NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
2015
Published by:
ICEX, España Exportación e Inversiones
www.icex.es
Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte de España
www.mecd.gob.es
For further information:
[email protected]
October 2015
nipo: 726-15-012-8
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
2015
This publication is a selection of Spanish books with
publishing rights, recommended by distinguished critics from
Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Japan and the United
States. This selection has appeared online in the dedicated
country sites of www.newspanishbooks.com.
EXPERTS
France
ANDRÉ GABASTOU
André Gabastou has translated works by authors
such as Javier Calvo, Bernardo Atxaga, Enrique VilaMatas, etc. He is the author of Vila-Matas, pile et face
/ Rencontre avec André Gabastou (Vila-Matas, Heads
or Tails: Encounter with André Gasbastou) and of
numerous articles about that writer. He is a literary
consultant for Éditions Bourgois.
ANNE CALMELS
Editor at Éditions Hatier, she also works as translator
of children’s books (Pedro Mañas, Bernardo Atxaga,
Mariasun Landa, Liniers, Ana Cristina Herreros,
Gustavo Martín Garzo…) She is the author of several
books for children and young adults. She is a reader for
various publishing houses.
DELPHINE VALENTIN
After having worked for some years as an editor,
especially for Christian Bourgois, Delphine Valentin
then turned to translation. Since 2008, she has
translated, among others, text by Guadalupe Nettel,
Tomás González, Ricardo Menéndez Salmón, Fernando
Trías de Bes, and never before published manuscripts
by José Ortega y Gasset. She also works as a reader
and copyeditor for various publishing houses.
France
JUAN MANUEL BONET
Juan Manuel Bonet, writer and art critic, currently
leading the Instituto Cervantes in his hometown after
being director of the IVAM, Valencia, and the Museo
Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid. He is the
author of a dictionary of the Spanish avant-garde, an
anthology of poetry ultraist, several books of poems, and
a diary, Round days, as well as numerous monographs.
SERGE MESTRE
A writer and translator, his novel La Lumière et l’oubli
(Light and Oblivion) was published by Éditions FolioGallimard in July 2011 and his latest novel Les plages
du silence (The Beaches of Silence) was published
by Wespieser in May 2013. He is the translator of
numerous works, notably by Jorge Semprun, Manuel
Rivas, Fernando Savater, Alan Pauls, Cesar Aira, and
Rodrigo Fresán.
SVETLANA DOUBIN
Svetlana Doubin is of French-Mexican extraction.
A literary translator (Abraham Cruzvillegas, Mario
Bellatin, Sabina Berman, Hector Feliciano, Ignacio
Padilla, Carlos Fuentes…) she has also collaborated in
various cinematographic and editorial projects, notably
about contemporary art. She is a reader for many
publishing houses.
EXPERTS
Germany
KERSTEN KNIPP
Kersten Knipp, PhD, is a Romanist and freelance
journalist. He writes on the culture of the Spanish and
Portuguese speaking countries, a. o. for FAZ in Germany
and NZZ in Switzerland. A number of radio contributions
and appearances, most of all in Deutschlandfunk and
WDR. Numerous travels through Spain and Latin
America, for the Suhrkamp publishing house he wrote
a book on the cultural history of Flamenco. He presents
readings and debates and is most of all interested in
the connection between culture and politics.
MARCO THOMAS BOSSHARD
Marco Thomas Bosshard, Dr. phil., achieved his
doctorate at Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg i.
Br. in the subject of Romance Philology. He is a junior
professor for Ibero-Romance Cultural Science at Ruhr
Universität Bochum and in charge of Ibero-Romance
fiction books at Klaus Wagenbach publishing house. He
is the author and editor of several book publications a.
o. on Latin American avant-garde, on Federico Garcia
Lorca as well as on more recent Spanish literature.
MICHI STRAUSFELD
Michi Strausfeld, Dr. phil., Hispanist/Romance scholar/
Anglicist. Between 1974-2008 she was in charge of
Spanish-Latin American literature at the Suhrkamp
publishing house (ca. 400 titles, a. o. the works of Nobel
Laureates Octavio Paz and Mario Vargas Llosa). Editor
of currently 18 anthologies (a. o. “Spanische Literatur.
Materialien” and “Die spanische Literatur in der
Demokratie” (die horen no. 179, 1995). Since 2008 she
has been working at S. Fischer publishing house.
Germany
RUDOLF MÜLLER
Rudolf Müller has a reputation for offering “literary
specialties”. His shop, Müller & Böhm Literaturhandlung
– rather a kind of cultural centre – is located in the
house in Düsseldorf where Heinrich Heine was born.
He provides his literarily interested customers with a
wide selection of demanding literature, most of all also
works in foreign languages, and at regular intervals he
invites to literature events such as readings, literary
conversations and debates, and similar events.
SYBILLE MARTIN
Sybille Martin studied German and Spanish philogogy.
She is a translator from the Spanish and Galician
languages and has translated, among others, Mayra
Montero, Xosé Carlos Caneiro, Ignacio Martínez
Pisón, Alejandro Palomas, Alicia Giménez Bartlett,
Antonio Soler and Norma Huidobro into the German
language. In 1993 and 2010 she was awarded the City
of Hamburg´s Award for Literary Translations.
EXPERTS
Japan
DAISUKE KOZAWA
Currently employed at TranNet K.K., a general
translation company that also holds translator
auditions. He works with local publishing companies to
bring foreign translations to Japan.
ERI TANAKA
Editor. Joined Poplar Publishing Co, LTD. in 2002. At
Poplar, she manages translations of children’s books
and works involving licensed characters. Her favorite
children’s books include “Tom’s Midnight Garden”,
“Amy’s Eyes”, and “The Twins at St. Claire’s”.
FUMIAKI NAYA
Emeritus Professor at Tokyo University and Professor
at Nagoya University of Foreign Studies
His best-known translations include Garcia Marquez’s
Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Borges’ Seven Nights,
Puig’s Kiss of the Spider Woman, Cortazar’s We Love
Glenda So Much, and Bolaño’s 2666. His own works
include Majikaru raten misuteri tsua (Magical Latin
Mystery Tour), Raten ni kisu seyo (Kiss in Latin), Ekkyo
suru raten amerika (Cross-border Latin America), and
others.
Japan
TAKESHI UCHIDA
Recently worked on publishing “Piralin Bayes’
Illustrated Bible”, “Marie Antoinette”, “My Grandfather
Amon Goeth”, among others. Her publishing projects
revolve around perfume, history, and plants.
ETSUKO DOI
Majored in Literature at Chuo University. Joined
Sanseido Shoten in 1991. Currently working as
procurement liaison at company headquarters, he is
responsible for literary and non-fiction publications as
well as the promotion of book sales. One of the founders
and current member of the Japan Booksellers’ Award
(Hon’ya Taisho) Executive Committee.
EXPERTS
United Kingdom
ÁNGEL GURRÍA-QUINTANA
Ángel Gurría-Quintana is a historian, journalist and
literary translator from Spanish and Portuguese. He is
a regular contributor to the books pages of the Financial
Times, for which he reviews fiction in translation.
His writing has also appeared in The Observer, The
Guardian, The Economist, Prospect, Granta and
The Paris Review. In 2014 he edited and translated
Other Carnivals: New Stories from Brazil (Full Circle
Editions). He is programme curator for FlipSide literary
festival, and is an International Strategy Officer at the
University of Cambridge.
DAVID MANTERO
David Mantero was born in Malaga in 1978 and studied
Philosophy, graduating in 2000. In 2001 he moved to
London where he’s worked in bookselling for almost
15 years. Currently David is Head buyer at Stanfords.
Stanfords is one of the world’s best known map and
travel book specialists founded in 1853.
LORENZA GARCÍA
Lorenza Garcia was born and brought up in England.
She spent her early twenties living and working
in Iceland and Spain. She graduated in 1998 from
Goldsmith’s College with First Class Honours in
Spanish and Latin American Studies, before moving to
France for seven years. Since 2007, she has translated
twenty novels and works of non-fiction from the French
and Spanish, and has recently begun translating from
the Icelandic.
United Kingdom
NICK CAISTOR
Nick Caistor is a British translator from Spanish,
Portuguese and French. After living for several years
in Latin America, on his return to Britain he began
to translate fiction by Latin American and Spanish
authors. He has now translated some forty/ fifty works
of fiction, and in 2006, 2008 and 2015 was awarded the
Valle Inclán prize for translation from Spanish. He has
been part of the New Spanish Books project since it
started.
SIMON SMITH
Simon Smith is senior editor and rights manager at
Peter Owen, a long-established independent publisher
known primarily for its literary-fiction list, much of
it in translation, that includes such internationally
acclaimed authors as Blaise Cendrars, Shusaku Endo,
Anna Kavan, Hermann Hesse, Quim Monzó, Yukio
Mishima, Arto Paasilinna, Cesare Pavese and Tarjei
Vesaas. He has a particular interest in international
fiction and has introduced authors from many countries
to the Peter Owen list. He also works as a publishers’
freelance.
EXPERTS
United States of America
CHAD POST
Chad Post is the director of Open Letter Books, a
press at the University of Rochester dedicated to
publishing contemporary literature from around the
world. In addition, he is the managing editor of Three
Percent, a blog and review site that promotes literature
in translation and is home to both the Translation
Database and the Best Translated Book Awards, and
the author of The Three Percent Problem: Rants and
Responses on Publishing, Translation, and the Future
of Reading.
ESTHER ALLEN
Esther Allen has translated a number of books
from Spanish and French, most recently Antonio Di
Benedetto’s 1956 classic Zama, forthcoming from New
York Review Books Classics. She is co-editor, with Susan
Bernofsky, of In Translation: Translators on Their
Work and What It Means (Columbia University Press,
2013). A 2009 Fellow at the New York Public Library’s
Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers, she has twice
received grants from the National Endowment for the
Arts. She is Associate Professor at Baruch College, City
University of New York.
JAVIER MOLEA
Javier Molea is the Foreign Languages Manager at
McNally Jackson Books in Soho, New York. Javier Molea
attended UDELAR in Montevideo where he specialized
in Literary Theory. He worked at McGraw Hill Co.,
Alfaguara and owned a bookstore. Over the years, he
collaborated with literary magazines and participated
(Editor) in several poetry anthologies. Since moving to
New York in 2004, Javier Molea has been developing
the Spanish Section in McNally Jackson Books.
United States of America
MARGARET CARSON
Margaret Carson translates fiction, poetry, drama and essays
from Spanish. Recent translations include Sergio Chejfec’s
My Two Worlds and Mercedes Roffé’s Theory of Colors. Her
translation of the writings of the Spanish surrealist artist,
Remedios Varo, will be published by Wakefield Press in
2016. She is cochair of the PEN America Center Translation
Committee, and Assistant Professor of Modern Languages at
Borough of Manhattan Community College, City University
of New York.
MARTA LÓPEZ-LUACES
Marta López-Luaces is a poet, a translator and a writer. She
holds a Ph. D. in Spanish and Latin American Literatures from
NYU (2000). She is an Associate Professor at Montclair SU.
She published three books of poetry, Her work was published
in numerous anthologies of Latin America, Spain and United
States. She is the co-director of Galerna, a Spanish-language
literary journal. She published the collection of short stories,
La Virgen de la Noche and she just finished the novel, Los
traductores del viento.
SUSAN HARRIS
Susan Harris is the editorial director of Words without
Borders and the coeditor, with Ilya Kaminsky, of The Ecco
Anthology of International Poetry. Words without Borders
is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of
cultural understanding through the translation, publication,
and promotion of international literature. To date WWB
has translated over 1,900 pieces of literature and poetry
representing 105 languages by writers from 124 countries
TERESA MLAWER
Teresa Mlawer began her career in publishing in 1963. Ms.
Mlawer was at the helm of operations at Lectorum Publications
from 1976 until her retirement in 2012. Among her many
functions at Lectorum, she served as Editorial Director. A
pioneer in Spanish-language publishing in the United States,
Teresa has translated over 300 children’s books from English
to Spanish.
INDEX
Publisher
page
AbiAli AFidi S.l.
Polka dot Soup. (Children and Youth / Comic)
22/23
AgenciA liTerAriA AlbArdOnedO
Black Box. (Literature)
While the Bats Sleep. (Literature)
24/25
26/27
AgenciA liTerAriA ÁngeleS MArTín
They Came for Him. (Literature)
Wells of Snow. (Literature)
28/29
30/31
AMAníAcO ediciOneS
Walk Right in! From Puppet Theatre to Cinema.
(Graphic Novel)
32/33
AnAyA inFAnTil y Juvenil (gruPO AnAyA, S.A.)
Manzur, or the Angel Who Had Only One Wing.
(Children and Youth / Comic)
The Tree’s Voice. (Children and Youth / Comic)
34/35
36/37
APilA ediciOneS
Run Run. (Children and Youth / Comic)
38/39
bArbArA FiOre ediTOrA S. l.
Coincidence. (Children and Youth / Comic)
The Deserted Fair. (Children Literature)
40/41
42/43
bArTleby ediTOreS, S. l.
A Wave that Tastes of Fish. (Literature)
44/45
cASAnOvAS & lyncH AgenciA liTerAriA
The Outside World. (Literature)
46/47
cOMbel ediTOriAl
Alehop! Let the show begin. (Children)
48/49
criSTinA MOrA liTerAry & FilM Agency
The Silence of the Lighthouse. (Literature)
50/51
Publisher
page
dibbukS
7 Lives. (Comic)
Goddamn Earthlings!. (Literature)
52/53
54/55
dOSPASSOS AgenciA liTerAriA
Cabaret Biarritz. (Literature)
Loneliness. (Literature)
56/57
58/59
ediciOneS lA cúPulA S.l
Tungsten. (Children and Youth / Comic)
60/61
ediciOneS nOwTiluS S.l.
Nefertiti also had Facials. (Social Sciences)
The Lady of Europe. (Literature)
62/63
64/65
ediciOneS SM
Barracuda’s Treasure. (Children and Youth)
Croquettes and wasaps. (Literature)
66/67
68/69
ediTOriAl AnAgrAMA S.A.
And the Sky was a Beast. (Literature)
Yegerov’s Empire. (Literature)
70/71
72/73
ediTOriAl cASAlS S.A.
Never Again. (Children and Youth / Comic)
74/75
ediTOriAl luiS viveS
Ahab and the White Whale. (Children and Youth / Comic)
76/77
ediTOriAl OcÉAnO, S.l.
Mallko and Papa. (Children and Youth / Comic)
78/79
ediTOriAl PlAneTA, S.A.
Cooking with Joan Roca. (Food & Drinks)
Milena or the Most Beautiful Femur in the World.
(Literature)
80/81
82/83
INDEX
Publisher
page
ediTOriAl Pre-TeXTOS
Before and After God. (Literature)
Last Night I Walked on Water. (Literature)
The Beautiful Cuban. (Literature)
84/85
86/87
88/89
elenA gAllegO AbAd /
ediciónS XerAiS de gAliciA
Dragal. (Children and Youth /Comic)
Seven Skulls. (Literature)
90/91
92/93
FórcOlA ediciOneS, S.l.
Night and Fog in the Occupied Paris. (Literature)
94/95
gruP ediTOriAl 62, S.l.u.
The Women of la Principal. (Literature)
96/97
iMc AgenciA liTerAriA
The Book of Memory. (Social Sciences)
The Woman who didn´t get off the Airplane (Literature)
98/99
100/101
iniciATivAS eMPreSAriAleS iluSTrATA S.l.
Summer Sins. (Literature)
102/103
Mb AgenciA liTerAriA S.l
A Good Reputation. (Literature)
Soon We Will be Happy. (Literature)
That Prince I Was. (Literature)
104/105
106/107
108/109
nATurArT, S.A.
Women Afghanistan. (Coffee Table Book)
110/111
nOcTurnA ediciOneS, S.l.
The Peace of the Defeated. (Literature)
112/113
Penguin rAndOM HOuSe gruPO ediTOriAl
About Majorana. (Literature)
The Night Committee. (Literature)
114/115
116/117
Publisher
page
PlATAFOrMA ediTOriAl, S.l.
