Author Elísabet Benavent proud of her 'entertainment' writing as Netflix adapts more novels
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
Interview
Sources not specified
Context piece
- Spanish author Elísabet Benavent, known for her romantic novels, has seen multiple adaptations of her work on Netflix, including the upcoming series "Toda la verdad de mis mentiras."
- With over five million books sold and more than 25 published works, Benavent's success is attributed partly to being in the right place at the right time with her first novel, "Valeria."
- Benavent serves as an executive producer for the series adaptations, collaborating closely with screenwriters while acknowledging her limitations in the audiovisual field.
Elísabet Benavent, the Spanish author behind a string of successful romantic novels, is a star in her own right, with Netflix adaptations of her books drawing significant attention. Having sold over five million copies and published more than 25 books in just over a decade, Benavent's career is a testament to her popularity and storytelling prowess.
If I'm being totally honest, I think I had a stroke of luck with 'Valeria.' One has to admit sometimes that they were in the right place at the right time.
Reflecting on her journey, Benavent shared, "If I'm being totally honest, I think I had a stroke of luck with 'Valeria.' One has to admit sometimes that they were in the right place at the right time." "En los zapatos de Valeria" was her first self-published novel before a publisher signed her. "Valeria" also became the first series Netflix adapted from her work, paving the way for further collaborations.
The latest adaptation, "Toda la verdad de mis mentiras," set to premiere on August 28, is the fourth Netflix production based on Benavent's novels. Following the success of "Valeria" (four seasons), the film "Fuimos canciones," and the miniseries "Un cuento perfecto," this new story centers on a group of friends on a caravan trip for a bachelorette party. The narrative explores the relationship between Coco and Marín, long-time friends and roommates, as their hidden contradictions and lies surface during the trip.
It is a series that brings us the most practical memories of our summers, that sounds like the cicadas in a campsite and smells of sea and sunscreen.
Benavent takes on the role of executive producer for these adaptations, a position she is still learning to navigate. "For me, it's about participating in the project knowing my tools and my limitations. Although I have an audiovisual background, I've never practiced it, and I have to admit the extent of my knowledge," she explained. While involved in decision-making, she entrusts the scriptwriting to Marina Pérez and Montaña Marchena, with whom she has collaborated on previous adaptations.
For me, it's about participating in the project knowing my tools and my limitations. Although I have an audiovisual background, I've never practiced it, and I have to admit the extent of my knowledge.
Discussing the current boom in romantic novel adaptations for television, Benavent stated, "I hear a lot that romance is in a good moment, but romance has never been in a bad moment." She believes platforms are now giving romance more visibility, similar to how mystery or thrillers have been highlighted previously. "Literature and l," she added, suggesting a cyclical nature of genre popularity in media.
I hear a lot that romance is in a good moment, but romance has never been in a bad moment.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by El País in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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