An Inner Journey Through Loss
Roc Casagran, a writer from Sabadell born in 1980, has been awarded the Sant Jordi 2024 prize thanks to his latest work, “We dreamed of an island”. This novel is presented as a deep reflection on emotional crises through the life of Carla, a forty -year -old scriptwriter who writes a letter to her partner, Oscar, in a time of personal turbulence. The loss of her mother, the death of a friend and other traumatic events mark the backdrop of this intimate narrative.
The islands as a metaphor for communication
The story, written from the island of Tabarca, is broken down into eight chapters that function as independent islands, each representing aspects of Carla’s life. Casagran uses these islands as metaphors of incommunicado in today’s society. Each island addresses topics such as unsustainable tourism, the pain of growing and the importance of valuing the present, reflecting the protagonist’s daily struggles.
The relationship between love and mourning
In the nucleus of the novel, love is presented not as a romantic ideal, but as an everyday experience. Casagran describes as simple moments as taking children to the doctor or shopping together, emphasizing that love is in the smallest details of life. This contrasts with the mourning that the protagonist experiences, reflecting a duality between loss and emotional connection.
An authentic narrative voice
One of Casagran’s great achievements in this work is the creation of an authentic and introspective female voice. Carla, who revisits her childhood and debates between isolation and the need to reconnect with the world, becomes a vehicle to explore the people, both personal and collective, that affect us all.
Reflections on language and identity
The book also addresses the importance of language as a tool for communication and worldview. Casagran expresses his desire for the Catalan language to last, comparing it with the languages that have disappeared throughout history. This adds to the idea that the Islands, both geographical and emotional, are spaces of loneliness and connection at the same time.
A Letter with Symbolism
In a world marked by digital immediacy, Carla’s decision to write a letter instead of sending an electronic message is significant. This choice symbolizes a necessary pause and reflection in modern life, a moment of disconnection that invites a deeper introspection. The letter thus becomes a personal refuge, an act of resistance to the dynamic frantic of capitalism.
A literary tie
With “We dreamed of an island”, Roc Casagran offers us a novel rich in symbolism and reflection, which not only explores the complexities of human relationships, but also invites a deep introspection on our own existence. The work closes with a note of hope, suggesting that, despite adversity, human connection is the key to moving forward.