The Curse of Intelligence. (Social Sciences)
118/119
PunTO rOJO librOS S.l.
Polyphemus Lives the East. A Journey
to the Back Room of Europe. (Literature)
120/121
rAyO verde ediTOriAl, S.l.
Iceland, Rhyolite Dreams. (Literature)
122/123
rbA librOS, S.A.
Tapas. The Cuisine of Tickets. (Gastronomy)
124/125
SAndrA brunA AgenciA liTerAriA, S.l.
A Mother. (Literature)
126/127
TuSqueTS ediTOreS, S.A.
A Fallen Tree. (Literature)
Manolita and her Three Weddings. (Literature)
Metal and Slag. (Literature)
Mistralia. (Literature)
The Balcony in Winter. (Literature)
128/129
130/131
132/133
134/135
136/137
ZArAnA AgenciA liTerAriA
Don’t Allow Us to Be Children. (Literature)
138/139
disclaimer: the translation rights of the books included in
this brochure may not be available for every country and/or
could have been sold while this brochure was being published.
The complete reader report of each book can be downloaded
from the corresponding New Spanish Books sites, as indicated
for each book.
www.newspanishbooks.com
www.newspanishbooks.us
www.newspanishbooks.fr
www.newspanishbooks.de
www.newspanishbooks.jp
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
POlkA dOT SOuP
Author: Diana Raznovich
From the reader report by: Andre Gabastou
Sopa de lunares presents, in the form of instant sequences, the
existential problems faced by women in a society (the whole
of Western societies where this book is all exportable) tending
them permanently the mirror for their release. They are of their
time, but they face the same obstacles as their mothers and their
grandmothers: emotional insecurity, hypocrisy of men, work
overload, sycophancy and scam of the vocabulary of the release...
One thinks of Claire Bretécher and other designers who have tried
and try to capture the spirit of their times but Diana Raznovich
is characterized by sharp, colorful, funny images even in the most
desperate situations, condensing the complex entanglements
with brio.
The book thus provides a map of the tender (dreams,
disappointments, anger, aggressiveness, paranoia, etc.) of
relationships between men and women in a world where everyone
seeks to exploit the other and confine him in a subordinate
position (generally women)..
Published in New Spanish Books FR
22
ABIAlI AfIDI S.l.
Title.
POLKA DOT SOUP
Sopa De LuNareS
year of publication. 2015
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 93
genre. Children and Youth / Comic
Spanish retail price. 20,00 euros
Author. Diana Raznovich
iSbn. 978-84-935645-8-2
Author´s biography.
Diana Raznovich is an Argentine author who studied Literature at the University of
Buenos Aires. Besides being a narrator and playwright, she also works as a writer
for TV, a graphic humorist, and novelist, She has won a Guggenheim Scholarship
and her theater pieces have been stages in the Americas and Europe. Since 2012
she has published the comic strip Donatela on the back page of the daily Clarin
Argentina. http://dianaraznovich.blogspot.com.es/
Agency´s description.
A literary agency dealing with international rights for quality works of fiction (novels
and short stories) and non-fiction (cookery, personal development and essays).
Children’s books (fiction and non-fiction). Spanish authors represented:Luisa
Etxenike, Daniel Isaacs.
Publisher. Hotel Papel
Synopsis.
Polka Dot Soup forms the graphic humor collection Hotel Papel: Scorched Women,
Polka Dot Soup, and Pluperfect Women. Her comics are principally focused on the
role of women in society, in a creative style comparable in intelligence and ingenuity
to that of her Argentine colleagues: Quino, Maitena, Mordillo, Caloi... Impossible to
not have fun with her.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Hotel Papel
phone. +34 616 368 208
Paseo de las Delicias, 120. 7 izq
contact. Ximena Renjifo
Madrid. Madrid
e.mail. [email protected]
CIF. B-84747955
www.abiali.com
www.hotelpapel.com
23
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
blAck bOX
Author: Francisco Narla
From the reader report by: Kyoko Obara
On March 24, 2015, an aircraft belonging to the budget airline
Germanwings crashed in the southeastern French alps. After
analyzing the crashed vessel’s black box, the authorities declared
that the co-pilot’s mental health issues had driven him to commit
the murder-suicide that cost the lives of all on board. The air
crash orchestrated by this novel’s main character Thomas Rye
bears such a striking resemblance to reality that one must
wonder whether the Germanwings copilot had not, in fact, used
“The Black Box” as a blueprint for his actions.
Two stories, separated in time and space, are told concurrently,
with the focus changing every ten or so pages. The strands finally
meet at the end, on a flight heading for Lima, which begins a
countdown that will end in a completely unforeseen catastrophic
ending.
The author Fransicso Narla, himself an airline pilot, provides
many facts and stories unknown to the general public: the inner
workings of the cockpit, the tenseness felt at takeoff and landing,
the inside stories of the airline industry, and the descriptions
of distant cities. The narrative richness is sure to keep readers
glued to the pages.
Slipped in between the two main plot-lines that make up the
novel, the reader will find the story of the Japanese murderer,
Kawo Takeda. Although the killers’ names differ, the story told
is exactly that of Issei Sagawa. Sagawa, while visiting Paris in
1981, killed an exchange student in order to cannibalize her flesh.
“The Black Box” brings to mind “The Buttefly Effect” – a film
in which one person’s actions and desires bring about change
in unexpected dimensions. Also evocative of “The Silence of the
Lambs’” Dr. Hannibal Lecter, or Sadako and her well, this novel is
a likely candidate for a movie adaptation.
Published in New Spanish Books JP
24
AgENcIA lITERARIA AlBARDoNEDo
Title.
BLACK BOX
CaJa NeGra
year of publication. 2010
language. Spanish
number of editions. 2
Pages. 318
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 10,00 euros
Author. Francisco Narla
iSbn. 978-84-95070-94-4
Author´s biography.
Writer and airline pilot. Despite his age, in his long career he has experimented with
all genres. He is a multifaceted speaker who has participated in different scenarios
such as universities, radio shows and television. He is dedicated to the defence of
culture, promoting projects such as Lendaria, which aims to recover the traditions of
his home region, Galicia. In 2009 he published his first novel, Los lobos del centeno,
and following its success in Spain it was published in Latin America. Caja negra, his
second work of fiction, was released in 2010. In early 2012 he published a treaty on
aerodynamics, Canon de performance:masa y centrado,y planificación de vuelo. Also
in 2012 he had a great commercial success with Assur; an exciting epic poem about
Viking attacks on the Iberian peninsular. Ronin was published in 2013, and in 2015
the publishing house Planeta will bring us a new adventure.
www.francisconarla.com
Agency´s description.
We believe in the values of new Spanish literature and its international character.
We are convinced that many hidden corners of Spanish literature are about to gain
recognition.
Publisher. Imágica Ediciones (Alberto Santos)
Synopsis.
‘Are you afraid of flying? You will be.’ Aviation, Electronic Voice Phenomena, ancient
Celtic myths... all this and more is brought together in this masterful novel. An airline
pilot leaves a trail of death and blood behind him. An amateur parapsychologist
records some unsettling Electronic Voice Phenomena in an abandoned chapel,
and this is the first clue to solving a mystery that should not be uncovered. Both
stories, separated by more than three decades, will collide thanks to a malign and
overwhelming force that is unleashed...
Publishing rights available from.
Company Agencia Literaria Albardonedo
phone. +34 616 926 774
Molino de Pedrouzo s/n
contact. Déborah Albardonedo
CIF. 44817264-Q
e.mail. [email protected]
www.albardonedo.es
Prizes and reviews.
‘A time bomb of a book... With this Narla set himself up as a firm bestseller
candidate’ (Año Cero) ‘An exceptional novel and an original plot that doesn’t let up’
(Eric Frattini).
25
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
wHile THe bATS SleeP
Author: Emilio Aragón Bermúdez
From the reader report by: Virginia Benmaman
I cannot remember when in my recent completion of a book that
I so eagerly read MIENTRAS DUERMEN LOS MURCIELAGOS
written by EMILIO ARAGON BERMUDEZ. The author’s almost
poetic style in his descriptions of the protagonists during their
long journey allows the reader entry into their thoughts, identify
with their fears, past and present along with their frustrations
and concerns about what might occur during the perilous journey
ahead. Humor and sadness, fear and hope were embedded in all
the individuals in this journey. This book was a page-turner of an
adventure during which the reader continued in the participation
and with some apprehension of what lay ahead of them.
MIENTRAS DUERMEN LOS MURCIELAGOS is a delightful
read, and one I would highly recommend belong in every library
of a lover of fine books.
Published in New Spanish Books US
26
AgENcIA lITERARIA AlBARDoNEDo
Title.
WHILE THE BATS SLEEP
MieNTraS DuerMeN LoS MurCiéLaGoS
year of publication. 2012
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 480
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 20,00 euros
Author. Emilio Aragón Bermúdez, Miliki.
iSbn. 978-84-08-00607-7
Author´s biography.
(1929-2012). A writer, singer, film maker… artist. As a descendant of the Swedish royal
family and heir to a long dynasty of clowns, he received a cosmopolitan education,
interrupted by many voyages, was present during the Spanish Civil War, the Cuban
Revolution and later lived as an exile in the United States (where he undertook a
legendary tour with Buster Keaton, appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, shared the
set with Harpo Marx and worked for Richard Nixon and vicepresident Hubert). As a
pioneer in television, Miliki has been a part of all our lives and, for generations, we
have been his pupils and almost his grandchildren; his song is “Happy, happy, in your
day”. As a man of letters, he published various works of children’s literature, and in
1996 brought out his autobiography, Recuerdos (Memories). In 2008 he published
his first novel, La providencia (Providence), followed by Mientras duermen los
murciélagos, 30 Cuentos y Medio (30 Stories and a Half) is his posthumous work.
Agency´s description.
We believe in the values of new Spanish literature and its international character.
We are convinced that many hidden corners of Spanish literature are about to gain
recognition.
Publisher. Editorial Planeta
Synopsis.
Some retired artistes cross Europe in a bus, fleeing from the Nazi police. Berlin, 1945.
An Allied bombing raid destroys the Artists House where great figures of the world
of performance live in retirement. Juan Carlos Barrachina, considered to be the
best trapeze artist in the world, is the only young man there when the catastrophe
occurs and he takes the decision to flee to Spain with the seventeen survivors. This
is the start of an unsettling bus journey through Nazi Germany, occupied France
and post-war Spain. In addition, the Gestapo are after them for the disappearance
of a mysterious envelope belonging to the Führer himself. Tender, exciting, witty and
funny, Mientras duermen los muciélagos is a moving argument for dreams, with the
world of the circus as its backdrop.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Agencia Literaria Albardonedo
phone. +34 616 926 774
Molino de Pedrouzo s/n
contact. Déborah Albardonedo
CIF. 44817264-Q
e.mail. [email protected]
www.albardonedo.es
Prizes and reviews.
A lesson in life! (XL Semenal). A small, much loved literary jewel (Un lector
indiscreto). A tender, amusing work that won’t fail to move you (Hora Punta). A book
that leaves a mark (Diez Minutos).
27
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
THey cAMe FOr HiM
Author: Berta Vias Mahou
From the reader report by: Delphine Valentin
In Venian a buscarlo a el, Berta Vias Mahou recounts the last days
of Jacques Cormery, alter ego of Albert Camus and character of
his unfinished book, The First Man. Inspired by an article where
Camus spoke of death threats he had received, and the sense of
persecution which he describes in this unfinished biography, she
returns to his tragic death in a car accident, transforming it into
an attack.
The novel consists of a time back and forth very well conducted
between the present of the writer in his last year of life and
memories of his Algerian past. In his house in the South of France
where he wrote The First Man, he thinks back on its ideological
course, his friends and enemies, his disappointments, his failed
love. He is also haunted by a recurring nightmare where he feels
pursued by men who want to kill him.
At the same time, it follows the path of two Algerian FLN whose
mission is to put an end to the days of a great French writer (not
named) that, as a representative of the Communist Party and
so possible mediator in the Algerian conflict, becomes a target to
eliminate to prevent any negotiation...
We find here the same delicacy and even poetry than in Los pozos
the la nieve; the same intelligence, as well, to unveil the labyrinth
of aspirations and doubts of every one.
Published in New Spanish Books FR
28
AgENcIA lITERARIA ÁNgElES MARTíN
Title.
THEY CAME FOR HIM
VeNíaN a BuSCarLe a éL
year of publication. 2010
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 232
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 19,00 euros
Author. Berta Vias Mahou
iSbn. 9788492649754
Author´s biography.
Berta Vias Mahou was born in Madrid in 1961 and is an Ancient History graduate.
She has translated Ödön von Horváth, Stefan Zweig, Arthur Schnitzler, Joseph Roth
and Goethe, and among her work includes the novel Leo en la cama (Leo in the
Bed, 1999), the essay La imagen de la mujer en la literatura (The Representation of
Women in Literature, 2000), the collection of short stories Ladera norte (Northern
Hillside, Acantilado, 2001) and the novel Los pozos de la nieve (Wells of Snow,
Acantilado, 2008), which was critically judged to be one of the best novels of 2008.
Agency´s description.
Represents Spanish and Latin American authors in Spain and the rest of the world.
Publisher. Editorial Acantilado
Synopsis.
Jacques, the alter ego of Albert Camus, recreates the last years of his life. Wellknown for his opposition to any form of violence, not only the death penalty, but also
the terrorism which arose in his native country in reaction to the French colonial
regime, he was also against the notion that ends justify means, which earned him
the antipathy of the majority his contemporary intellectuals and repeated death
threats. The Algerian author found himself haunted, as he confessed in his novel
The First Man, by a nightmare which presented itself in a variety of forms, but with
a recurrent theme: they came for him to kill him.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Agencia Literaria
phone. +34 658 921 414
Angeles Martin S.L
contact. Ángeles Martín
Avda. Ciudad de Barcelona, 190. 7º,3
e.mail. [email protected]
28007 Madrid
[email protected]
CIF. B-84045079
www.páginaweb.com
Prizes and reviews.
Dulce Chacón prize 2011.
29
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
wellS OF SnOw
Author: Berta Vias Mahou
From the reader report by: Delphine Valentin
The story begins with the great grandfather, who moved from
Nuremberg to Madrid in 1916 to work in a beer factory. (…)
This family, like all families, is full of mysteries and hides the
dark secret of a murder that Samuel, through cards, letters,
newspapers and testimonies, eventually uncovers, while tracing
the fate of all these members in very different trajectories,
characters that embody various aspects of heroism, including
survival in times where hatred and fear dominate.
There is no dualism in this novel, but fates perceived in all
their intimate complexity - particularly well highlighted by the
character of Klara, embodiment of generosity... Berta Vias Mahou
leads something nuanced on good and evil, the choices which
make our destinies and those of a nation.
This literary device, through the eyes of a character who is
conducting the investigation and who shares the discoveries
with the reader, is subtle and effective, supported by a very nice
writing, full of lyricism, which creates a real dramatic intensity.
Los pozos de la nieve is a rich and beautiful text that should be
able to find its French readers.
Published in New Spanish Books FR
30
AgENcIA lITERARIA ÁNgElES MARTíN
Title.
WELLS OF SNOW
LoS pozoS De La NieVe
year of publication. 2008
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 221
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 18,00 euros
Author. Berta Vias Mahou
iSbn. 978-84-96834-67-5
Author´s biography.
Berta Vias Mahou was born in Madrid in 1961 and is an Ancient History graduate.
She has translated Ödön von Horváth, Stefan Zweig, Arthur Schnitzler, Joseph Roth
and Goethe, and among her work includes the novel Leo en la cama (Leo in the
Bed, 1999), the essay La imagen de la mujer en la literatura (The Representation of
Women in Literature, 2000), the collection of short stories Ladera norte (Northern
Hillside, Acantilado, 2001) and the novel Los pozos de la nieve (Wells of Snow,
Acantilado, 2008), which was critically judged to be one of the best novels of 2008.
Agency´s description.
