Bernardo Atxaga facts for kids

Bernardo Atxaga (2009)

Bernardo Atxaga (born July 27, 1951) is a famous writer from the Basque Country in Spain. His real name is Joseba Irazu Garmendia. He is known for writing many books, mostly in the Basque language, called Euskara. He often translates his own books into Spanish. Since 2006, he has been an important member of the Royal Academy of the Basque Language.

About Bernardo Atxaga

Bernardo Atxaga was born in 1951 in a town called Asteasu, in the Gipuzkoa region of the Basque Country, Spain. He studied economics at the University of Bilbao. Later, he also studied philosophy in Barcelona.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Atxaga had many different jobs. He worked as an economist, a bookseller, and even taught the Basque language. He also worked as a publisher and wrote scripts for radio shows. In 1980, he decided to focus completely on writing.

His first story was published in 1972 in a book with other Basque writers. In 1976, he published his first short story called Ziutateaz (which means "About The City"). His first book of poems, Etiopia, came out in 1978.

His Books

Bernardo Atxaga has written many different types of books. These include plays, song lyrics, novels, and short stories. He is especially famous for his novels and children's books.

Famous Novels

One of his most famous books is Obabakoak, published in 1988. This book is a collection of short stories and won many awards, including Spain's National Literature Prize. It has been translated into more than 20 languages around the world.

Some of his other well-known novels include:

• Behi euskaldun baten memoriak (1991) – This means "Memoirs of a Basque Cow."
• Gizona bere bakardadean (1993) – Translated as "The Lone Man."
• Zeru horiek (1996) – Translated as "The Lone Woman."
• Soinujolearen semea (2003) – Translated as "The Accordionist's Son."
• Zazpi etxe Frantzian (2009) – Translated as "Seven Houses in France."
• Nevadako Egunak (2014) – Translated as "Nevada Days."

Short Stories and Poetry

Besides novels, Atxaga has written several collections of short stories and poetry.

• Bi anai (1985) – "Two Brothers."
• Etiopia (1978) – His first poetry collection.

Books for Kids

Bernardo Atxaga has also written many popular books for children.

• Chuck Aranberri dentista baten etxean (1985) – "Chuck Aranberri At a Dentist."
• Nikolasaren abenturak, Ramuntxo detektibe (1979) – "Adventures of Nicholas, Ramuntxo Detective."
• Siberiako ipuin eta kantak – "Stories and Songs of Siberia."
• Xolak badu lehoien berri (1995) – This book is about a dog named Xola.
• Xola eta basurdeak (1996) – "Xola and the Wild Boars." This book won the Basque Children's Literature Prize in 1997.

See also

• Koldo Izagirre