An award that opens new possibilities
Roc Casagran, born in Sabadell in 1980, has been awarded the 65th Sant Jordi Prize for his work ‘Somiàv an island’, published by Universe. This prize, considered the most generous of Catalan literature with an endowment of 60,000 euros, represents not only a personal recognition, but also an opportunity for the author to connect with a wider audience. Casagran, who has explored both the narrative and the poetry, confesses that this triumph was not expected and that it was his community of readers who encouraged him to participate.
The protagonist and her inner journey
‘We dreamed of an island’ tells the story of Carla, who, in the midst of an existential crisis, writes letters to her partner. Through this correspondence, the author explores his life, his career as a documentary filmmaker, friendships and motherhood. The story combines fictional elements with details on the islands of the world, creating a parallel between the personal experiences of the protagonist and the characteristics of these islands.
An innovative approach
Casagran describes his work as a collection of eight interconnected stories, each representing an island. The idea of the islands symbolizes the individuality of people and relationships, as well as the connections that unite us despite the distances.
Tourism and Loss of Authenticity
One of the central themes of the novel is criticism of mass tourism. Casagran reflects on how this phenomenon has transformed places of origin, raising prices and eroding local communities. His work invites introspection on how travel can affect both travelers and residents.
Isolated islands and anthropology
One of the fascinating aspects of the novel is the mention of Islands like Sentinel del Northern, where communities have remained isolated. Casagran shares his fascination with these places and the ideal of discovering unknown cultures, although he recognizes the difficulty of achieving a real cultural experience in a globalized world.
The protagonist and gender dynamics
The decision to create a female protagonist is not accidental. Casagran wanted to explore the unique perspective offered by female vision, especially in issues such as motherhood and relationships. His work reflects the complexities of being a woman in a society that often imposes expectations.
Taboos and mourning topics
The book addresses sensitive topics such as frustrated motherhood and mourning, which have traditionally been silenced. Casagran emphasizes the importance of speaking openly about these experiences, especially in a modern -day context that can often be superficial.
Reflections on language and culture
The novel also plays the question of languages and their relation to power. CASAGRAN Mention the case of the insula de la rozoj and the use of Esperanto as a utopian language. This discussion on the language reveals how dynamics of power can influence cultural identity and communication.
Linguistic awareness
The author emphasizes the lack of awareness of linguistic privileges, and how this affects interpersonal relationships. Its intention is to generate a debate on these topics through reading clubs, where readers can explore the multiple issues posed by their work.
A future full of possibilities
With ‘We dreamed of an island’, Roc Casagran has not only gained significant recognition, but also opened the door to necessary conversations about identity, tourism and human relations. His work promises to continue to inspire reflections and debates among the readers, making each island that explores is a mirror of his own experience.
