Julio Llamazares was born in the now-vanished town of Vegémian, León, in 1955 (the town is now under a reservoir). He graduated in law, but abandoned his practice to work in Madrid as a journalist in newspapers, radio, and television. He is one of Europe's most celebrated writers. He has written novels, poetry, and several travel books and is a regular contributor to El Pais.

Photo: Carmelo Rubio