Represents Spanish and Latin American authors in Spain and the rest of the world.
Publisher. Editorial Acantilado
Synopsis.
The Civil War interrupts the lives of two families with very different backgrounds.
One, Spanish. The other, German. While some were killed, others flee the country
to end up encountering another conflict, this time worldwide. Samuel, the Narrator,
reconstructs the life of his ancestors, by extracting the fragments from the rubble,
struggling with the silence, determined to make the objects talk.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Agencia Literaria
phone. +34 658 921 414
Angeles Martin S.L
contact. Ángeles Martín
Avda. Ciudad de Barcelona, 190. 7º,3
e.mail. [email protected]
28007 Madrid
[email protected]
CIF. B-84045079
www.páginaweb.com
countries where the rights have been sold.
United Kingdom.
comments.
Judged to be one of the best novels of 2008.
31
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
wAlk rigHT in! FrOM PuPPeT
THeATre TO cineMA
Author: Lluis Recanses “L’Avi” / Ricard Soler / Pedro García Martín
From the reader report by: Jan Surmann
In an entertaining and exciting way, the here presented graphic
novel describes the development from the puppet theatre to the
“moving pictures” – that is the film – in vibrant France in the late
19th and early 20th centuries. The starting point for Pasen y vean
is the history of Laurent Mourguet´s family who, out of sheer
economic necessity, had great success as an actor, presenting
his self-made puppet characters Guinol, Madelon and Gnafron.
Just the same, by the examples of the Lumiére family and the
ambitious inventor Edison. The slightly more than one hundred
pages of this book present a study on historical culture which, due
to the genre it belongs to, that is graphic presentation, addresses
the reader in a somewhat playful and easy way.
This intention, which is topically and stylistically not easy, is
mastered very well by the three authors, which finds expression
by the reader having much fun.
Topically, Pasen y vean passes through the leisure culture of the
golden, optimistic years between the world exhibitions of the
final years of the 19th century and the breakout of World War I in
1914. In the big cities, audio-visual presentations became much
fashionable and the wealthy classes enjoyed themselves at the
theatre, the opera, the cabaret. Also the poorer classes enjoyed
travelling artists and street plays. Between these two poles, this
comic strip describes the development of puppets and puppet
masters on the one hand and the race to the cinematographic
film on the other.
The book is very entertaining, and its slightly more than
one hundred pages may be easily read during one afternoon.
Stylistically, the illustrations are very appealing, and the reader
has much fun with them.
Published in New Spanish Books DE
32
AMANíAco EDIcIoNES
Title.
WALK RIGHT IN! FROM PUPPET THEATRE TO CINEMA
¡paSeN Y VeaN! DeL GuiñoL aL CiNe
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 116
genre. Graphic Novel
Spanish retail price. 10,00 euros
Author. Lluís Recasens (L’Avi)
iSbn. 978-84-938310-8-0
Author´s biography.
A graphic humorist, illustrator and script author. He has been working for daily
newspapers (Avui, Sport, El Punt, El 9 Esportiu, Regió7 ...) and magazines (El
Papus, El Cuervo, Mortadelo, Bichos, La Butifarra, El Triangle, A Tope, Il Corriere
della Sátira ...). He has written the scripts for more than 70 comic strip editions,
a. o. for stories about peoples, cities and institutions, and he has been illustrating
books (Per a tots, Salut! by Dr. Bras Marquillas, Las bravas del bar Tomás by Carles
Valls and Sergio Fidalgo, Endavant les atxes by Manel Piñero, Como sobrevivir en
el camino de Santiago by Carles Valls and Sergio Fidalgo ...). Currently he writes
scripts for comic strip editions and works as a graphic humorist for newspapers and
magazines such as El Punt-Avui, Economía Digital, La Grada, Amaníaco, Gurb, Gol
and La Lamentable.
Publisher´s description.
Amaníaco ediciones is a small publishing house for comic strips, located in Barcelona
and publishing most of all works by more recent authors. It publishes a broad variety
of comic strips as well as a quarterly humorous journal.
Publisher. Amaníaco ediciones
Synopsis.
A graphic novel telling a story from the end of the 19th/beginning of the 20th
century. In the context of the saga of the family of Laurent Mourguet, the creator of
the French puppet characters Guinol, Madelon and Gnafron, the story of the puppet
artists and their performances at the Café Noir is told, also part of the biographies
of the Lumiére brothers, the inventors of the cinematograph. And this against the
background of the troubled time of the Paris Commune, of Edison´s obsession in his
fight for the patent for the cinema (he hires private eyes of the Pinkerton agency
to find and steal the inventor Leprince´s plans for the first film camera. Due to his
plans disappearing, Leprince sinks into complete anonymity), and of the relationship
between the patriarch Lumiére and the illusionist and film pioneer Georges Méliès.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Amaníaco ediciones
phone. +34 661 735 830
(Jorge Coll Herbst)
contact. Jorge Coll
Felipe II, 281. 2.º, 4.ª
e.mail. [email protected]
08016, Barcelona
[email protected]
CIF. 46232444Y
www.amaniaco.com
comments.
Sample page available http://issuu.com/amaniaco/docs/pasen-y-vean
33
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
MAnZur, Or THe Angel
wHO HAd Only One wing
Author: Mónica Rodríguez Suárez
From the reader report by: Aki Yasuda
This novel begins as a simple farce, spun by villagers around a
young man who comes to an island, but at the end it surprises
the reader by turning into a fantasy novel that conjures up the
imaginary landscapes of Magritte. This turn is foreshadowed
from the beginning of the story. The appearance of the black man
named Chango is described very cleverly, and it is only gradually,
as the story approaches its conclusion, that the reader comes to
sense that Chango is an angel. The depictions of the island itself
as a living creature, moving and pulsating with life, draw upon
both simile and metaphor. They are designed to go by mostly
unnoticed, as seemingly unimportant asides, until the novel’s
surprising conclusion.
The story has a distinctively theatrical pace, with short scenes,
lots of dialogue, and Chango’s drum sounding to announce
important events.
The description of the young man’s arrival is poetic and beautiful.
The various events involving the young man and the villagers
are depicted with wholesome humor, and the author succeeds
in getting across the villager’s acceptance of the young man’s
decision to leave, as well as the trembling sadness felt by all
parents at such occasions. Teenagers will have fun reading this
book, but it should also appeal to older readers, sympathetic to
the author’s parental sentiments.
Published in New Spanish Books JP
34
ANAyA INfANTIl y JuvENIl
(gRuPo ANAyA, S.A.)
Title.
MANZUR, OR THE ANGEL WHO HAD ONLY ONE WING
MaNzur, o eL áNGeL que TeNía uNa SoLa aLa
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 192
genre. Children and Youth / Comic
Spanish retail price. 10,70 euros
Author. Mónica Rodríguez Suárez
iSbn. 978-84-678-6091-7
Author´s biography.
Monica Rodriguez was born in Oviedo in 1969 and resides in Madrid since 1993.
She holds a degree in Physical Sciences, with a major in Nuclear Energy. Since 1994
she has worked Ciemat Research Center of the Ministry of Science and Innovation.
She divides her time between work, writing and family (she has three daughters).
She has already several published several books and has been awarded the City of
Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid) Young Adult Novel Prize in 2007, the City of Malaga
Children’s Literature Prize in 2010 for “Selva’s Bicycle” and First Prize in the 30th
Vila d’Ibi Contest in 2011 for “The Last Function.” www.monicarodriguez.es
Publisher´s description.
Anaya Infantil y Juvenil offers books with quality texts and illustrations which
allow boys and girls up to sixteen years of age to develop aesthetic and literary
criteria and which stimulate their interest in reading.
Publisher. Grupo Anaya
Synopsis.
An angel who seemingly is missing a wing arrives in Caeli, an island in the middle
of nowhere. The arrival of such a personage at a place so unaccustomed to receiving
visitors arouses the interest of the inhabitants. They will soon discover that the
angel’s name is Manzur, and what he carries on his back may or may not be a wing.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Grupo Anaya
phone. +34 913 938 800
Juan Ignacio Luca de Tena, 15
contact. Pablo Cruz
Madrid. Madrid
e.mail.
CIF. A-37002805
[email protected]
www.anayainfantilyjuvenil.com
Prizes and reviews.
Reviewed in the magazine
Babar: http://revistababar.com/wp/manzur-o-el-angel-que-tenia-una-sola-ala/
35
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
THe Tree´S vOice
Author: Vicente Muñoz Puelles
From the reader report by: Megumi Kashiwakura
A single large story unfolds as the protagonist Virginia decides
to become an author while relating a group of fragmentary
episodes from her childhood, spent together with her dear family,
or playing with animals in the great outdoors. Even her younger
brothers, who had used to hate reading, come to realize the charm
of stories bound in book form.
This book, aimed at children around the age of 10, is related as
memories from the perspective of the adult Virginia, who has now
become an author. It captures not only the purity of childhood and
the promise it holds for the future but also touches on the poor
animals who pass away and the deaths of the beloved family dog
Laika and the author’s father. A slightly melancholy atmosphere,
of a childhood lost forever, permeates the work. On the other
hand, the book does present the positive message that even
though Virginia may never be able to meet her father and Laika
again, she can remain connected to them through writing.
Throughout the book, Virginia often uses the words of her father
to describe the importance of books. In quotes from father-anddaughter conversations, and in stories about the reading club
formed by Virginia and her brothers in their tree house, we
encounter famous works of world literature. These very works
are often enjoyed in Japan as well, which may help Japanese
readers to partake in the universal experience of reading along
with Virginia and her brothers.
This book won the 11th Children’s Book Award of Anaya – a prize
established with the aim of fostering an interest in reading, and
awarded to outstanding literary works for children ages 8-12. The
illustrations by Adolfo Serra lend a fantastical atmosphere and a
lovable familiarity to the story.
Published in New Spanish Books JP
36
ANAyA INfANTIl y JuvENIl
(gRuPo ANAyA, S.A.)
Title.
THE TREE’S VOICE
La Voz DeL árBoL
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 128
genre. Children and Youth / Comic
Spanish retail price. 9,70 euros
Author. Vicente Muñoz Puelles
iSbn. 978-84-678-6137-2
Author´s biography.
Vicente Munoz Puelles was born in Valencia in 1948. He has published seventeen
novels for adults. One of them, “Parallel Shadows” has been made into a motion
picture. He has received the following prizes: La Sonrisa Vertical for “Anacaona”
(1980), the Azorin Prize for “The Empress Eugenie in Zululand” (1993), the Alons
el Magnanim Prize for Narrative in 2002 for “the Misfortunes of a Writer in the
Provinces.” In 1999, he won the National Prize for Children’s Literature for “Oscar
and the Post Office Lion,” and in 2004, the I Anaya Prize for Children’s and Young
Adult Literature for “The Ark and I.” Both titles have been published in the collection
Book Soup. In 2005, he won the First Booksellers of Asturias Prize for the “The Lady
and the Dogs.” He has also translated Fenimore Cooper, Joseph Conrad and Georges
Simenon and overseen critical editions of these authors’ works, as well as works by
Arthur Conan Doyle, H.G. Wells and Mark Twain.
Publisher´s description.
Anaya Infantil y Juvenil offers books with quality texts and illustrations which
allow boys and girls up to sixteen years of age to develop aesthetic and literary
criteria and which stimulate their interest in reading.
Publisher. Grupo Anaya
Synopsis.
Virginia lives in the country with her family, surrounded by animals and plants. Her
relationship with the dog Laika, the frog Renee, the ferret Hugo, and the bird Grip
is as natural as the relationship she has with her siblings. The animals appear to
be just other members of the family. But that summer, Virginia discovers something
very special: a tree house in which books keep appearing mysteriously. Who leaves
them there, and why?
Publishing rights available from.
Company Grupo Anaya
phone. +34 913 938 800
Juan Ignacio Luca de Tena, 15
contact. Pablo Cruz
Madrid. Madrid
e.mail.
CIF. A-37002805
[email protected]
www.anayainfantilyjuvenil.com
Prizes and reviews.
XI Anaya Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, 2014.
comments.
Booktrailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U5Ui9FnwFw
37
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
run run
Author: Ana Seixas
From the reader report by: Anne Calmels
No text for this silent album. Double illustrated pages are almost
systematically organized this way: character (s) left pursuit right
cut elements belonging to the characters that will appear on the
next left page.
We can view by turning the page who is prosecuted and why.
The construction of the album is perfectly circular since the last
double page is identical to the first; the reader discovers why the
first character seems to escape rather than pursuing someone or
something...
It is a playful, very astute, very simple album that leaves nothing
to chance and very well thought. The reasons for the chase are
always credible, never forced. Situations give rise to justifications
that stimulate the imagination and can lead to a multitude of
stories.
The design is simple, modern, and the absence of decor fixes the
attention on the characters.
Very efficient and adapted to different ages, situations are
affordable for children and feature animals, children, adults, well
identifiable types.
Published in New Spanish Books FR
38
APIlA EDIcIoNES
Title.
RUN RUN
ruN ruN
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 36
genre. Children and Youth / Comic
Spanish retail price. 14,00 euros
Author. Ana Seixas
iSbn. 978-84-939736-8-1
Author´s biography.
Ana Seixas was born in Viseu, a small town in the Portuguese countryside, in 1984.
She earned a degree in Design from the University of Aveiro, Portugal in 2007,
and a year later moved to Barcelona where she studied Publishing Design at the
Bau School of Illustration for Children’s and Yong Adult Publications in Eina. She
worked as a freelance graphic designer for various entities such as art galleries,
events, magazines, cultural guides, and advertising agencies. At this time she lives
in Oporto, where she devotes herself to illustration and serigraphy. Run Run is her
first illustrated picture book, which received an Honorable Mention at the A La
Orilla del Viento Contest sponsored by the Fondo de Cultura Economica in 2013.
www.anaseixas.com
Publisher´s description.
Apila Ediciones was established in 2007 in the bosom of the Zaragoza School of Art
by two of its professors. Publishing house specialized in illustrated picture books for
children. We are committed to seeking plastic and literary quality in every book that
we produce.
Publisher. Apila Ediciones
Synopsis.
Run, run, run, run, quickly, quickly! A picture book in which word give way to
images. The characters run and run chasing and being chased, but why? Ideal for
pre-readers, since the absence of text necessitates the reinvention of the story each
time it is told. RUN RUN was awarded an Honorable Mention at the 17th A La
Orilla del Viento Contest organized by the Fondo de Cultura Economica in 2013.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Apila Ediciones
phone. +34 617 227 843
Mosén Félix Lacambra, 36 B
contact. Eduardo Flores
Alagón. Zaragoza
e.mail. [email protected]
CIF. G99157547
www.apilaediciones.com
Prizes and reviews.
RUN RUN was awarded an Honorable Mention at the A La Orilla del Viento Contest
organized by the Fondo de Cultura Economica in 2013.
39
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
cOincidence
Author: P. Monteserín – P. Amargo
From the reader report by: Anne Calmels
There is no such thing as chance. When like the Narrator you
were born in Ventoso, a village windswept in a steep-sided valley,
you understand the relationship between cause and effect. Wind
removes the petals from daisies and leaves from trees in an
endless fall. Everything is tilted: shadows, street lights, buildings,
and people. The children fly their kites with hooks to catch the
letters that the wind has swept away and placed on the roofs.
Promises and insults do not remain, kisses whistle. The beautiful
Racha, the lover of the Narrator, has even two pupils in the same
eye due to a gust of wind.
One day, a dam is constructed. The wind drops, spring arrives,
pupils of Racha relocate and daisies have petals again.
The album is seductive. Its particular, narrow, height format offers
in the right page an illustration in black and white, very graphic,
adapted to the format, stylized, both simple and sophisticated.
Published in New Spanish Books DE / FR
40
BARBARA fIoRE EDIToRA S.l.
Title.
COINCIDENCE
CaSuaLiDaD
year of publication. 2010
language. Spanish
number of editions. 2
Pages. 32
genre. Children and Youth / Comic
Spanish retail price. 18,00 euros
Author. Pepe Monteserín
iSbn. 978-84-15208-10-5
Author´s biography.
