A Mosaic of Literary Voices
With the celebration of Sant Jordi on the horizon, more than 140 prominent figures of the political, social and cultural landscape have shared their literary selections, highlighting a rich diversity of genres and themes. Among the suggested titles are both new and classic works, highlighting authors such as Estel Solé, Eva Comas, Javier Cercas and Manuel Baixauli, as well as the timeless voices of Han Kang and George Orwell.
The leaders’ proposals
The President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, has chosen ‘Bird of Forest’ by Antoni Puigverd, together with ‘The Loco de Dios in the Esta del Mundo’ by Javier Cercas. On the other hand, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has opted for ‘Superpower Europe’ of Marc de Vos, thus showing a clear inclination to the literature that explores the identity and future of Europe.
A variety of recommendations
Directors
Among the counselors, Albert Dalmau has selected ‘Fear: Donald Trump at Bob Woodward’s White House’, while Sònia Hernández Almodóvar has opted for Joan Salvat-Papasseit’s ‘Complete Poetry’. This book of books reflects a common interest in social and political issues.
European Ministers and Institutions
The Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, has chosen ‘Calle London 38’ by Philippe Sands, bringing a critical perspective on recent history. At European level, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, has recommended ‘Conversation in the cathedral’ by Mario Vargas Llosa, a work that investigates the conflicts and complexities of society.
Political parties perspectives
The literary elections do not stop here. Various political figures have presented their selections, with titles such as ‘Amnestics and pardons’ by Pere Bosch i Cuenca, and ‘Political Philosophy’ of Edicions UB, which reflect the civil rights struggles and the impact of recent history in Catalonia.
Voices from the world of culture and art
The cultural field has also contributed its recommendations. Film directors, writers and artists have highlighted works that address contemporary themes. For example, director Celia Rico has selected ‘La Buena Letra’ by Rafael Chirbes, an adaptation that promises to captivate the audience.
Music and theater in focus
Not only books, but also the performing arts and music have found their space in these recommendations. Theater directors like Toni Casares have proposed works that explore cultural identity, while musicians have chosen books that inspire their creativity.
Final reflections
With such a varied selection of books, Sant Jordi 2023 is expected to be a rich day in cultural reflection and debate. This mosaic of literary voices not only highlights the importance of reading, but also invites us to explore the multiple narratives that make up our society. As the festival approaches, literature is reaffirmed as an essential instrument for social cohesion and mutual understanding.