Famous Costa Rican Writers

Carmen Lyra was a prominent Costa Rican writer who used her platform to advocate for social change. She was a teacher and founder of the country's first Montessori school, demonstrating her commitment to education. As a co-founder of the Communist Party of Costa Rica and a leader in the country's first female worker's unions, she fought for the rights of workers and criticized the dominance of fruit companies. Her work earned her many prizes and established her as a pioneering voice in Costa Rican literature.

Quince Duncan is recognized as Costa Rica's first Afro-Caribbean writer in the Spanish language, focusing on the Afro-Caribbean population along Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, particularly in Puerto Limón. His literary works have garnered prestigious awards, including Costa Rica's National Literature Prize and Premio Editorial Costa Rica. Duncan has also delved into the historical significance of individuals like Ana Cardoso, shedding light on often overlooked aspects of Costa Rican society. Notably, he has expanded his impact by publishing a novel in English, showcasing his versatility and commitment to storytelling across languages.

Porfirio Ricardo José Luis Daniel Oduber Quirós was a Costa Rican politician, lawyer, philosopher, poet, and essayist. He served as the President of Costa Rica from 1974 to 1978. Oduber worked as a lawyer before studying philosophy in Canada and later in Paris. He held various political positions, including Secretary General of the Second Republic of Costa Rica, Ambassador, Foreign Minister, and President of the Legislative Assembly. As president, he focused on social issues, rural development, environmental preservation, and international relations, making significant contributions to Costa Rican politics and society.

Danilo Montero is a respected figure in the world of contemporary Christian music, known for his work as a singer, author, and pastor. With a career spanning several decades, he has released numerous albums and written several Christian books that have had a significant impact on the Hispanic-speaking Protestant community. Montero is the pastor of Lakewood Church's Spanish-speaking congregation, where he leads worship and ministers to the community. He is also involved in organizing worship retreats internationally and has received accolades, such as the 2008 Billboard Award for Latin music's best Christian music album.

Joaquín García Monge had a distinguished professional life as one of Costa Rica's most significant writers. He was influential as the director of Costa Rica's Biblioteca Nacional from 1920 to 1936, shaping the country's education system. Known for his contributions to the cuadro de costumbre literary genre, he followed the innovative path laid out by Manuel González Zeledón. García Monge's notable work includes the short novel El moto (1900), which further solidified his reputation as a key figure in Costa Rican literature.

Julieta Dobles Yzaguirre is a renowned Costa Rican poet, writer, and educator. Throughout her career, she has achieved significant recognition for her literary contributions, winning the prestigious Aquileo J. Echeverría Award five times. Her impact on Costa Rican culture and literature is further exemplified by receiving the Magón National Prize for Culture in 2013. Julieta Dobles continues to inspire through her poetic works, writings, and dedication to education, leaving a lasting imprint on the literary landscape of Costa Rica.

Carlos Luis Fallas Sibaja, known as Calufa, was a Costa Rican author and communist political activist. He worked in banana plantations before becoming a shoemaker in Alajuela. Fallas became a prominent figure in the organized labor movement and the Communist Party of Costa Rica. He led a significant banana workers' strike in 1934 and later served as a city council representative and national congressman. Fallas fought in the Costa Rican Civil War of 1948 and gained recognition as a widely read author, receiving prestigious awards for his novels.

Yolanda Oreamuno Unger was a prominent Costa Rican writer known for her acclaimed novel "La Ruta de su Evasión" (1948). Her professional life was marked by a distinct division into two phases. The first phase was characterized by youth, beauty, and happiness, while the second phase was defined by tragedy, loneliness, and sickness. Despite the challenges she faced in the latter part of her life, Oreamuno continued to make significant contributions to the literary world through her works.

José León Sánchez Alvarado was a prominent Costa Rican novelist acclaimed for his works Isla de los hombres solos ("Island of Lonely Men") and Tenochtitlan. His literary career was highlighted by the critical and commercial success of his novels, which resonated with readers both in Costa Rica and internationally. Sánchez's impact extended beyond the written page, as one of his novels was adapted into a movie by a Mexican producer, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and influential storyteller.