Pepe Monteserin has written and published novels, short stories, TV documentaries,
essays, stories for children, lyrics for songs and hymns, and some three thousand
articles for the newspaper La Nueva España, to which he contributes daily, as well
to radio and television programs. His literary work, ironic, hyperbolic, encyclopedic,
baroque, “insistensialist” rather than terse, and impregnated with humor and poetic
intent, has achieved recognition in every genre. Biography of Pablo Amargo: With
his illustrations he wants to show the strangeness of the world, but what he really
achieves is that his world makes us feel strange. A lover of visual paradoxes, cities,
contemporary art, botanical gardens, old photographs, and the coincidences of life,
whose precision never fails to fill him with admiration. National Illustration Prize
granted by the Ministry of Culture.
www.pepemonteserin.es / www.pabloamargo.com
Publisher´s description.
Barbara Fiore Editora publishes illustrated books and we maintain the quality of
our catalog to the point of obsession. About us, Shopa has affirmed: “Barbara Fiore
has provided the Spanish language with one of the most exciting, stimulating and
exquisite catalogs in the entire world.”
Publisher. Barbara Fiore Editora
Synopsis.
The inhabitants of a place attribute to coincidence the various and particular
situations to which the wind submits them. A singular book that proposes a vertical
reading, as if a were a matter of a trip through the streets of a city, with images
that hide other images, visual paradoxes and double entendres. Coincidence
is the story of a youth who does not believe in coincidence, “an excuse for those
who do not understand things.” For him everything has an explanation because
he was born and raised in a town, Windy, where the things that happen, normally
attributed to coincidence, are explained by the action of the wind. However, when
the meteorological conditions hange in the town...
Publishing rights available from.
Company Barbara Fiore Editora S.L.
phone. +34 958 499 234
Paseo del Fuego, 7
contact. Barbara Fiore
Albolote. Granada
e.mail.
CIF. B18955963
[email protected]
www.barbarafioreeditora.com
[email protected]
Prizes and reviews.
Gold Prize, European Design Awards; Motiva de Ilustracion Prize, CJ Picture Book
Award International Prize 2011, Selection for the 2011 International Biennial
Ilustrarte 2011.
41
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
THe deSerTed FAir
Author: Pablo Auladell / Rafa Burgos / Julián López
From the reader report by: Silke Kleemann
Ten texts by three authors who, quite in a melancholic way, look
back at childhood and youth.
Barbara Fiore Editora is an independent publishing house in
Spain which is specialized in illustrated books. Pablo Auladell
(Alicante *1972) is one of the Spanish discoveries of the publishing
house. Since 2000 he has been working for several publishing
houses in Spain, in 2012 his illustration for a children´s book,
“Alas y Olas”, was awarded the 2nd Prize of the Spanish Ministry
of Culture.
The first love, memories of a rundown neighbourhood, everlasting
summer months, short encounters, long abandoned residential
places – these are some of the themes of the short stories of this
book. Each of them is completed by a telling, lyrical subtitle,
presented like a ticket to a historical fair: “Great World Premiere
of That What Was and Is no Longer”, “The Incredible AcrobatMonkey of Lost Time”, “The Indifferent Gardener of Desolation”.
The book does not present a coherent story but snapshots
stimulating the reader´s own memories. Impressively illustrated
by Pablo Aulatell, who creates real works of art catching the
liveliness of the past by way of sombre images with little specific
colour, full of fantastic elements and winged beings.
I like Pablo Auladell´s illustrations very much. They are – each
according to the respective theme – somewhat dark, with much
grey and single specific colours, on the whole the visual effect
aims at presenting images of the past, with ornaments as we
find them on historical picture postcards or stamps. The texts are
well-made snapshots of childhood, youth or other stages of life
which feel like long ago.
Due to the artistic, atmospheric illustrations, the book might be
well received as an illustrated book for adults.
Published in New Spanish Books DE
42
BARBARA fIoRE EDIToRA S.l.
Title.
THE DESERTED FAIR
La Feria aBaNDoNaDa
year of publication. 2013
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 40
genre. Children Literature
Spanish retail price. 20,00 euros
Author. Pablo Auladell
iSbn. 978-84-1508-35-8
Author´s biography.
Born in Alicante, Spain, in 1972, illustrator and comic strip author. He has
published about 30 books, among them newly illustrated classical works as well
as new books which he has sometimes illustrated, sometimes written himself. His
style is cultivated, lyrical and empathetic, however occasionally also immediate
and relentless. He has been granted several awards, a. o. the Spanish Ministry of
Culture´s award for the best illustrations of children´s and youth books in 2005 and
the Newcomer Award of the Comic Strip Lounge in Barcelona in 2006 for La Torre
Blanca (publishing house: De Ponent). Auladell is a Master course lecturer at the
Ars in Fabula academy and a lecturer at the AIF Summer School at Macerata (Italy).
www.pabloauladell.com
Publisher´s description.
This publishing house publishes picture books and places much value on the quality
of its programme. Shopa says: “Barbara Fiore has one of the world´s most interesting,
stimulating and precious Spanish programmes in the world.”
Publisher. Barbara Fiore Editora S.L
Synopsis.
Places we will never go back to, characters who could not come with us. Are these
perhaps the remnants of a fair, is it a deserted fun fair, a silent carousel on which
only the sun makes its rounds over the day? Now other attractions, other, silent
travelling artists have entered under the torn flags. A dancing play of shadow and
light, caravans which are not going anywhere. By his images Auladell, winner of
the National Award for Children´s and Youth Literature in 2008, presents personal
stories, experiences, journeys and emotions from twenty years, thus illustrating the
texts coming from himself as well as from Burgos and López Medina. Twelve short
stories, each of the authors telling in their own ways where the memories, emotions
and happy places have gone.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Barbara Fiore Editora S.L.
phone. +34 958 499 234
Paseo del Fuego,7
contact. Barbara Fiore
Albolote. Granada
e.mail.
CIF. B18955963
[email protected]
www.barbarafioreeditora.com
[email protected]
www.barbarafioreeditora.es
Prizes and reviews.
Pablo Auladell obtained in 2008 the Spanish National Prize for Children
and Youngsters Literature.
Reviews: http://www.barbarafioreeditora.com/index.php/catalogo/libros/la_feria_
abandonada.
43
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
A wAve THAT TASTeS OF FiSH
Author: Nuria Riera Carrillo
From the reader report by: Jorge A. Romero
The book begins with the main character, Mamen, a 34 year old
woman going somewhere on a plane. Her adventure starts when
she is standing by a very tall, white with red stripes light house
and, all of a sudden, a “wave that tastes like fish” (Una ola con
sabor a pez), takes her right into the sea. There, she finds herself
having a conversation with an octopus about being or feeling like
a mermaid. The next thing she knows, when she opens her eyes,
is that she is surrounded by people who seem to be worried about
her, that’s when she notices that her clothes are wet and a boy
tells her that she fell in the sea, but she was rescued and the
ambulance is on its way to take her to a hospital. (…)
I must say that this is one of the best books I have read in the
last couple of years. It has everything it needs to capture the
reader’s attention and to engage them until the end. Núria’s
writing is poetic, fantastic, is everything a great book should be
to be enjoyed.
The author has mixed fantasy, poetry, romance, adventure, and it
has paid off. This is one of those stories that makes one yearn for
a longer story. Núria has a way with words that one doesn’t see
every day. This is truly a story to be shared with the world. (…)
It is a well written book. I liked the symbolism, the poetry and the
way Núria has played with the vocabulary to make this a must
read book. I would love to see this book published into English,
and perhaps other languages because it truly is beautifully
written. As a librarian in a public library, I see this book being
read by many of our patrons. I have already recommended this
book to my colleagues and other people to read, so I truly hope to
see this book translated.
Published in New Spanish Books US
44
BARTlEBy EDIToRES, S. l.
Title.
A WAVE THAT TASTES OF FISH
uNa oLa CoN SaBor a pez
year of publication. 2011
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 164
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 16,00 euros
Author. Nuria Riera Carrillo
iSbn. 978-84-92799-33-6
Author´s biography.
Núria Riera was born in 1975 in Terrassa (Barcelona). She has contributed as a
freelance journalist to the magazines Descobrir, Soweto, Cuentos sin fronteras and
Vivir en el campo, and to the publication of education books and guides. She has
published some of her short stories (Labreu Ediciones and ediciones Acumán). A
Wave that Tastes of Fish is her first novel.
Publisher´s description.
We offer a solid catalogue of poetry particularly focusing on bilingual editions, the
republication of works by Spain’s most preeminent poets from the second half of the
twentieth century and strong support for works of fiction by European and Latin
American authors not previously published in Spain.
Publisher. Bartleby Editores
Synopsis.
A Wave that Tastes of Fish tells the life story of a 34-year-old woman, Mamen, whose
experience on the margins leads her to solitude and isolation, a spider’s web that
will gradually slip away from her after spending a few days with a girl who lives
in a lighthouse on the Mediterranean coast. A place where nothing and no one are
what they seem. Not the sea, or the sky, or the octopuses, or the lighthouse, or the
people who live there. A story full of symbolism and humour but written very simply.
A delight.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Bartleby Editores, S. L.
phone. +34 916 607 259
Los Chopos, 14
contact. Pepo Paz Saz
CIF. B-82111261
e.mail. [email protected]
www.bartlebyeditores.es
[email protected]
Prizes and reviews.
Premio Sintagma Novel 2011.
45
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
THe OuTSide wOrld
Author: Jorge Franco
From the reader report by: Julia Shirek Smith
El mundo de afuera begins with a Colombian Army bulletin dated
9 August 1971 tersely informing the public that Señor Diego
Echavarría Misas of Medellín has been abducted by three armed
criminals.
The scene is set, and for a moment the reader wonders whether
the literary market really needs yet another sensational crime
story. It soon becomes apparent, however, that Jorge Franco has
used the details of this real-life kidnapping (carefully researched
by the author) not for their shock value but as framework for a
marvelously imaginative work of fiction about the lives of those
involved in the event. Skillfully managed flashbacks and parallel
stories present a fascinating collection of characters, some
invented, some drawn from real life. The major ones (and indeed,
many of the minor) have desires and dreams at odds with the
realities of the outside world, hence the title. (…)
El mundo de afuera is the product of a sure and experienced hand:
Colombian Jorge Franco has published six other novels, several
of them prize winners. He does not burden the reader with tricks
and flourishes of style that might obfuscate the various narrative
strands—the prose is straightforward, yet polished. Dialogue
abounds, and believable dialogue it is. There are just enough
“colombianisms” to lend authenticity to the characters’ speech.
Nor does he overburden the reader with the cruelty and violence
inherent in a story about a major crime: El mundo de afuera has
many comic moments. The reader laughs when the kidnap gang’s
only female member, Twiggy, painstakingly applies eye makeup
before heading out to burglarize a house, or when Isolda’s stern
governess, Hedda, neglects her charge as she indulges erotic
fantasies about the lover left behind in Germany.
Published in New Spanish Books JP / US
46
cASANovAS & lyNch AgENcIA lITERARIA
Title.
THE OUTSIDE WORLD
eL MuNDo De aFuera
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 312
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 18,00 euros
Author. Jorge Franco
iSbn. 9788420416335
Author´s biography.
Jorge Franco was born in Medellin (Columbia) in 1962. He studied literature at the
Universidad Javeriana and film at the London Film School. His collection of short
stories Maldito amor (Damned Love) won the Pedro Gómez Valderrama National
Fiction Competition and his novel Mala noche (Bad Night) was awarded the first
prize in the XIV Ciudad de Pereira National Novel Competition and was shortlisted
for Conaculta’s National Novel Prize. His novel Rosario Tijeras, which won him a
national grant from the Ministry of Culture, was awarded the International Dashiell
Hammett Prize in 2000 (Gijón, Spain), and has been translated into more than
fifteen languages and successfully adapted for the screen and television. The film
adaptation of his novel Paraíso Travel (Paradise Travel, 2001) became a box-office
success for the Columbian movie industry. Melodrama (2006) has been adapted for
the stage. http://jorge-franco.com/jf/
Agency´s description.
Casanovas & Lynch is a literary agency specialising in representing Spanish and
Latin American writers throughout the world. It also exclusively represents various
foreign publishing houses and agencies for Spanish-language, Portugese and
Catalan territories.
Publisher. Alfaguara
Synopsis.
Isolde passes her life inside a strange but fascinating castle, as far from the city
of Medellin, in which it is located, as are its inhabitants and the life they live. The
sense of unreality in which they live is oppressive for the teenager, who finds in the
forest surrounding the castle the only possible respite from her loneliness. But the
invisible menace of the outside world filters silently through the branches. With
pitch perfect suspense, Jorge Franco constructs a sinister fairy tale that transforms
into the crazy story of a kidnapping. Inside and outside the fortress, love, that
indomitable monster, becomes an obsession that distances and dehumanises, that
attempts to overpower, that awakens the desire for revenge, and can only be escaped
by accepting death as one’s fate.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Casanovas & Lynch
phone. +34 932 124 791
Agencia Literaria
contact. María Lynch
Muntaner, 340. 2º 1ª
e.mail. [email protected]
CIF. B61469722
[email protected]
www.casanovaslynch.com
countries where the rights have been sold. France (Métailié), Holland
(Meulenhoff), Brazil (Objetiva), Portugal (Objetiva), Denmarl (Turbine).
Prizes and reviews. Premio Alfaguara 2014. “A novel of uncommon perfection in
which there is not a false note nor a word out of place. This is the impression given
by its narrative coherence.” Babelia.
47
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
AleHOP! leT THe SHOw begin
Author: A. Navarro – L. Prim
From the reader report by: Anne Calmels
This illustrated album offers:
-a presentation of the Circus: artists (acrobats, tightrope walker,
clown, magician...), conduct of the representation, and role of the
head of track...
-guidance to prepare oneself its representation: poster,
preparation of the track, manufacture of the curtain, lighting,
music (sound technology), number clown (training and makeup),
juggling (manufacture of balls and training), acrobatics (figures
and training), tightrope (training and manufacturing of a rola
bola), trapezius (video game), magic (complete number with map
tour and tour of the person cut in half) collective salvation.
The informative elements are often mixed with practical, very
realistic and easily applicable indications in an everyday context.
The Narrator speaks to the reader and accompanies him in
the creation of the show. The tone is simple, accurate; you feel
a real experience of the author, who decrypts the conduct of
representation and numbers with professionalism. The reader
is treated with respect and the circus considered affordable, a
real art of the show. The numbers offer several levels of difficulty,
allowing the reader to choose according to their age and abilities
and create a show where he will feel valued.
The particular shape makes the book a real pleasant to use object.
The illustrations, very contemporary but inspired by the plastic
of the circus, are both traditional and offbeat; they blend photos,
collage, colors, designs, false engraving technique...
Published in New Spanish Books FR
48
coMBEl EDIToRIAl
Title.
ALEHOP! LET THE SHOW BEGIN
¡aLehop! eMpieza eL eSpeCTáCuLo
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 21
genre. Children
Spanish retail price. 14,90 euros
Author. Àngels Navarro
iSbn. 978-84-9825-914-8
Author´s biography.
Angels Navarro holds a degree in psychology, specializing in psychomotricity and
game therapy. Her interest in the development of cognitive abilities has led her to
create all kinds of brain games in all its multiple applications (therapeutic, preventive,
business, leisure) and in all possible formats: books, crafts, workshops, hobbies, apps,
multimedia games, etc. She has shared her experience in the development of the
mind with great success in more than fifty titles for all ages. She has sold about four
million copies and has been translated into a dozen languages. Many of her titles are
crafts that challenge the boundaries of the traditional book. The originality of their
proposals, the design of the works, games and challenges proposed are a stimulus for
its readers, be they children, young or adult.
Publisher´s description.
Combel publishes a wide range of children’s books. Among the titles in its catalogue
you can find pop-up books, board books, novelties, game books etc. Its most
remarkable distinctive traits are the accurate editions and the good quality of the
texts and illustrations.
