About the Author and His Award-Winning Novel
Rodrigo Solís, a Mexico City-based author, was honored with the 2025 First Novel Award by the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP) and Amazon Mexico. His novel, “Si no sabes de mí, es porque estoy bien” (If you don’t know of me, it’s because I’m doing well), explores the complex relationship between Don Rober, an enchanting yet destructive man, and his son. The narrative is raw, infused with dark humor, and set against a backdrop of Don Rober’s cancer diagnosis.
The Significance of the Award
Since 2021, the SEP and Amazon Mexico have jointly presented this prestigious award to encourage reading in Mexico and support emerging literary talents enriching Spanish-language narratives. This year’s jury, composed of distinguished authors Brenda Navarro, Cristina Rivera Garza, and Alma Delia Murillo, recognized Rodrigo Solís’s work alongside finalists Bárbara Colio and Alfonso López Corral.
Finalists and Their Works
Bárbara Colio, a Mexican writer and theatre director, was born in Mexicali, Baja California (1969). With over 30 theatre pieces and several publications, including “De familias y otras catástrofes,” she has received numerous accolades, such as the International María Teresa León Award for Dramatic Writers (2004) in Spain and the National Juan Ruiz de Alarcón Award (2017) for her outstanding theatrical career.
“Con todas mis letras” is Colio’s first novel, which tells the story of Lena, who despises September due to its association with sismos, rain, mandarins, and her birthday. When Lena discovers a possible photograph of her father as a baby during an exhibition on Serial Killers in Mexico City, her life takes a turn. This discovery prompts Lena to embark on a personal investigation into the history of her parents, especially why her mother abandoned them 15 years ago.
Alfonso López Corral is an accomplished author with multiple short story collections, poetry books, and novels to his name. His works include “La noche estaba afuera,” “Musiquito del talón” (National Youth Short Story Award Comala 2013), “Cien caballos en el mar,” the poetry collection “Aire de Caín” (National Poetry Award Alonso Vidal 2005/IMCA), and the novel “La melancolía de los leones.” López Corral has contributed to various anthologies and published short stories, essays, and reviews in diverse arts and literature magazines.
“La melancolía de los leones” is a unique narrative blending realism with elements like a group of striking hitmen, depressed zoo lions, a missing caretaker, a man destined to be prey for the animals, a family of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a teenager on the brink of gang involvement, and a pet therapist veterinarian. This unconventional realism diverges from typical crime novels or narco-novelas.
The Premio Primera Novela and its Impact
The Premio Primera Novela 2025, awarded to Mexican authors or residents over 18 who published their first novel in print during 2024, is part of the SEP’s National Reading Strategy 2024-2030. The initiative aims to make literature more accessible and strengthen Mexico’s cultural ecosystem.
The award ceremony, held at SEP’s Museum of Living Muralism, recognized Rodrigo Solís and finalists Bárbara Colio and Alfonso López Corral. The event was led by Tania Rodríguez Mora, SEP’s Deputy Secretary for Middle-Level Education, representing Secretary Mario Delgado; José Zazueta, Director of Retail at Amazon Mexico; and Brenda Navarro, representing the jury.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Rodrigo Solís? Rodrigo Solís is a Mexico City-based author who won the 2025 First Novel Award for his novel “Si no sabes de mí, es porque estoy bien“.
- What is the Premio Primera Novela? The Premio Primera Novela is an annual award given by the SEP and Amazon Mexico to encourage reading in Mexico and support emerging literary talents.
- Who were the finalists in the 2025 edition? The finalists for the 2025 Premio Primera Novela were Rodrigo Solís, Bárbara Colio, and Alfonso López Corral.
- What are the benefits of winning the award? The winner receives a monetary prize of 250,000 pesos, while the two finalists each receive 50,000 pesos. Their works are also published digitally on Kindle and as audiobooks on Audible, expanding their global audience.
