Eighty-five-year-old is the third woman to win Cervantes Prize

The BBC reports that Spanish novelist Ana Maria Matute (pictured) has won the Cervantes Prize, the Spanish-speaking world's highest literary honor.

Unsurprisingly, Mutute confessed that she is "enormously happy" to win the prestigious prize, along with the 125,000-euro purse.

I take it as a recognition, if not of the quality of my work, then at least of the effort and dedication that I have devoted to writing throughout my life," she added.

Three of her most popular novels, Los Abel, Los Soldados Lloran de Noche, and La Trampa, portray the era and atmosphere of the Spanish Civil War.

She is only the third woman to win the award since it was created in 1975.