Publisher. Combel Editorial
Synopsis.
Welcome to the world of the circus! In this book you will find an introduction to this
fascinating world of magic and illusion and a proposal for activities so that children
can ride its circus show at home. A book that helps boost creativity.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Combel Editorial
phone. +34 932 449 550
Casp, 79
contact. Maite Etcheto
Barcelona
e.mail.
CIF. A28584738
[email protected]
www.combeleditorial.com
[email protected]
49
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
THe Silence OF THe ligHTHOuSe
Author: Albert Juvany
From the reader report by: Jennifer Arnold
El Silenci del Far is the debut novel by author Albert Juvany.
Set in Iceland, in a small fishing village called Húsavik, it tells
the story of librarian Anna and her search for the truth about
her family. A quiet, unassuming young woman, Anna’s life is one
day turned upside down when she receives a letter signed by
“your father who loves you”. Anna had been told by her aunt and
uncle with whom she has grown up that her parents had left her,
abandoned her in order to make a future for themselves which
appeared not to include her (…) The story of Anna is paralleled
by the arrival of Gísli to the village from Rekyavik. He too is
on a search for the truth about his past and his family and the
inevitable meeting between the two leads to a entwining of plots
which make for an intriguing read.
This is a well-constructed novel which although slow to start,
takes the reader on a rollercoaster journey which constantly
surprises and draws them in, leaving them always wanting more.
The structure is very cleverly done (…)
The setting of the novel in an Icelandic village is also a very
clever device. This cold, oppressive atmosphere entirely reflects
the secrets, lies, doubts and silences of the characters.
El silenci del far is an intriguing, atmospheric novel which
unravels the mystery of both Anna and Gísli’s families in a way
that draws the reader in. With the current trend for novels in
translation from Nordic origins this novel almost seems an ideal
possibility for translation (…)
I really enjoyed the novel (…). By about one third of the way
through I couldn’t put it down and the plot resolution was not at
all disappointing.
Published in New Spanish Books UK
50
cRISTINA MoRA lITERARy & fIlM AgENcy
Title.
THE SILENCE OF THE LIGHTHOUSE
eL SiLeNCi DeL Far
year of publication. 2014
language. Catalan
number of editions. 1
Pages. 238
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 18,50 euros
Author. Albert Juvany
iSbn. 978-84-941737-2-1
Author´s biography.
Albert Juvany (Vic, February 1974). Since 1997 he has worked in health sciences.
His scientific background has not prevented literature from seducing him and being
his constant companion. For years he has written and rewritten short stories. Most
of them are sitting in a folder and some have seen the light of day in the form of
literary prizes. He considers writing and music a state of mind to the point that
songs are often a source of inspiration when he writes. In 2009, a coincidence meant
that he started his training in creative writing at the Ateneu Barcelonès writing
school. The Silence of the Lighthouse is his first novel.
Agency´s description.
Cristina Mora Literary & Film Agency naît en avril 2010 avec une nette vocation
internationale. L’agence représente des auteurs en langue catalane et espagnole
partout dans le monde, ainsi que des auteurs, des maisons d’édition et des agences
étrangères pour les domaines des langues catalane, espagnole, portugaise et
brésilienne.
Publisher. Edicions del Periscopi
Synopsis.
Anna is the librarian in Húsavík, a small Icelandic fishing village. When she receives
a letter signed ‘your father, who loves you’, a door inside her which she believed
was closed for ever suddenly opens and forces her to face her past and to redefine
the certainties on which she has built her identity. Why did her parents abandon
her? Who is she, really? How will her old piano teacher be able to help her? To find
the answers she will have to go inside the abandoned house where her parents
lived, despite the irrational fear it produces in her. At the same time Gísli arrives in
Húsavík, a young biologist from the capital who has travelled the whole island with
the intention of healing past wounds. Their meeting will be inevitable and together
they will weave string of complicity is in the shared attempt to unearth old ghosts.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Cristina Mora Literary
phone. +34 932 312 120
& Film Agency
e.mail.
Bailèn, 77. 2 - 2
[email protected]
CIF. B65953242
www.cristinamora-litagency.com
51
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
7 liveS
Author: Ángela Cuéllar
From the reader report by: Naoko Aoto
This story is told in pictures only, without a word uttered.
It revolves around a cat, who passes through the hands of
multiple owners, always at the mercy of their selfishness and life
circumstances. Text is conspicuously absent from the narration,
and it is largely up the reader to grasp the meaning of events.
However, should the reader take care in examining the human
and feline characters’ facial expressions and body language,
follow their glances and scan the setting, he will discover the
clear narrative thread woven by the author.
It’s quite obvious that the title, “Seven Lives”, refers to the popular
myth about cats’ multiple chances at existence. However, the title
also draws attention to the seven human characters who become
the protagonist’s masters in each of the graphic novel’s chapters.
Cats understand neither human language nor logic. Despite
this, the human characters force their selfish logic – and blame
their failures – on the cat. In choosing to abandon all text, the
authors succeed in evoking the image of people as seen through a
cat’s eyes. The wider social issues that are revealed through the
everyday events of the storyline bear an uncanny similarity to the
ills of modern-day Japan, and have a universal appeal. They are
sure to have a profound effect on the Japanese reader precisely
thanks to the lack of textual content.
In addition to cat lovers, I’d also recommend this book to those
of us who go through our everyday lives with a feeling of vague,
inexpressible dissatisfaction.
Published in New Spanish Books JP
52
DIBBukS
Title.
7 LIVES
7 ViDaS
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 64
genre. Comic
Spanish retail price. 14,00 euros
Author. Angela Cuellar
iSbn. 978-84-15850-29-8
Author´s biography.
She was born in Seville in 1986. She studied fine arts. Since then she has not stopped
illustrate and draw comics, either alone or in team with teammate Jonas Aguilar.
She has won different prizes, including the first prize of the X contest of Comic of
Dos Hermanas, the Comic Málagacrea 2011 first prize and Desencaja prize 2013.
Together with Jonas she performs also the webcomics JA! and Hot Doc.Original
Ha ganado diversos concursos de cómics, entre los que destacan el Primer premio X
Concurso de Cómic ciudad de Dos Hermanas, el Primer Premio de Cómic Málagacrea
2011 y el Premio Desencaja 2013.
Publisher´s description.
Since 2004, Dibbuks has published comics by Spanish and foreign authors, focusing
on graphic novels, adventure and fun.
Publisher. Dibbuks
Synopsis.
7 Lifes relate the story of a cat. Like all cats, he will have seven lives, but theirs will
be a little different. Why? Because he will meet with seven owners with a story to
narrate along his life. And the most important thing: something to teach. Each of
them will show us the best and worst of human nature, seen through the innocent
eyes of an animal which is not able to understand the situations he witnesses.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Dibbuks
phone. +34 915 339 746
Quintana,17. Madrid
contact. Ricardo Esteban Plaza
CIF. 5250828C
e.mail. [email protected]
www.dibbuks.es
Prizes and reviews.
Desencaja Prize 2013
53
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
gOddAMn eArTHlingS!
Author: J. Olloqui
From the reader report by: Suky Taylor
Imagine Independence Day acted out by the characters from
Shaun of the Dead, and you’ve got a fair summary of how Malditos
Terrícolas will pan out. The book is crying out to be made into a
film, with fast-paced banter between the characters and detail
that lends itself to widescreen imagery. And this helps with the
general vastness implied by both the impossibility of an alien
spaceship taking over the skies above Madrid, and the enormity
of the craft itself and the situation its inhabitants initiate.In fact,
the idea of being small and helpless in the face of an unstoppable
force is portrayed in many ways through the plot and setting,
and in the characters themselves, who survive the alien invasion
through sheer luck and pig-headedness rather than any heroic
action.
The main character Ivan is in a bad way at the start of the book,
a failed rock star, dumped by his long-suffering girlfriend and left
jobless and homeless by his refusal to abandon his principals. (…)
Somebody in fact to whom we can all relate, and who has enough
wit and vulnerability to invoke our empathy and trust. The author
makes caricatures of all his characters; each is a stereotype, and
this makes the humorous context easily attainable.
(…) The book is a combination of sarcasm, absurdity, terror and
graphic violence, which merge to balance each other out and
make it into a real page-turner. (…) The deadpan, acerbic comic
elements would be easily translatable for a British audience (…)
In conclusion, I consider this book to have great potential for
translation into English (…)
I believe this would be a fun book to translate, and could find a
niche in the British market that would make it very popular.
Published in New Spanish Books UK
54
DIBBukS
Title.
GODDAMN EARTHLINGS!
MaLDiToS TerriCoLaS
year of publication. 2013
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 244
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 16,00 euros
Author. J. Olloqui
iSbn. 978-84-15310-12-9
Author´s biography.
Born in Madrid when punk was about to take off, he grew up in one of the dormitory
cities around Madrid, ‘the most mediocre place on Earth’ (his own words). To escape
that environment, from very early on he started writing, composing songs, drawing
comics and gorging on double bills at the local cinema. He has played in various bands
and recorded a couple of albums. He also drew and wrote for some fanzines that
have since kicked the bucket. He currently produces sound artefacts in his recording
studio, composes and thrashes drums with as much enthusiasm as malcoordination
for his various musical projects. He also writes for the magazine Prótesis, where he
has a regular column ‘The Japanese Cowboy’. Goddamn Earthlings! is his first novel.
Publisher´s description.
Since 2004, Dibbuks has published comics by Spanish and foreign authors, focusing
on graphic novels, adventure and fun.
Publisher. Ilarion Ediciones
Synopsis.
Old rock stars don’t have it easy. And if anyone disagrees, tell it to Iván Uturría. At
40, his life is a disaster. He’s been fired from a job he hates, his girlfriend has thrown
him out and to top it all off nobody knows how to pronounce his surname correctly.
Iván moves in with the only friends he has left, waiting for a solution from on high.
But from on high come something entirely different: an alien invasion. As panic
grips Madrid, its inhabitants, with little talent and much less heroism will attempt
to tough it out. J. Olloqui parodies the classic stories of alien invasions, in a vision
that is neither mythical or glamorous, but is catastrophically entertaining.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Ilarion Ediciones
phone. +34 915 339 746
Quintana 17
contact. Ricardo Esteban Plaza
Madrid. Madrid
e.mail. [email protected]
CIF. 5250828C
www.ilarionediciones.com
55
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
cAbAreT biArriTZ
Author: José C. Vales
From the reader report by: Jessica Johannesson Gaitán
In the summer of 1925 a series of tragic events shook the
otherwise glamorous seaside town of Biarritz, in the south of
France. It began with the death of an English woman, a tourist
who seemingly drowned, and of the two men who tried to save her.
Only a few days later, after a violent storm, the body of a young girl
called Aitzane Palefroi was found washed up in the harbour. The
death was assumed to be a suicide. Shortly thereafter, nineteen
year old Alexandre Saint-Berthelemy stormed into an elegant
engagement reception at the Hotel du Palais and shot himself,
after shouting accusations at one of the tables. The three events
are referred to as ‘that summer’ or ‘the tragic events of Biarritz’.
Cabaret Biarritz is a collection of fictional interviews carried out
by George Miet, a writer who in 1938 was commissioned by the
editor of a popular publishing house to write a novel based on the
tragedies (…)
The voice of each character when interviewed is fully inhabited
and explored in entertaining ways, with idiosyncrasies,
singular personalities and vocabulary, whilst the form of the
interview –and the interviewer as an author with an agenda –
is never completely forgotten. At times Miet´s descriptions seem
deliberately like caricatures of figures of the time, (…)This creates
a fascinating reading experience (…) The invisible figure of Miet
– the forgotten and tragic collector of these stories – remains
literally silent. His questions and comments are entirely absent
from the interviews, bringing an enjoyable and subtle mystery to
the text. With only the interviewed characters’ reactions to go by,
the reader is invited to fill in the blanks.(…) it is repeatedly funny
and - not to underestimate it – engagingly cynical.
Published in New Spanish Books FR / JP / UK
56
DoSPASSoS AgENcIA lITERARIA
Title.
CABARET BIARRITZ
CaBareT BiarriTz
year of publication. 2015
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 456
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 20,00 euros
Author. José C. Vales
iSbn. 978-84-233-4928-9
Author´s biography.
José C. Vales (Zamora, 1965) graduated in Hispanic Philology from the Universidad
de Salamanca and later specialised in the philosophy and aesthetics of romantic
literature in Madrid. His professional career has always been linked to publishing,
as an editor and translator with various imprints. His recent translations for the
publishing house Impedimenta have received critical and public acclaim. In addition,
he regularly contributes to various cultural pages on the Internet, in terms of both
criticism and creative writing and frequently takes part in media programmes and
conferences on nineteenth-century romantic literature. In January 2015 he won the
prestigious Premio Nadal for Cabaret Biarritz.
Agency´s description.
DOSPASSOS Agencia Literaria specialises in representing writers and defending
their intellectual property rights.
Publisher. Destino
Synopsis.
Georges Miet writes made-to-order mass-market stories for the French publishing
house La Fortune, until one day his editor asks him for a ‘serious’ novel about the
tragic events that shook the vibrant city of Biarritz fifteen years before, in 1925,
during the summer season. The body of a local young woman was found tied to
a mooring ring in the docks. Georges Miet goes to Biarritz and interviews some
thirty people of different social classes who were more or less directly involved
with the young woman. Through their stories, Miet discovers that the police and
the judge wanted to cover up the case and that the events came to light thanks to
the investigation the journalist Paul Villequeau and the photographer Galet carried
out at the time, with the collaboration of the beautiful Beatrix Ross, Villequeau’s
teenage love.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Munárriz Márquez Dos Passos
phone. +34 915 215 812
Velázquez, 24. 7 izq
e.mail. [email protected]
CIF. B83873737
[email protected]
www.dospassos.es
Prizes and reviews.
Premio Nadal 2015.
57
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
lOnelineSS
Author: Natalio Grueso
From the reader report by: Yuya Takagiwa
This book is author Natalio Grueso’s debut novel. The plot revolves
around a Japanese prostitute named Keiko, who lives in Venice.
Keiko receives short stories and poems in the mail, and selects
her clients based on their literary output. The author uses this
premise to present the reader with a collection of short stories.
Each of the stories is set in a different country. Not limited to
Spanish-speaking countries, the settings are spread across
the world. The individual stories are all carefully crafted, and
their high literary quality shines through even their basic plotlines. Each change in location brings with it a strong sense of
a corresponding change in the atmosphere of the surrounding
world. The author–a European man–gradually reveals his motif
of solitude amid all of these continual shifts in location, and this
motif comes out particularly strongly in the story featuring Bruno
as both narrator and protagonist.
The overall construct of the book, focusing on a mysterious
woman from the East as the ideal reader to whom stories are
presented, may come in for criticism in contemporary Japanese
literary circles. That said, each of the stories teems with life. I
look forward to seeing more from the author in the future.
Published in New Spanish Books JP
58
DoSPASSoS AgENcIA lITERARIA
Title.
LONELINESS
La SoLeDaD
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 3
Pages. 284
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 18,50 euros
Author. Natalio Grueso
iSbn. 978-84-08-12783-3
Author´s biography.
Natalio Grueso’s professional career is in cultural management and international
relations. He has held posts of responsibility in a variety of institutions of global
relevance and is presently the director of the Teatro Español and director of scenic
arts for the city of Madrid. La soledad is his first novel.
Agency´s description.
DOSPASSOS Agencia Literaria specialises in representing writers and defending
their intellectual property rights.
Publisher. Planeta
Synopsis.
La soledad is a delicate journey to the interior of our feelings, brimming with
imagination in which desire, gratitude, justice and dreams come together. A handful
of fascinating characters who will remain with the reader for a long time move
through its pages: the charming thief Bruno Labastide, the book prescriber, the
dream catcher and the young Japanese woman with honey-coloured eyes who defies
fate each afternoon in her Venetian apartment. Magical and hypnotic, this moving
novel carries the reader from Paris to Buenos Aires, from Venice to Indochina,
making readers accomplices in the lives of the characters, apparently solitary
losers who, in reality, manage, almost unconsciously, to attain the highest and most
beautiful aspiration of human nature: making others happy.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Munárriz Márquez Dos Passos
phone. +34 915 215 812
Velázquez, 24. 7 izq
contact. Álvaro Domínguez
CIF. B83873737
e.mail. [email protected]
www.dospassos.es
[email protected]
countries where the rights have been sold.