Joaquín Gutiérrez Mangel was a versatile Costa Rican writer known for his award-winning children's book Cocorí, translated into ten languages. Beyond his literary achievements, he excelled in various roles, including chess champion, war correspondent, journalist, story-teller, translator, professor, and communist activist. Gutiérrez's diverse professional life showcased his talents across different fields, demonstrating his passion for storytelling, social activism, and intellectual pursuits. His contributions to literature and various other disciplines left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.

Carmen Naranjo Coto was a prominent Costa Rican writer known for her contributions to literature as a novelist, poet, and essayist. She gained recognition for her work and was honored with the prestigious Aquileo J. Echeverría Award in acknowledgment of her literary achievements. Naranjo's writing style captivated audiences and reflected her deep insights into human emotions and societal issues. Throughout her professional life, she left a lasting impact on the literary scene in Costa Rica and beyond with her thought-provoking and influential works.

Shirley Campbell Barr is a prominent Costa Rican anthropologist, activist, and poet known for her impactful work in empowering black women. Through her poetry, she advocates for the recognition and empowerment of black women, urging them to assert their place in history. One of her most notable works, "Rotundamente negra" (Absolutely Black, 1994), has gained recognition as a powerful symbol within Afro-descendant women's movements in Latin America for its empowering and self-affirming message. Campbell Barr's professional career is characterized by her dedication to advocating for the rights and visibility of black women in society.

Eunice Odio was a prominent Latin American poet, journalist, and educator known for her diverse body of work, including articles, essays, reflections, letters, short stories, and children's literature. She held roles as a teacher of English and French. Throughout her professional life, she resided in various countries such as Costa Rica, Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the United States. She gained Mexican citizenship through marriage to the painter Rodolfo Zanabria. Odio's contributions to literature and education left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Latin America.

Ángela Acuña Braun was a pioneering Costa Rican lawyer, women's rights advocate, and ambassador. She was the first woman to graduate as a lawyer in Central America and played a key role in advocating for women's suffrage and equality. Acuña founded several organizations to advance women's rights and served as a delegate to the Inter-American Commission of Women and as an ambassador to the Organization of American States. She specialized in international human rights law, particularly focusing on the rights of women and children.

Jorge Debravo's professional life was marked by his passion for poetry and his dedication to his craft. Despite leaving school early to work, he continued to write and publish his poems in local magazines. He was known for his unique style and profound themes, which resonated with readers. His work earned him recognition as a prominent poet in Costa Rica. Tragically, his life was cut short at the age of 29, but his legacy lives on through his contributions to Costa Rican literature.

Jorge Eduardo Arroyo-Pérez is a prominent Costa Rican writer, playwright, opinion columnist, essayist, poet, and theater director. He serves as Costa Rica's ambassador to UNESCO and is celebrated for his extensive contributions to the world of theater. Arroyo-Pérez has received the prestigious National Award in Theatre multiple times and has had over 40 of his plays staged across various countries. Known for his diverse creative approaches and thematic breadth, he is recognized for his pioneering work in Central American postmodern play and gay theatre. Additionally, he has a substantial body of published works in the form of opinion columns, reports, and essays, establishing himself as a respected figure in cultural journalism.

Luis Chaves is a prominent Costa Rican poet acclaimed for his contributions to contemporary Costa Rican poetry. Through his literary works, he has established himself as a leading figure in the field, garnering recognition for his profound insights and unique poetic style. Chaves' writings often delve into diverse themes, offering readers a deeper understanding of the human experience. His professional journey has been marked by numerous publications and accolades, solidifying his reputation as a significant voice in the realm of poetry.

Anacristina Rossi is a prominent Costa Rican writer known for her contributions to literature. Throughout her career, she has made significant strides in the literary world, garnering recognition for her unique storytelling and thought-provoking narratives. Rossi's works have resonated with audiences both locally and internationally, showcasing her talent for crafting engaging and impactful stories. With a diverse body of work that spans various genres, she has established herself as a versatile and respected figure in the literary community, leaving a lasting impression through her compelling writings.

