Rosa Montero was born in Madrid and studied journalism and psychology. She collaborated with independent theatre groups, such as Canon and Tábano, whilst starting to publish in several media (Fotogramas, Pueblo, Posible). Since the late 1976 she has worked exclusively for El País, where she was editor-in-chief of the Sunday supplement in 1980-1981.

She has published 18 novels, including Crónica del desamor (Chronicles of Heartbreak, 1979), Te trataré como a una reina (I Will Treat You Like a Queen, 1983), Amado amo (Beloved Master, 1988), La hija del caníbal (The Cannibal’s Daughter, Spring Novel Prize 1997), La loca de la casa (The Madwoman of the House, 2003, Qué Leer Prize for best book of the year), La ridícula idea de no volver a verte (The Ridiculous Idea Not to See You Again, Madrid Critics Award), Los tiempos del odio (In Times of Hate, 2018) and El peligro de estar cuerda (The Danger of Being Sane, 2022).

She has also published the book of short stories, Amantes y enemigos, and two biographical essays, Historias de mujeres (Stories of Women) and Pasiones (Passions), as well as stories for children, collections of interviews and articles and the comic Lágrimas en la lluvia (Tears in Rain, Best Comic Award 2011 decided by popular vote at the Barcelona International Comic Fair).

Her work has been translated into more than 20 languages. The many accolades reaped over her career particularly include the National Spanish Literature Award (2011), the Spanish National Journalism Award in the articles and literary reports category (1980) and the Madrid Press Association Lifetime Achievement Award (2005).