Germany: Atlantik - Hoffmann und Campe / France: Presses de la Cité / Italy: Salani
/ Turkey: Pegasus / The Czech Republic: Host / Greece: Klidarythmos
Prizes and reviews.
“A beautiful, delicate, moving novel that goes straight to the heart” Paulo Coelho.
59
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
TungSTen
Author: Marcelo Quintanilha
From the reader report by: Jan Surmann
The graphic novel “Tungsteno”, written by Brazilian comic strip
author Marcello Quintanilha, takes the reader on an impressive
journey to Salvador de Bahia in Brazil. Full of action, fast, making
the reader sweat – this is the way in which the here presented 184
pages entertainingly unfold. Quintanilha succeeds impressively
with never breaking the suspense, although in reflecting
retrospect one might think that after all not much has happened
in the novel. But the skilful combination of different characters,
of whose inner relations the reader becomes gradually aware only
in the course of reading the book, as well as the mixture of novel
noir and critical social study make Tungstero a pleasant reading.
The plot presents only six characters. Only in the course of the
story it becomes obvious how these characters are connected
to each other. They are two fishermen who are active in illegal
dynamite fishing near the beach. This is also the starting point
for the plot, for the retired NCO Ney, who judges harshly and
has an authoritarian worldview, will not accept this. He forces
the petty criminal Caju, who earns his money as a dubious petty
drug dealer, to call the detective Richard for help. The depiction of
the character traits of this contact person of NCO Ney is simply
great (…)
Tungsteno is an impressive crime novel, stringently told, with
a complex plot and credible characters. The style and graphic
depictions of Tungsteno are much detailed and realistic. In
particular the drawings of facial expressions are very powerful
and impressive.
Published in New Spanish Books DE
60
EDIcIoNES lA cúPulA S.l
Title.
TUNGSTEN
TuNGSTeNo
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 188
genre. Children and Youth / Comic
Spanish retail price. 18,50 euros
Author. Marcello Quintanilha
iSbn. 9788415724858
Author´s biography.
Marcello Quintanilha was born in Niteroi, Brazil in 1971 and before his eighteenth
birthday was already publishing comic strips in magazines in that country. After a
decade of learning the ropes in publications such as General, Nervos de Aco, and
Heavy Metal, he published his first graphic novel in 1999, a story based on his
father’s soccer experiences titled “The Ugliness of Fabiano Gorilla.” At the beginning
of this century, he gained a footing in French-Belgian market and started working
on the thriller “Seven Bullets for Oxford,” a series with scripts by Montecarlo and
Jorge Zentner, which in turn led him to settle in Barcelona, where he has worked
as an illustrator for the press (El Pais, La Vanguardia) while developing other
picture books destined for Brazil such as Salvador (2005), Sábado dos meus amores
(Saturday, My Two Loves) (2009), and Almas públicas (Public Souls) (2011). He is
considered to be one of the great graphic narrators of the age.
http://granadilhasemanal.blogspot.com.es/
Publisher´s description.
Independent publishing house established in 1979 and specializing in comics and
graphic novels by national and international authors.
Publisher. Ediciones La Cúpula
Synopsis.
Salvador de Bahia. Someone is fishing with explosives down there on the beach,
behind the fort. Mr. Ney, a retired army sergeant, is not willing to tolerate such a state
of affairs. Caju, a small-time trafficker, says he has left behind his marijuana deals
behind. In exchange for immunity he had give up some names and that places him
in a delicate situation. Ricardo, one of his contacts in the police,lives in a perpetual
matrimonial crisis. His wife, Keira, has just made a decision. The truncated, or about
to be truncated, existences, and the more or less common desires of this gallery of
characters are the backbone of this maritime thriller with traces of social chronicle
which takes its name from a heavy chemical element that is fundamental to modern
life. The metal with the highest fusion point known. “Tungsten” is a black thriller
that shows crudeness and savagery in full light.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Ediciones La Cúpula, S. L.
phone. +34 932 682 805
Viladomat, 152. 6º
contact. Natalia Mosquera
Barcelona. Barcelona
e.mail. [email protected]
CIF. B 08975302
www.lacupula.com
countries where the rights have been sold.
France.
comments.
The book has also been published in Brazil.
61
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
neFerTiTi AlSO HAd FAciAlS
Author: Ángela Bravo
From the reader report by: Natsuko Murata
This book is a collection of skin care methods using plants and
other natural ingredients. In an age when scientific experiments
were impossible, the beautiful women of history compiled their
own skin care methods in order to preserve their beauty. The
author reveals these secrets and skin care methods, introducing
readers to ways to create makeup, facials, shampoo, and bathing
powder using common plants and ingredients from the kitchen.
This large, 270-page book contains 105 skin care recipes, but
it will sustain readers’ curiosity through a wealth of anecdotes
about matchless beauties using their charms to entice those in
power behind the scenes and a stream of beauty care methods
from cultures all over the world, including ancient Egypt, Greece,
Rome, the Muslim world, and Asia, making the book an enjoyable
read from start to finish.
Although intended for practical use, the most interesting parts of
the book are the anecdotes about beautiful women. Rather than
telling mere princess stories in which people in power fall in love
with a woman at first sight simply because of her beauty, the book
relates tales of women who had specific objectives and honed their
wits and beauty in order to accomplish them. For example, rather
than relying on influential men, Cleopatra and the Madame de
Pompadour gained influence for themselves, using their beauty
and wits to their utmost advantage, while Spain’s Queen Isabella
is shown to have carried out her mission using her own wit and
personality while raising five children, refusing to depend on the
husband she married for political reasons.
Published in New Spanish Books JP
62
EDIcIoNES NowTIluS S.l.
Title.
NEFERTITI ALSO HAD FACIALS
NeFerTiTi TaMBiéN uSaBa MaSCariLLa
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 272
genre. Social Sciences
Spanish retail price. 12,95 euros
Author. Ángela Bravo
iSbn. 9788415747512
Author´s biography.
Angela Bravo studied law at the Autonomous University of Madrid and dramatic art
at the Conservatory of Madrid and in the schools of Jesús Aladen and Jorge Eines.
She has published several monographs on the history of beauty. She is currently
linked to the world of advertising and media. She is the author of several press
articles and travelogues. www.angelabravo.es
Publisher´s description.
Ediciones Nowtilus is an independent publishing house with ten years´ experience
in the field.
Publisher. Ediciones Nowtilus S.L
Synopsis.
The desire to stay young is not new, Nefertiti also used facials tells us how men
and women from different times and cultures tried to accentuate their beauty and
stop the aging clock. The author analyzes what beauty represents for mankind over
the centuries revealing the secrets of toilet and seduction of legendary women like
Salomé, Lucrecia Borgia, the Countess Bathory or Empress Sissi. Angela Bravo
reveals the most famous formulas for the skin, the hair and the hands.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Nowtilus
phone. +34 912 426 594
Camino de los Vinateros, 40. local 90
contact. Santos Rodríguez
Madrid
e.mail. [email protected]
CIF. B83252569
[email protected]
www.tombooktu.com
63
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
THe lAdy OF eurOPe
Author: Ara Antón
From the reader report by: Suky Taylor
La Dama de Europa is a semi-fictional account of the life of
Eleanor of Aquitaine, who is a well-known and influential
figure in British history. The book is based on her extraordinary
life, which for a woman in the twelfth century was even more
remarkable. She was one of the most powerful women of her time,
born into the rich and sophisticated court of Aquitaine, where she
was a Duchess in her own right.
Ara Antón is faced with quite a task of portraying in a fictional
genre nearly a century of European history, which included many
significant and complicated historical events, and one of the ways
in which she successfully does this is by elaborating a personal
story in the current day and using memories sparked by the
journey and its events to provide insight into the time and switch
backwards and forwards in the life of Eleanor.
(…) such a translation would be ideal for the British market, as
Eleanor of Aquitaine is not only a fascinating historical figure
and very relevant to English history; but it could be greatly
enlightening to see it through a different perspective – both a
feminist one and a Spanish one. In addition, given the present
trend in British television for historical documentary series, this
could be the perfect time for such a book to be published.
Published in New Spanish Books UK
64
EDIcIoNES NowTIluS S.l.
Title.
THE LADY OF EUROPE
La DaMa De europa
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 448
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 20,95 euros
Author. Ara Antón
iSbn. 9788499676531
Author´s biography.
Ara Antón is a writer. Some time ago she left teaching behind to dedicate herself
to full time historical research and literary creation. She has acted as judge for
various literary prizes and is an assiduous contributor to the Tribuna del Diario de
León and other specialised magazines such as Legio and Argutorio. She is an expert
in the history of Spain and regularly speaks on the historical personages of that
country. Her first novel, El velo (The Veil) won the Camilo José Cela fiction prize.
Her later novel, Las fuentes de salud (Sources of Health), was awarded the Ciudad
de Majadahonda prize. She has published over ten novels, particularly in the field of
the historical novel and children’s fiction. www.araanton.com
Publisher´s description.
Ediciones Nowtilus is an independent publishing house with ten years´ experience
in the field.
Publisher. Nowtilus
Synopsis.
Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of England and France, travels to Castile in the company
of her friend and confidant, the Druid Blédhri, who wants to leave a written record
of the queen’s eventful life. The journey is long and tedious, but nothing daunts
the great queen, who has had to deal with all manner of difficulties and dangers
in order to fulfil the mission that fate and her iron will have set her: to be the
Lady of Europe. During her travels Eleanor looks back on her life: her marriage,
her difficult relationship with and divorce from Louis VII of France; her marriage to
the Plantagenet Henry II, the Second and Third Crusades, the lives of her children
and stories from her life. Ara Antón introduces readers to the fascinating but harsh
Middle Ages, its continuous struggles and political conflicts, in a land of deeply
rooted customs.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Nowtilus
phone. +34 912 426 594
Camino de los Vinateros, 40. local 90
contact. Santos Rodríguez
Madrid. Madrid
e.mail. [email protected]
CIF. B83252569
[email protected]
www.nowtilus.com
65
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
bArrAcudA’S TreASure
Author: Llanos Campos Martínez / Júlia Sardà
From the reader report by: Silke Kleemann
A slightly different kind of pirate story: In this case, the treasure
is a book – as well as learning how to read, making a wild bunch
of pirates in the Caribbean triumphant in the course of a number
of mad adventures.
The story of Barracuda´s treasure is told from the first-person
perspective by 11 years old Chispas. This nickname, “spark” or
“flame” in English, refers to the boy´s fiery-read hair, who has lost
his parents already at an early age, was picked up by a pirate and
taken on board Captain Barracuda´s ship, the Cruz del Sur.
It starts with a bang: For years, grim Captain Barracuda has been
in pursuit of the treasure of the legendary pirate Phineas Krane.
At last he seems to succeed; the crew starts digging on a remote,
small island. They find a chest – and are horror-struck, for there
is nothing in it except a book: the memoirs of Phineas Krane.
The captain rages with fury, but one of the pirates makes a headstart and, with his limited reading skills, starts studying the book.
Even more: By and by he teaches the other pirates on board, who
have been made curious by what he tells, how to read. Suddenly a
new world opens up to the pirates: Now they are able to read the
menus at the taverns, but also they know when being presented
with a contract which is meant to fool them.
A beautiful novel, depicting customs and manners. The story is
skilfully told by the narrator, with a baroque tendency towards
exaggeration – as it fits pirates – a broad range of vocabulary,
imaginative names and curses, many of them already known.
Published in New Spanish Books DE
66
EDIcIoNES SM
Title.
BARRACUDA’S TREASURE
eL TeSoro De BarraCuDa
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 3
Pages. 152
genre. Children and Youth
Spanish retail price. 12,50 euros
Author. Llanos Campos Martinez
iSbn. 9788467552997
Author´s biography.
Llanos Campos Martinez was born in Albacete in 1963. Shes started studying
psychology at the University of Granada, but finally opted for three years of
Interpretative Studies at the Municipal Theater School of Albacete. Her professional
trajectory began with various theater companies, such as the German group
Johannes Vardar and Teatro Fenix, with which she won the National Contest for
Classic and Contemporary Theater for Young Groups for the work “Homo Sapiens.”
She started to create her first texts as a monitor for theater for children and adults
while working for companies such as Teatro de Malta, Teatro Capitano, Armar
Teatro, and Diábolo Compañía de Partes with which she staged Don Quijote de la
Mancha, a show featuring two actors and 120 marionettes based on the Cervantes
novel. She finally established her own company, Compañía Falsaria de Indias, for
which she writes original texts. www.falsariadeindias.com
Publisher´s description.
Since 1978, Edicion SM has extended its dedication to education with the creation of
the most prestigious and quality collections of children’s and young adult literature
in our country: Barco de Vapor and Gran Angular, which offer books that are not
marked by the passage of the time and never lose their freshness and relevance.
Publisher. Lorem Ipsum dolor
Synopsis.
Chispas, an eleven year old naval apprentice, relates in this novel the adventures
he experienced aboard the Cruz del Sur, a ship helmed by Captain Barracuda, in
search of the treasure of the legendary pirate Phineas Johnson Krane. Krane had
buried abook in which he gave clues as to the whereabouts of his riches. That’s why
the crew of the Cruz del Sur decides to learn to read. Will they get the treasure?
Publishing rights available from.
Company Fundacion Santa Maria
phone. +34 914 228 800
Impresores, 2. PE Prado del Espino,
contact. Maria Paz Serrano
28660 Boadilla del Monte. Madrid
e.mail.
CIF. G28534204
[email protected]
www.literaturasm.com
[email protected]
www.grupo-sm.com
countries where the rights have been sold.
Colombia.
Prizes and reviews.
Barco de Vapor Prize, 2014.
67
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
crOqueTTeS And wASAPS
Author: Begoña Oro
From the reader report by: Anne Calmels
Daughter of separated parents, Clara lives with her mother. Since
the recent death of her maternal grandmother, grandfather, rare
specimen of an old punk (rebel, coarse and casual tagger) spends
a lot of time with Clara.
Clara has a small band of friends: Maria, Zaera, Magda and Unai,
a Gothic weird overweight who lost his father and regularly
invents a new extravagant version of his death.
And above all, Clara is in love with Lucas, the handsome by
excellence, except that it is not reciprocated. The day where she
dares to embrace him, he said “It is not possible”, and the next
day, he comes out with Natalia, the prettiest blonde of the college.
Clara will try to forget his grief, not without difficulty and without
excesses... (…)
Chapters of the diary of Clara, short, at the 1st person, demonstrate
a humor and inventiveness of remarkable expression, which can
also be found in the variety of the typographic fonts used and the
presence of a few drawings. The tone is bright, direct, authentic,
grounded in the current teen reality. The themes of heartache, of
the parent-teen relationship, of mourning, of the importance of
physical appearance are dealt with sensitiveness. (…)
Published in New Spanish Books FR
68
EDIcIoNES SM
Title.
CROQUETTES AND WASAPS
CroqueTaS Y waSapS
year of publication. 2013
language. Spanish
number of editions. 3
Pages. 232
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 9,95 euros
Author. Begoña Oro
iSbn. 9788467551907
Author´s biography.
Begoña Oro was born in Zaragoza, she studied law from 1992 to 1995. Then she
specialized in literature at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona and took a
postgraduate course at IDEC until 1997. The following year she began working as
an editor for the SM group, in charge of youth collections Gran Angular, Alerta Roja,
Club y Club de los clásicos. During the year 2000, she was responsible for the school
channel, where she performed and supervised catalogues and materials for teachers
among other issues, and was later appointed head of the Department of research
and communication. Since 2001 until now she has worked as a freelance publishing
consultant, editor, translator and professional writer of children’s literature.
www.begonaoro.es
Publisher´s description.