Margarita Madrigal, a Costa Rican American language teacher and author, is known for the renowned "Madrigal's Magic Key to..." book series. Throughout her career, she authored 25 books across seven languages, showcasing her expertise in language education. Madrigal's teaching methods were unconventional and engaging, earning her popularity among students. Her innovative approach to education set her apart, emphasizing practical language skills and making learning a dynamic and enjoyable experience. Margarita Madrigal's contributions to language education continue to inspire and benefit learners worldwide.

Alda Facio Montejo is a respected Costa Rican feminist jurist, writer, teacher, and international expert in gender and human rights in Latin America. She is a founding member of the Women's Caucus for Gender Justice at the International Criminal Court. Facio has been the Director of Women, Justice, and Gender at the United Nations Latin American Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders since 1991. She also co-founded Ventana, one of Costa Rica's first feminist organizations. Facio served as a United Nations special rapporteur for the Working Group against Discrimination against Women and Girls from 2014 to 2020.

Carlos Salazar Herrera was a versatile Costa Rican writer, journalist, engraver, and sculptor. He showcased his literary talent from a young age, winning awards for essays and short stories. Herrera made significant contributions to Costa Rican art through his writing and sculpture, earning accolades in various contests. His works were published in Repertorio Americano, and he also excelled in wood etchings. Herrera's creativity and skill were recognized through awards for both his literary and sculpting endeavors.

Max Jiménez was an influential Costa Rican writer known for his diverse literary works, including novels, short stories, essays, and poetry. His novel "El jaúl" is particularly acclaimed for its portrayal of events in a Costa Rican agricultural community. However, his work "El domador de pulgas" faced criticism from his countrymen, leading him to remove the book from circulation. Jiménez was also a talented sculptor and incorporated his artwork, especially engravings, into many of his works. His professional life was marked by creativity, controversy, and a dedication to his craft.

Isaac Felipe Azofeifa was a prominent Costa Rican poet, educator, and politician. He began his professional career as a professor, teaching Castilian at the Pedagogical Institute of Santiago in Chile. Azofeifa was an active member of the Runrunismo group, collaborating with renowned poets like Pablo Neruda. Returning to Costa Rica, he dedicated himself to literature, education, and politics. Azofeifa published several poetry collections and received prestigious awards for his literary contributions. He played a significant role in founding the National Liberation Party and later established the Progress Party and Democratic Force. Throughout his career, Azofeifa held various positions, including ambassadorships in Chile and the USSR, and made lasting contributions to social democracy in Costa Rica.

Victoria Garrón de Doryan was a prominent Costa Rican educator and writer, recognized for her groundbreaking role as the first woman to serve as Second Vice President of Costa Rica from 1986 to 1990. During her term, she acted as the country's president on multiple occasions. Alongside her political career, she made significant contributions to literature by producing a collection of biographies depicting historical figures from Costa Rica, as well as creating works of poetry that reflected her passion for storytelling and preserving the nation's cultural heritage.

Manuel González Zeledón, also known by his pen name "Magón," was a Costa Rican writer who made significant contributions to literature and culture in his country. He started his writing career at the newspaper La Patria and later co-founded the newspaper El País to advocate against clerical interference in the government. His works shed light on Costa Rican people and culture. In 1932, he served as an ambassador to the United States. González Zeledón passed away in 1936, leaving behind a legacy of literary and cultural influence.

Fabián Dobles Rodríguez was a prominent Costa Rican writer known for his work as an author of novels, short stories, poems, and essays. He gained international acclaim for his focus on social issues, particularly the struggles of the poor and themes of social protest. Dobles was a key figure in the "'40s generation" of Costa Rican literature and was highly regarded by critics for his contributions to the literary landscape. In addition to his literary pursuits, he was actively involved in left-wing politics as a member of the Communist Party of Costa Rica.