A literary date in Andorra la Vella
The La Trenca bookstore, located in the heart of Andorra la Vella, will host a prominent cultural event this Wednesday, May 14, with the presentation of ‘Afternoons in Bellamar’, the most recent work by Rafael Vallbona. The event, scheduled for 7pm, will have the intervention of journalist Andrés Luengo, who will guide the conversation with the author.
A trip through memory
The novel ‘Afternoons at Bellamar’ transports us to the nostalgic time of the ancient popular baths, a symbolism that serves as a backdrop to explore the deep social transformations that the country has undergone from the 1960’s to the present day. Through the gaze of the narrator, moments of childhood are remembered and the story of a village school is revealed.
The Jiménez Sisters: Integration Teachers
In the center of this story are the Jiménez sisters, three Andalusian teachers who, during an intense migration, reach a popular district in Barcelona. In 1965, they decide to move to Premià, where they founded a school with the conviction that education is key to integrating a disorderly growing community. With an unshakable commitment, during the day they host children and, at night, offer adult literacy classes.
A choral novel with a powerful message
‘Afternoons at Bellamar’ is presented as a choral novel, where the protagonists, in their everyday life, leave a significant imprint on the story. This work is also a tribute to the figure of the teacher, an effort to preserve the memory of those who have contributed to the formation of the personal and collective identity of society.
Rafael Vallbona: a prolific author
Born in Barcelona in 1960, Rafael Vallbona is a versatile author who has published more than seventy works in various genres, including novels, essays, poetry and travel books. His work has been translated into multiple languages and has received numerous awards, reflecting his commitment to literature and journalism. His latest novel, ‘Afternoons at Bellamar’, closes a literary cycle that explores the 20th century, started with ‘La Casa de la Frontera’ and continued with ‘swing’.
Final reflections on cultural impact
The presentation of this work not only celebrates literature, but also emphasizes the importance of remembering and valuing the experiences of the past. ‘Afternoons at Bellamar’ invites us to reflect on our roots and the way that individual and collective experiences make up our identity. In a constantly changing world, this work reminds us that personal history is essential for understanding the present.