Since 1978, Ediciones SM has extended its dedication to education with the creation
of the most prestigious and quality collections of children’s and young adult literature
in our country: Barco de Vapor and Gran Angular, which offer books that are not
marked by the passage of the time and never lose their freshness and relevance.
Publisher. Ediciones SM
Synopsis.
Have you ever wondered what will be left from you when you are not here anymore?
Clara had. Just when she was on the edge of the pool. And you have two options: pull
head when your whole body cries out to make it, or stay still covering your ears with
your hands. Realistic novel that enlarges the universe of Grapefruit and Lemon and
narrates with the sparkling style of Begoña Oro the downpour of feelings a teenager
faces when she realizes that she has the opportunity to be happy at her fingertips.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Fundación Santa María
phone. +34 914 228 800
Impresores, 2 PE Prado del Espino
contact. Maria Paz Serrano
28660 Boadilla del Monte. Madrid
e.mail.
CIF. G28534204
[email protected]
www.literaturasm.com
[email protected]
www.grupo-sm.com
countries where the rights have been sold.
Germany, Mexico.
69
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
And THe Sky wAS A beAST
Author: Robert Juan-Cantavella
From the reader report by: Svetlana Doubin
‘Y el cielo era una bestia “... Is a phrase from Thomas Pynchon,
extracted of Vineland that gives its title and its debut to the
fourth novel of Robert Juan-Cantavella: “The sky was a beast
when Sigur Mutt put his suitcase on the snow.” The protagonist
of this story goes to Vor, a lost village, to honor the wishes of a
colleague of youth, time where they were all two cryptozoologist.
Arrived from Hamburg, he had to go “up” in sanatorium, just like
Hans Castorp of the Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann, looking
for a mysterious manuscript, Columbkill. The entire novel evolves
around the decipherment of this text. Robert Juan-Cantavella
takes us into a world inhabited by strange and very well depicted
characters leaving the beautiful part to the reader.
El cielo era una bestia and Columbkill intermingle along seven
parts, themselves composed of seven chapters increasingly
shorter, a narrative device that sets the pace of the story. The
style of the author is inventive, full of humor and irony in a
nuanced manner. Iconoclastic, Robert Juan-Cantavella cleverly
uses the processes of intertextuality, giving El cielo era una bestia
a plot based on the black novel, philosophical and epistemological
criticism and the cabinet of curiosities. El cielo era una bestia is a
promising and original work.
Published in New Spanish Books FR
70
EDIToRIAl ANAgRAMA S.A.
Title.
AND THE SKY WAS A BEAST
Y eL CieLo era uNa BeSTia
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 376
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 19,90 euros
Author. Robert Juan-Cantavella
iSbn. 978-84-339-9783-8
Author´s biography.
Robert Juan-Cantavella (Almassora, 1976) is author of the novels Otro (2001), El
Dorado (2008) and Asesino cósmico (2011), the book of short stories Proust Fiction
(2005), the novella El corazón de Julia (2011, written with Óscar Gual and illustrated
by Riot Über Alles) and the book of poetry Los sonetos (2011). After an experimental
novel that didn’t find more than a few readers, his book of short stories Proust
Fiction was widely celebrated: “Juicy stories” (Juan Goytisolo, El País).
Publisher´s description.
Independent publisher founded in 1969, has published over 3000 titles. Dedicated
to seeking out new voices in fiction and non-fiction, in Spain and elsewhere, and to
exploring the most important political, moral and cultural debates of our time.
Publisher. Editorial Anagrama S.A.
Synopsis.
Sigurd Mutt returns to Barcelona. Nearly thirty years have passed. Back then he was
a young cryptozoologist determined, alongside his colleagues Belaire and Sjögren
to unravel the mysteries of Hidden Naturalism and trace, against the dictates of
official science, the track os dangerous animals and animals that no longer exist.
‘Official Science’, that’s what they scornfully call it, as their teacher before them did.
But now, at the end of 2007, beaten and tired, Sigurd Mutt heads for Vor, a village in
the Pyrenees where he intends to spend a short while in an old aristocratic spa: the
Vulturó spa. He takes with him the last wishes of his colleague Belaire, which were
sent to him in Hamburg together with what seems to be a fragment of an unusual
text entitled Tras Columbkill. If he wants to discover its impact and meaning, he
will have to complete it.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Editorial Anagrama S.A.
phone. +34 932 037 652
Pedro de la Creu, 58. 1º 1ª
contact. Paula Canal
CIF. A58134388
e.mail. [email protected]
www.anagrama-ed.es
Prizes and reviews.
http://www.anagrama-ed.es/foreign/title/NH_536
71
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
yegerOv´S eMPire
Author: Manuel Moyano
From the reader report by: Catherine Jagoe
El imperio de Yegorov is an entertaining and unusual novel set
over a 75 year period between 1967 and 2042. It blends many
different genres, including mystery, fantasy, horror and dystopian
science fiction. It was a finalist for the 2014 Herralde prize
in Spain. Plot is the main driving force: in the 1960s, a young
Japanese anthropologist becomes infected with a parasite fatal
to humans while doing field research in Papua, New Guinea. She
is given a local plant remedy and returns to Japan, where she
continues ingesting the plant in order to remain asymptomatic.
In later years, it becomes apparent that the presence of the
parasite in her body forestalls aging and death. Her doctor, with
whom she has begun an affair, isolates the chemical substance
in the plant and the two of them disappear to California, where
they set up a company, Pine Chemical Inc., and begin secretly
marketing the parasite and remedy to wealthy film stars avid to
stay young forever. (…)
What makes this book unusual is its metafictional narrative
technique. There is no narrator as such: the reader is given pieces
information in chronological order and required to deduce what
is going on. The book purports to be a series of 32 historical
documents compiled in 2042 by two anonymous editors belonging
to an anti-Yegorov resistance movement; the documents include
entries from an anthropologist’s diary, a blog, letters, emails,
SMS, detective agency reports, a police interrogation transcript,
a telegram, newspaper reports, interviews, a medication
information sheet, a televangelist’s sermon and an obituary. Even
the book’s dedication, epigraph, preface and acknowledgments are
metafictional, and there are lines in Moyano’s author biography
and cover blurb that continue the metafictional game.
Published in New Spanish Books FR / US
72
EDIToRIAl ANAgRAMA S.A.
Title.
YEGEROV’S EMPIRE
eL iMperio De YeGoroV
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 192
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 14,90 euros
Author. Manuel Moyano
iSbn. 978-84-339-9787-6
Author´s biography.
Manuel Moyano (Córdoba, 1963) grew up in Barcelona and since 1991 has lived in
Molina de Segura (Murcia). With El amigo de Kafka (2001) he won the Tigre Juan
Prize for the best novel published in Spain and was selected by El Mundo as one of
the year’s ten best debut novelists. With La coartada del diablo he won the Tristana
Fantastic Novel Prize 2006. He has published the collections of short stories El
oro celeste (2003) and El experimento Wolberg (2008, Murcia Region Book of the
Year Prize), as well as the book of microstories Teatro de ceniza (2011), pieces from
all of which have featured in Spain’s most important recent anthologies. He has a
degree in Agricultural Engineering from Córdoba University and currently works in
cultural management.
Publisher´s description.
Independent publisher founded in 1969, has published over 3000 titles. Dedicated
to seeking out new voices in fiction and non-fiction, in Spain and elsewhere, and to
exploring the most important political, moral and cultural debates of our time.
Publisher. Editorial Anagrama S.A.
Synopsis.
In 1967 an attractive anthropology student named Izumi Fukada contracts a
strange disease on the island of Papua New Guinea while taking part in the
Japanese exhibition that is looking for the lost Hamulai tribe. This trivial episode
is the first link in an unforeseeable chain of events that begins in Japan, jumps
to the United States and ends up shedding light, seventy five years later, on a
dystopian nightmare on a planetary scale. An adventure, detective novel, thriller,
social satire and science fiction - all at once - Yegorov’s Empire surprises the reader
with its technical audacity, the originality of its plot and its unstoppable rhythm. A
“rock opera” fed on images like doctor Yasutaka Mashimura (alias Perseverance),
missionary Ernest Cuballó, poet Geoff LeShan, actress Lillian Sinclair and police
officer Walter.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Editorial Anagrama S.A.
phone. +34 932 037 652
Pedro de la Creu, 58. 1º 1ª
contact. Paula Canal
CIF. A58134388
e.mail. [email protected]
www.anagrama-ed.es
countries where the rights have been sold.
Netherlands.
Prizes and reviews.
http://www.anagrama-ed.es/foreign/title/NH_540
73
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
never AgAin
Author: Fernando Lalana
From the reader report by: Naoko Aoto
This book opens with its protagonist, a young man, walking
around searching for a place to commit suicide – a rare scene in
children’s literature. Readers’ expectations are undercut – in a
good sense – as they are swept along with the story.
The plot bears a close resemblance to the famous movie “Stand
By Me”: an adventure sparked by the discovery of a dead body, a
deepening friendship among the young protagonists, and finally,
their estrangement as they become adults. However, thanks to
science fiction fantasy elements like time travel and moving
cities, as well as the author’s very own black humor, the work
presents the reader with an original and expansive setting.
Although the story is set in 1970, when the author was about
Dalmacio’s age, the words and actions of the protagonists will
resonate with readers, no matter what their generation or
country of origin. Boys especially will certainly understand the
feeling of recklessly going off on adventures which they can’t
divulge to their parents or teachers, and the subsequent guilt and
indecision when they realize their transgressions. By placing the
setting in a time before society was as complicated as it is today,
the author was able to portray universal emotions in an honest
and straightforward manner. I would like Japanese boys and
girls, who inexorably drift into introversion within our restrictive
modern society, to read this book and savor its refreshing
atmosphere. “Never Again” is an exciting and epic work, and a
pleasure to read.
Published in New Spanish Books JP
74
EDIToRIAl cASAlS S.A.
Title.
NEVER AGAIN
NuNCa MáS
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 200
genre. Children and Youth / Comic
Spanish retail price. 10,90 euros
Author. Fernando Lalana
iSbn. 978-84-8343-292-1
Author´s biography.
Fernando Lalana was born in Zaragoza in 1958. After studying Law, he turned
his sights to literature, which has become his first and sole profession. Since then,
Fernando Lalana has published more than one hundred books of children’s and
young adult literature. On three occasions he has won the Gran Angular Novel Prize.
In 1990 he received an Honorable Mention Lazarillo Prize and the Barco de Vapor
Prize,and in 1993, the Almeria Book Fair Prize granted by the Council of Andalusia.
In 1991, the Ministry of Culture awarded him the National Prize for Children’s and
Young Adult Literature, for which he had already been a finalist in 1985 and would
be again in 1997. In 2007, his work The Tunneler made the White Ravens List of
Honor. In 2010, Fernando won the Little Cervantes Prize and the Edebe Prize in
2012. www.fernandolalana.com
Publisher´s description.
Bambú is a recent imprint of the publishing house Editorial Casals. Since 2006, we
have published modern and classic literary works for readers aged 6 and up.
Publisher. Editorial Bambú
Synopsis.
Spain, 1970. Dalmacio’s luck turns into an unlucky streak the day that Operation
Paper begins. It’s the boy’s last opportunity to gain a bit of sympathy from his
teacher, the fearsome Don Blas, and pass the course. But there’s a twist and the
headaches will follow our hero to Cala-Rocha, his summer locale. The outcome will
be heart quickening. “A bad business, kid, a bad business.”
Publishing rights available from.
Company Editorial Bambú
phone. +34 932 449 550
Casp, 79
contact. Maite Etcheto
Barcelona. Barcelona
e.mail.
CIF. A08199820
[email protected]
www.editorialbambu.com
[email protected]
75
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
AHAb And THe wHiTe wHAle
Author: Manuel Marsol
From the reader report by: Silke Kleemann
The well-known story of Ahab and Moby Dick, skilfully staged
as a metaphor for obsessions preventing us from seeing what is
immediately in front of our eyes.
Captain Ahab of the whaler Pequod has only one obsession: he
wants to find the huge white whale called Moby Dick. For this
purpose, he travels around the world from his home base, the
island of Nantucket, hurling himself into any adventure. The
whale he does not see – although in some way it is hidden on each
page of this picture book – to finally return to Natucket. An island
which, as it is to be seen on the book´s inner flap, is itself shaped
like a white whale …
This is a great new version of a well-known topic. Large-scale
pictures with only a few lines of text leave much space for the
reader´s own discoveries and associations. Precisely because the
story is so famous, not many words are needed. Both children
and adults will have much fun with discovering the whale – in
the landscape and in geographic structures, as a constellation in
the sky, in the shape of icebergs, boats or ornaments. This way,
without explicitly referring to it, the main subject is presented:
Sometimes, blinded by stubbornness and fixation, we do not see
the obvious right in front of our eyes. An award-winning work
– and rightly so – which completely relies on the power of its
images.
I recommend “Ahab y la ballena blanca” for a translation – a
universal title which in the form it is presented here can be
visually and atmospherically perceived by all ages and makes
much impression.
Published in New Spanish Books DE / JP
76
EDIToRIAl luIS vIvES
Title.
AHAB AND THE WHITE WHALE
ahaB Y La BaLLeNa BLaNCa
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 40
genre. Children and Youth / Comic
Spanish retail price. 17,30 euros
Author. Manuel Masol
iSbn. 9788426394613
Author´s biography.
Manuel Masol is an author and illustrator born in Madrid. He earned degrees in
Advertising and Public Relations and Audiovisual Communications. He alternates
his illustration activities with animation and advertising campaigns.
www.manuelmarsol.com
Publisher´s description.
Grupo Editorial Luis Vives publishes non-university textbooks, children’s and
young adult literature, literature for adults, and Catholic religious literature under
various imprints in Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician, and Valencian.
Publisher. Edelvives
Synopsis.
Captain Ahab goes out in search of Moby Dick, his great obsession. He will pursue
the whale over the seven seas, without obtaining any clue to guide him. On his
adventures he will encounter icebergs, plagues of jellyfish, sunken ships, and
cannibal caves... but no trace of his enemy. Exhausted, he decides to return home and
live happily, and then perhaps he will be able to see the whale. In each illustration
the reader will discover that the whale is always there, although Ahab, too obsessed,
is incapable of seeing it. This homage to Herman Melville’s classic is an ingenious
metaphor about the search for life’s meaning.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Editorial Luis Vives (Edelvives)
phone. +34 913 344 880 Ext.58646
Xaudaró, 25
contact. Esmeralda Alarcón
Madrid. Madrid
e.mail. [email protected]
CIF. R5000274J
www.edelvives.com
Prizes and reviews.
Illustrated Picture Book International Prize, 2014 Edelvives.
comments.
Manuel Masol was selected for the Exhibition of Illustrators in Bologna in 2014.
His works have received prizes in festivals such as Cannes (2011) and Eye of
Iberian-America (2010).
77
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
MAllkO And PAPA
Author: Gusti
From the reader report by: Jamie Feliu
Mallko y Papá is a book about a father’s initial struggle and
ultimate acceptance and celebration of his son, who has Down’s
Syndrome. The style of writing and overall presentation is
unique, or at least unlike other books I’ve encountered on special
needs for readers of all ages. The book often reads like a personal
journal, with art work, handwritten notes/dialogue and typed text,
poems and short stories within the overall narrative. The variety
of plotlines blends together seamlessly, with glimpses into the
perspectives and experience of Mallko’s parents and other family
members while showing different aspects of Mallko’s daily life,
including challenges small and large, and life’s simple pleasures
that bring him joy. The drawings and graphic art at times tell a
more personal story than the words alone express.
I believe this book is suitable for translation, and that the subject
matter will travel well within the US across the spectrum of
people who have a person with special needs in their lives,
particularly parents. It is somewhat unique to read this type of
personal account and journey from a father’s perspective, and in
that regard I believe this work is truly important. It addresses
common themes of acceptance of individuals with special needs,
yet gently pushes the reader to join the author in his journey
beyond “acceptance,” and to view, experience and celebrate
those with differences as perfect exactly as they are. The author
describes and portrays his experience, particularly his initial
struggle to accept his son’s condition, in a way that is honest,
engaging and relatable, while the overall theme of this book has a
strong message of love and human connection that is beautifully
simplified.
