Dover’s Amparo Llanos Translates Jane Austen, Reveals Literary Trinity & Rejects Reunion Offers
Madrid, Spain – In a revealing glimpse into the literary heart of a Spanish music icon, Amparo Llanos, co-founder of the groundbreaking band Dover, has released her translation of Jane Austen’s letters, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the author’s birth. The news, breaking today, offers a fascinating look at Llanos’s deep passion for literature and her unwavering commitment to recognizing Austen’s place among the greatest writers of all time. This isn’t just a translation; it’s a declaration of literary love, and a firm statement about artistic integrity.
Amparo Llanos in her Madrid home, a space she describes as a “temple to literature.”
A Home Immersed in Words: Llanos’s Literary Sanctuary
Llanos’s Madrid home, described as a “huge library” and a “temple to literature,” is a testament to her lifelong dedication to reading. Walls are lined with books, tables overflow with volumes, and even an 18th-century desk serves as the site of her meticulous translation work. The sheer volume of her collection is staggering – she admits to losing count, but estimates it’s substantial. This isn’t merely a collection; it’s a curated universe reflecting a lifetime of intellectual curiosity.
Austen, Shakespeare, and Cervantes: A Literary Trinity
The translation project isn’t simply a professional undertaking for Llanos; it’s deeply personal. She passionately places Austen on a pedestal alongside William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, declaring them a “trinity” of universal literature. “Not in that order, because there is no first and second place,” she clarifies, emphasizing the equal brilliance of each author. Llanos fiercely defends Austen against historical underestimation, attributing past indifference to a “patriarchal society that could not tolerate there being a woman between these two authors.” This perspective highlights a crucial conversation about gender bias in literary history, a topic gaining increasing prominence in contemporary scholarship.
Beyond Austen: A Feminist Library and a Legacy of Independent Music
Llanos’s literary interests extend far beyond Austen. Her home boasts dedicated sections to Virginia Woolf, philosophy, psychology, history, music, and literary criticism – a “feminist library,” as she proudly calls it. Portraits of influential women, from Isadora Duncan to Simone de Beauvoir, adorn the walls, further emphasizing her commitment to female empowerment.
The interview also touches upon Dover’s remarkable success in the 1990s, achieving over two million record sales and touring extensively throughout Europe and America. However, Llanos makes it unequivocally clear that a reunion is not on the cards. Despite numerous lucrative offers, including a substantial proposal for a 30th-anniversary concert at the Bernabéu stadium, she and her sister Cristina remain resolute. “We said everything we had to say,” Llanos explains, prioritizing artistic integrity over financial gain. This stance speaks volumes about the band’s principles and their refusal to compromise their creative vision.
The Translator’s Process: A Labor of Love
Llanos describes the translation process as challenging but deeply rewarding, admitting she “sweated Chinese ink” but thoroughly enjoyed it. She even re-translated sections after gaining a deeper understanding of the text, mirroring her approach to songwriting with Dover. “When I came up with a guitar riff, I thought, ‘I love this, but I play it wrong.’ Then I began to work hard to learn it,” she explains, drawing a parallel between musical and literary craftsmanship. This dedication to perfection underscores her commitment to honoring Austen’s work.
A portrait of Jane Austen, painted by her sister Cassandra in 1810.
Why Jane Austen Still Matters in the 21st Century
Llanos’s passion for Austen isn’t simply nostalgic; it’s a belief in the author’s enduring relevance. She dismisses the outdated perception of Austen as “corny, romantic literature,” arguing that her work is profoundly universal. “An early 20th century English critic established a person’s level of intelligence by asking them whether they liked Jane Austen or not,” she quips, playfully suggesting a similar litmus test involving The Beatles. Llanos’s unwavering advocacy for Austen serves as a powerful reminder of the author’s timeless insights into the human condition and her continued importance in contemporary literary discourse. Her work, and Llanos’s dedication to it, ensures Austen’s legacy will continue to inspire and challenge readers for generations to come.
The release of this translation, coupled with Llanos’s candid reflections, offers a unique intersection of music, literature, and feminist thought. It’s a story that resonates far beyond the confines of the Spanish literary scene, offering a compelling narrative for a global audience.
