,000 crónicas and is considered by some the first Portuguese influencer. With both Portuguese and British nationality and having lived and studied in both countries, he holds a twofold, insider/outsider viewpoint of the Portuguese. A corpus of ten crónicas from the book Miguel Esteves Cardoso- As Melhores 100 crónicas (Miguel Esteves Cardoso—the best 100 crónicas) (2020) are scrutinized in this chapter as samples of irony, satire, sarcasm, and humour being used as weapons of political and social criticism. Cardoso’s crónicas are strongly opinionated, non-fiction commonplace accounts, profiles, and storytelling typifying the Portuguese. They fall under the field of literary journalism, as stories about everyday facts and ordinary people, entailing a personal character and alternating the reporting of facts with literary subjectivity. No one and nothing is unheeded in these crónicas, from policies to personalities, common citizens to top politicians. A satire of the class system, the behaviours, the looks, the odours, the (lack of) hygiene, and the (mis)use of language. A humorous and incisive/piercing portrait aimed at the absurdity of everyday life offering an exacting representation of the Portuguese. -
Chapter 10. Writing as Caring: Ethical Dimensions of the Crónica in Bernardo Santareno’s Nos Mares do Fim do Mundo
Marta SoaresThis chapter delves into the ethical dimensions of Bernardo Santareno's crónica in 'Nos Mares do Fim do Mundo', exploring his dual role as a doctor and writer. It examines how Santareno's experiences aboard Portuguese cod fishing vessels shaped his literary work and challenged nationalistic myths. The text also discusses the genre of crónica, its evolution, and its role in capturing the mundane and the personal. Additionally, it highlights Santareno's use of the crónica to honor and memorialize the fishermen's lives, aligning with the principles of Narrative Medicine. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of Santareno's work in challenging the official vision of cod fishing and giving voice to the marginalized fishermen.AI Generated
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AbstractAn integral part of Portuguese history and culture, the cod fishing campaigns off Newfoundland in the mid-twentieth century have nevertheless remained a fairly obliterated chapter. Written by Bernardo Santareno from 1957 to 1959 while working as a doctor aboard a cod-fishing schooner, the short texts gathered in Nos mares do fim do mundo (1959) give a detailed account of the fishermen’s individual lives and collective endeavor. Aligned with the Portuguese literary tradition of the crónica, the volume contains features of travel literature, autobiography, and lyrical realism as Santareno presents an elaborate frieze of portraits, writing about his own experience as a doctor while registering the fishermen’s precarious lives. In this chapter, I take the crónica as an extension of Santareno’s ethical responsibility to care for these men, the doctor-writer tapping into the genre’s ability to capture the personal and the mundane so as to voice his capacity to recognize, absorb, and be moved by the fishermen’s marginalized stories.
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Backmatter
- Title
- From Transatlantic to Global
- Editors
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Alice Trindade
Isabel Soares
- Copyright Year
- 2026
- Publisher
- Springer Nature Switzerland
- Electronic ISBN
- 978-3-032-11627-7
- Print ISBN
- 978-3-032-11626-0
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-11627-7
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