A literary encounter that changed lives
The story of Gata Maula begins in the cozy environment of two Girona bookstores: the historic Geli, where Sagrera worked, and the modern 22, where Sánchez served as a bookseller. The desire to create an editorial had been present for a while, but it was not until the circumstances changed that the idea took shape.
The decisive moment
The turning point came when Sánchez found himself out of work in a new sector. “It was then that I began to rethink my professional path and agreed that it was time to take a step forward and venture into this new stage,” says Sagrera. From this decision was born Gata Maula, a project that allows Sánchez to combine his passion for literature with his current work at Bookstore 22, after the closure of La Geli.
Launch of innovative titles
Gata Maula has made his debut with two works that are now available for readers. The first, ‘The ballad of the mountain birds’ by Can Xue, a Chinese author known for her abstract narratives who challenge literary conventions. The second, ‘The spider web’ by Joseph Roth, a work that warns with lucidity about the dangers of fascism. “With these two titles, we believe that we have a unique offer for the audience,” says Sánchez.
Foster literary curiosity
Sánchez emphasizes that one of the main goals of Gata Maula is to stimulate the curiosity of the readers, an aspect that he considers to be losing in today’s society. “I am worried that people do not dare to explore new literary experiences, as well as in other areas such as music or cinema,” he laments. In addition, a third title is on the way, reaffirming the publisher’s commitment to literary diversity.
A growing editorial ecosystem
The birth of Gata Maula is part of a time of cultural effervescence in Girona, with the recent appearance of other publishers such as Cap de Brot, and the consolidation of editions of the Geminada ela. For Sánchez, this is not a mere coincidence, but a manifestation of a generation that explores new avenues to develop their projects.
Girona, a powerful literary focus
Sagrera emphasizes that this new dynamic reflects the desire to keep the literary culture in Girona alive. “Our city has immense potential and we can build a richer and more vibrant environment around books and reading,” he argues. Thus, it calls for other publishers and cultural agents to unite efforts and create initiatives that ensure the continuity of this literary presence.
