For Manuel Rivas, words are the most sensitive of creatures. In the same way that frogs or glow-worms are the first to manifest signs of pollution in the natural environment, words suffer as a result of corruption in the socio-political sphere. In his work as journalist, writer of fiction, poetry or essays, he is consistent in his role as custodian of all sensitive creatures, his writings document historical damage and alert us to potential future harm to our natural, linguistic and political eco-systems."Rivas is, without doubt, the most important figure (and the best known) in contemporary Galician literature […]. His fictions bear the tone of an oral tale."-Alberto Manguel"Manuel Rivas is an important storyteller because he is sensitive and has an incredible ear, which, in his fiction, is allied to great integrity."-John Berger"Rivas is an indisputable classic" -The Scotsman"An author who knows how to introduce poetry, not only in his phrasing, but also in his way of seeing the world." - Raphaëlle Rérolle, Le Monde