Manuel Rivas, a renowned Galician wordsmith, scribe, and journalist, was born on October 24, 1957, in the picturesque city of A Coruña, located in the autonomous community of Galicia, Spain. His illustrious career in the realm of journalism commenced in various prominent Spanish newspapers, including the esteemed El Ideal Gallego, the influential La Voz de Galicia, the respected El País, and the widely read Diario 16, all of which are headquartered in Galicia. During his tenure, he held the esteemed position of sub-editor, honing his skills and cultivating his expertise in the art of storytelling. As a prolific writer, Rivas has penned an array of celebrated works, including thought-provoking poems, captivating novels, informative articles, and insightful literature essays, solidifying his reputation as a masterful wordsmith and a prominent figure in the literary world.
Rivas, a visionary and innovative force in modern Galician literature, is widely regarded as a trailblazing revolutionary, whose groundbreaking work has had a profound impact on the literary landscape of his native region.
As a passionate advocate for environmental protection, Rivas was a founding member of Greenpeace Spain, a organization dedicated to defending the planet and its inhabitants from the ravages of pollution and destruction.
His commitment to this noble cause was exemplified during the Prestige oil spill, which occurred near the Galician coast, when Rivas played a pivotal role in the relief efforts, using his platform to raise awareness about the devastating consequences of environmental disasters.
In addition to his tireless advocacy work, Rivas is also a prolific writer, whose literary creations have been adapted into films, such as A lingua das bolboretas, a cinematic adaptation of his book of the same name, and O Lápis do Carpinteiro, a critically acclaimed film that brought his unique vision to the big screen.
Through his work, Rivas has not only left an indelible mark on the world of literature, but has also inspired a new generation of writers, thinkers, and activists to join the fight against environmental degradation and social injustice.
José Luis Cuerda, a renowned film director, brought Rivas's literary masterpiece, "Qué me quieres, amor?", to life as the film "A lingua das bolboretas", a captivating adaptation of Rivas's sixteen short stories.
Meanwhile, Rivas's most celebrated work, "O lápis do carpinteiro", has achieved unparalleled success, boasting an impressive translation record of nine countries, solidifying its position as the most translated work in the rich history of Galician literature.
