Summary
- Author Miguel Ángel Jiménez will present his latest novel kenna on September 12 in San Isidro.
- The novel tackles domestic abuse and vicarious violence, weaving a gripping tale of vengeance and social justice.
- Kenna, the protagonist, seeks to avenge women victims of abuse by targeting their abusers.
- The story highlights shortcomings in the justice system’s protection of abuse victims.
- The author will also present Kenna at the prestigious Frankfurt International Book Fair in October.
Introducing ‘Kenna’: A Gripping Tale on Domestic Abuse and Vigilante Justice
Miguel Ángel Jiménez, a Granada-born author residing in Almoradí, is set to present his latest novel Kenna at the San Isidro Municipal Auditorium on Friday, September 12, at 8 PM. The event promises an impactful discussion on the themes of domestic abuse and vicarious violence, subjects close to the heart of the novel’s storyline.
‘Kenna’ is more than just a thriller-it’s a social critique bringing light to the trauma faced by women and children caught in abusive relationships. The novel’s protagonist, Kenna, becomes a vigilante targeting perpetrators of violence against women, forcing readers to grapple with notions of justice, vengeance, and morality.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, September 12, 2024
- Time: 20:00
- Location: Auditorio Municipal, San Isidro
- Special Focus: Talk on domestic abuse and vicarious violence in society
- Organizer: aliar Ediciones
The Story Behind ‘Kenna’
According to Jiménez, the inspiration for Kenna struck quickly after he came across a news story about a young woman expressing hatred toward her abusive father, stirring in him the seeds for the novel. He wrote the book in just six months, releasing it on September 1, 2024.
The plot follows Kenna, a young woman from Oviedo who, haunted by the death of her mother and sister at the hands of her father, uses her vacation in Torrevieja as a turning point to begin her mission of retribution. While her father remains imprisoned, Kenna takes justice into her own hands by hunting down and killing the abusers of women.
Key Plot Points:
| element | Details |
|---|---|
| Protagonist | Kenna, a young woman from Oviedo |
| Trigger | Death of mother and sister by abusive father |
| setting | Torrevieja and surrounding area |
| Kenna’s mission | Avenging women abused and killed by their partners |
| Signature mark | A playing card with a dragon illustration |
exploring Themes of Domestic Abuse and Justice
Jiménez openly discusses how Kenna draws attention to the limited protection victims of domestic abuse frequently enough receive from the justice system. He notes that the novel critiques the way society and legal institutions sometimes fail those who suffer violence, highlighting a poignant phrase in the book: “While we shout ‘we want to live,’ justice seems to want us dead.”
The author hopes the readers will develop empathy for Kenna, despite her role as a vigilante killer. “I want the reader to see Kenna as more than an assassin - maybe even as a hero,” he explains. This moral ambiguity encourages reflection on justice and retribution.
Upcoming presentation in Frankfurt
Following the San Isidro launch,Miguel Ángel Jiménez will take Kenna to an international stage,presenting and signing copies at the Frankfurt International Book Fair in Germany,scheduled for October 16-17,2024. As the most vital book fair worldwide, this opportunity highlights the growing recognition of Jiménez’s work beyond Spain.
about the author
Miguel Ángel Jiménez was born in Granada in 1971 and now lives in Almoradí, Alicante. Besides being a talented novelist, he is also a painter and poet with numerous published works including:
- Borrones surrealistas de un escritor loco (2020) – poetry
- Eterno llanto de luna (2006)
- Mediocridad (2018)
- La llave de los desterrados (2020)
- La cruz de Amarión (2021)
- Gabriel, otro ángel caído (2024)
- Coauthor of Un mar de incertidumbres (2025)
Jiménez has received multiple literary awards for poetry, short stories, and novels, establishing him as a respected voice in contemporary Spanish literature.
Final Thoughts
Kenna is set to be a powerful, socially relevant thriller that blends dark suspense with a sharp critique of domestic violence and societal neglect. Its complex heroine and emotionally charged storyline are sure to captivate readers who enjoy stories that challenge perceptions of justice and evoke genuine empathy.
If you are interested in contemporary Spanish novels that touch on urgent social issues, Miguel Ángel Jiménez’s Kenna is a must-read for 2024.