Letras Libres has an interesting list of the 100 books that represent the coming of modern Spain. Created by 4 authors, the list isn’t limited to Spanish authors (Hemingway makes an appearance), but the Spaniards on the list are interesting. I am familiar with many of the names but haven’t read all of them, many are not in English. Lorca’s Poet in NY shows up quite a bit, and for good reason as it really captures NY with impressive imagery.
Some others that caught my attention.
La colmena (1951), de Camilo José Cela
Don Julián (1970), de Juan Goytisolo
París no se acaba nunca (2003), de Enrique Vila-Matas
Luces de bohemia (1920), de Ramón del Valle-Inclán
Nada (1945), de Carmen Laforet
I have ready this one and it is describes post war Spain very well. And quite funny. Available in English.
Historia de una escalera (1949), de Antonio Buero Vallejo
Cinco horas con Mario (1966), de Miguel Delibes
Contra las patrias (1984), de Fernando Savater
Anatomía de un instante (2009), de Javier Cercas
This is a huge novel in Spain, but will never make it into English because it is a minute examination of the failed coup in 1981.
By The Firelight 