Published in New Spanish Books FR / US
78
EDIToRIAl océANo, S.l.
Title.
MALLKO AND PAPA
MaLLKo Y papá
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 152
genre. Children and Youth / Comic
Spanish retail price. 13,00 euros
Author. Gusti
iSbn. 978-607-735-395-9
Author´s biography.
Gusti is a musician, ornithologist, illustrator and author. He is one of the most
important illustrators in the Spanish speaking world. He was born in Argentina
and lives in Barcelona,Spain, with his two sons. His works have been translated
into Japanese, English, French, German, Greek Korean, Portuguese, Hebrew and
Catalan.
Publisher´s description.
Leading publishing group in Spain and Latin America specialized in content for
students, reference works, children’s and young adult books, practical guides (selfhelp, lifestyle, cooking, esoterica, etc.)
Publisher. Editorial Océano, S.l.
Synopsis.
This is, without a doubt, the deepest and most personal book produced by Gusti, one
of the most important writers and illustrators of Latin America. In it, this author
opens the doors of his heart to speak to us, with complete sincerity, of his own person
and the relationship he currently enjoys with his son Mallko. Making recourse to
the most diverse plastic techniques and to a direct and simple prose, Gusti invites
us into the privacy of his familiar surroundings to relate to us what it means to live
with such a special boy. A moving work that portrays the lights and shadows of a
father who undergoes perplexity and confusion before reaching unconditional love.
A love that is directed toward his loved one, and specially, toward his child with
Down Syndrome. Besides being a book of the highest artistic quality, it undoubtedly
constitutes an inspiring guide for parents.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Editorial Océano, S.l.
phone. +34 932 802 020 Ext. 2323
Milanesat, 21-23
contact. Judith Falces
08017 Barcelona. Barcelona
e.mail. [email protected]
CIF. B-62751151
www.oceano.com
79
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
cOOking wiTH JOAn rOcA
Author: Joan Roca
From the reader report by: Susanne Viegener
Joan Roca is an internationally renowned master chef. He is one
of the best chefs in the world. His restaurant, `El Celler de Can
Roca´ in Girona, which he runs together with his brothers Josep
and Jordi, has been awarded three Michelin Stars and was elected
Best Restaurant in the World in 2013 and 2015. Joan Roca was
trained at his mother´s restaurant, he completed his education
at the college in Girona, where later he became a lecturer, and he
perfected his knowledge in France before dedicating himself to
avant-garde cooking.
He receives inspiration from “the search for the perfect cooking
method, the roots of regional cooking and those flavours as being
provided by nature”.
Joan Roca opens his treasure chest and grants insights into his
secrets. And that means first of all the composition of his recipes.
`Cocina con Joan Roca´ is a handbook for the perfect organisation
of a kitchen as well as for all aspects of reasonable cooking. A
guidebook providing tips by the expert, for all those who want to
learn how to really do things.
Roca´s clear words will teach even the amateur how to
professionally organise his/her cooking – from the bottom up.
Apart from a few words belonging to the fields of avant-garde or
molecular cooking and some rather complex technological tools,
the language is simple and could be easily translated into the
German language.
Joan Roca tells us how to do things. Let us learn from the
experiences of this internationally renowned gourmet chef, as
they are found in his book which is indeed reasonably priced – it
is only 36,-€. There is only one Joan Roca, thus his book does not
compete with other publications of the genre. `Cocina con Joan
Roca´ is an absolute `must have´, a marvellous encyclopedia of
high-quality cooking.
Published in New Spanish Books DE
80
EDIToRIAl PlANETA, S.A.
Title.
COOKING WITH JOAN ROCA
CoCiNa CoN JoaN roCa
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 352
genre. Food & Drinks
Spanish retail price. 24,95 euros
Author. Joan Roca
iSbn. 978-84-08-12147-3
Author´s biography.
Joan Roca Fontané (Girona, 1964) started his professional career with his parents
and grandparents, at his family´s restaurant, where the dishes were Catalonian.
Parallel he attended the college of hotel management in Girona, where later he
became a lecturer himself and to which he is still closely connected. Together with his
two brothers, Josep, a sommelier, and Jordi, a confectioner, he runs the restaurant El
Celler de Can Roca, which is currently considered the best restaurant in the world.
His cuisine combines the culinary traditions of Catalonia and techniques of avantgarde cuisine – the result of constant further development, for Joan Roca is obliged
to innovation and creativity.
Publisher´s description.
Editorial Planeta, founded in 1945, is a well renowned publishing house which is
much valued in the Spanish speaking countries. Every year it awards the Premio
Planeta, among other relevant literature awards this is the most important
literature award in Spain.
Publisher. Editorial Planeta, S.A
Synopsis.
Cocina con Joan Roca is a fundamental work and absolutely unique. In a visually
appealing way, Joan Roca presents fundamental cooking techniques. Step by step
he tells us about the culinary insights he has gained in the course of more than 25
years of work as a professional, so that we may easily put them into practice even at
home. A handbook as it has never been before, by way of which we may learn how to
prepare every dish. In addition, it includes a selection of 80 recipes, so that we may
put into practice all the secrets of the kitchen.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Editorial Planeta, S.A
contact. Gemma Isus
Avda. Diagonal, 662-664
e.mail. [email protected]
08034 Barcelona
CIF. A08186249
www.páginaweb.com
countries where the rights have been sold.
France
81
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
MilenA Or THe MOST beAuTiFul
FeMur in THe wOrld
Author: Jorge Zepeda Patterson
From the reader report by: Michaela Kolb
“Milena or the World´s Most Beautiful Thigh Bone” is a modern
novel, with much action and love. The main topics are forced
prostitution, human trafficking, corruption and violence in
a globalised world. In the focus of the story there is Milena, a
most beautiful, mysterious Croatian prostitute who is liberated
from the hands of her East European tormenters by a group of
well-meaning members of the Mexican upper class. The scene
is mostly Mexico City and Marbella in Spain. In 2014 the book
was awarded the disputed Planeta Award. It is entertaining, well
written and thrilling.
“He was not the first man to lose his life in Milena´s arms, but
indeed the first to die a natural death there.” This is how the
book starts which tells us about a most beautiful Croatian forced
prostitute. The dead man is the editor of a big newspaper who
had protected her from pursuers. Suddenly without protection,
she goes on the run, taking an ominous diary with her. Supported
by her friends, a trio called “Los Azules – The Blue Ones”, the
editor´s daughter tries to help her. This trio consists of a female
politician, a high security specialist and a journalist. During
her flight Milena is also helped by the three adult children of
the friends. They are pursued by gangsters of the Russian Mafia.
In retrospect, several episodes tell about Milena´s time as a sex
worker and finally a contract killer.
Published in New Spanish Books DE
82
EDIToRIAl PlANETA, S.A.
Title.
MILENA OR THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FEMUR IN THE WORLD
MiLeNa o eL FéMur MáS BeLLo DeL MuNDo
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
genre. Literature
Pages. 480
Author. Jorge Zepeda Patterson
Spanish retail price. 21,50 euros
Author´s biography.
iSbn. 978-84-08-13405-3
Jorge Zepeda Patterson, economist and sociologist, has a Master’s degree from
the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences and did doctoral studies in Political
Science at the Sorbonne. He founded and edited the magazine Día Siete and acts as
an analyst on the radio, television and in the print media, with his Sunday column
appearing in twenty national newspapers. El País publishes his column ‘On second
thoughts’ in its American edition each Thursday. He was the founding editor of
the newspapers Siglo 21 and Público de Guadalajara end editor of El Universal.
He directs Sinembargo.mx. The author and co-author of a half a dozen books on
analysis, including: Los amos de México (The Masters of Mexico, Planeta, 2007) and
Los suspirantes (, The Sighers, Planeta, 2012). His last published novel was Los
corruptores (The Corruptors, Destino, 2013) which was a national success and was
shortlisted for the Dashiell Hammet Prize. www.jorgezepeda.net
Publisher´s description.
Editorial Planeta was launched over sixty years ago in 1945 and is the most
prestigious and most influential publishing house in the Spanish-speaking world.
It organises the annual Premio Planeta, the most distinguished of Spanish awards,
and others of great literary relevance.
Publisher. Editorial Planeta
Synopsis.
Milena’s beauty was also her downfall. A sex slave since adolescence, she attempts
to escape on the death of her protector, a communications magnate who suffers
a heart attack while making love to her. During her anguished flight she comes
across the Azules, a trio of the just formed by the journalist Tomás Arizmendi, the
politician Amelia Navarro and high-security specialist Jaime Lemus. They want to
free her, but Milena keeps a thorny mystery closely guarded in her black notebook
that she imagines will be her salvation and, more importantly her form of revenge. A
vigourous novel of action and love that denounces the abuse of power and corruption
but, above all, shows readers the generous heart of a humiliated woman, a woman
like so many others in an increasingly globalised world.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Editorial Planeta
phone. +34 934 928 165
Av. Diagonal, 662-664
contact. Gemma Sanjuan
CIF. A08186249
e.mail. [email protected]
www.planetadelibros.com/foreign-rights.html
countries where the rights have been sold.
France, Italy, Poland.
Prizes and reviews.
Premio Planeta 2014.
83
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
beFOre And AFTer gOd
Author: Octavio Escobar Giraldo
From the reader report by: Lise Jones
Después y Antes de Dios begins in noirish style, as a woman
reverently lays out the body of her mother whom she has
murdered, and plans her flight from justice. The story she goes
on to relate reveals the casual brutality beneath the outwardly
civilised society she lives in, and the distorted morality of her
wealthy and pious peers.
Octavio Escobar Giraldo’s inspiration for the novel came from
two news reports in his native Colombian city of Manizales: the
apparently senseless murder of an old woman by her respectable,
professional daughter, and the priest who conned well-to-do
female churchgoers into providing aid to ‘good’ families fallen on
hard times (…)
Escobar Giraldo writes in a spare, prosaic style that allows the
prejudices and contradictions of his narrator to show through
in a way that is sometimes almost painful to read. The novel
is beautifully structured to allow for shifts tone and pace, with
drama and tragedy interspersed with flashes of dark humour. No
description or dialogue is wasted, and the story’s whole essence
is perfectly distilled into just over 200 pages. Although there is
a strong sense of place, and of the history that has formed the
characters, the idea that unthinking brutalities are routinely
perpetrated by those with wealth and status will resonate with
readers everywhere, making the novel an excellent candidate for
translation.
Published in New Spanish Books UK / US
84
EDIToRIAl PRE-TEXToS
Title.
BEFORE AND AFTER GOD
DeSpuéS Y aNTeS De DioS
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 216
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 15,00 euros
Author. Octavio Escobar Giraldo
iSbn. 978-84-15894-56-8
Author´s biography.
Octavio Escobar Giraldo was born in Manizales (Colombia) in 1962. Winner of the
National Prize for Literature from the Ministry of Culture and the University of
Antioquia for his collections of short stories De música ligera (1998) and Hotel en
Shangri-Lá (2004), his novels, also prize-winning, include ironic post-modern twists:
El último diario de Tony Flowers (1995) and El álbum de Mónica Pont (2003)–, 1851.
Folletín de cabo roto (2007), an incredibly original historical recreation, and Cielo
parcialmente nublado (2013), a lucid vision of Colombia in recent decades. Editorial
Periférica published his crime novels Saide (1995) and Destinos intermedios (2010),
which were praised by critics in Spain: ‘The rhythm of the prose is excellent. The
frankly enviable use of narrative voices enriches the arc of the plot.’ (J. Ernesto
Ayala-Dip).
Publisher´s description.
Editorial Pre-Textos was founded in Valencia in 1976 and has been publishing
literature and philosophy continuously and independently ever since, with a clear
national and international vision.
Publisher. Editorial Pre-Textos
Synopsis.
Topography, the circumstances of its foundation and prejudices determine every
provincial city, as well as its piously hidden sins. Manizales is situated at over
2000 m above sea level, among Colombia’s coffee growing mountains. Daughter
of migrations and the civil wars of the 19th century, an old saying states that its
450,000 inhabitants are wedded to tradition, particularly the women. Sometimes,
one of them imagines, out of frustration, shame, even out of faith, shattering her
world, or herself, committing murder. And she does.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Editorial Pre-Textos
contact. Manuel Ramírez
Luis Santángel, 10. 1ºC
Lucía Heredia
46005
e.mail. [email protected]
CIF. 22523260-G
[email protected]
Prizes and reviews.
City of Barbastro Short Novel Prize 2014.
85
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
lAST nigHT i wAlked On wATer
Author: Irene Gracia
From the reader report by: Adan Griego
(…) A brief prologue to the book introduces Bruno and his cousin
Ulla, satanist characters plotting to take advantage of Elisa.
She is about to embark on a long trip and jealously awaits the
seducing Bruno at the airport.
This juxtaposition of good-evil is the leitmotif of an intriguing
text that reaches a crescendo in a Medieval-like, oneiric phantasy
that develops during a long flight between Florence and St.
Petersburg. But, was it a dream? The epilogue leaves readers
with such doubt.
An ensuing narrative re-introduces angelic Elisa (joined by her
equally innocent cousin Aura) inhabiting an idyllic landscape
brutally interrupted by Bruno. The ruthless warrior kidnaps
Elisa, forcing her to marry him.
This duality of good-evil, vice-virtue is at times erotically
appealing: a mysterious and handsome red-headed angel who
only shows his back, tempting the virginal beauty, or a carnal
feast worthy of a decadent Passolini film scene. But it can also
be macabre: Bruno’s cold-hearted beheading of innocent young
girls when Elisa refuses to consummate their forced marriage.
Diabolic Ulla re-appears as the ruthless cousin who takes a
“delicious pleasure” in preserving the heads of the young victims
and making Elisa caress them.
Gracia’s text presents fantastic motifs of far-away castles with
witch-like characters where the seemingly Good and Beautiful
can fall from grace and the apparent Evil can attain redemption,
if only to lose it again. For English-language audiences already
too familiar with the supernatural and overtly erotic vampire
narratives, Gracia’s novela corta offers the right elements for a
text eagerly awaiting translation: “Dreaming about walking on
water” is not that surreal a fantasy!
Published in New Spanish Books DE / US
86
EDIToRIAl PRE-TEXToS
Title.
LAST NIGHT I WALKED ON WATER
aNoChe aNDuVe SoBre LaS aGuaS
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 178
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 13,00 euros
Author. Irene Gracia
iSbn. 978-84-15894-67-4
Author´s biography.
Irene Gracia was born in Madrid. She studied painting and sculpture at Barcelona
Faculty of Fine Art. She has published the novels Fiebre para siempre (Premio Ojo
Crítico, 1994), Hijas de la noche en llamas (1999), Mordake o la condición infame
(2001), El coleccionista de almas perdidas (shortlisted for the Premio de Novela
Fundación J. M. Lara for the best novel published in that year, 2006), El beso del ángel
(2011) y El alma de las cosas (2014). All her novels have been critically acclaimed.
She is also the author of various stories, published in different anthologies, and has
a wide range of work in visual arts.
Publisher´s description.
Editorial Pre-Textos was founded in Valencia in 1976 and has been publishing
literature and philosophy continuously and independently ever since, with a clear
national and international vision.
Publisher. Editorial Pre-Textos
Synopsis.
Last Night I Walked on Water is a narrative in two dimensions in which myths,
chasms, heavens and hells collide. In the realm in which the characters of this novel
move, the mysticism of vice is almost the same as that of virtue and the two seek
the same elevation. The virginal Elisa who will, however, come to have intimate
relations with the Devil, does not pursue higher purposes than her boyfriend Bruno,
but their paths do not end up converging, or they only converge in the abyss. Last
Night I Walked on Water is an involving, sensual novel in which the Devil has a lot
to say, interwoven with the rumour of Eros and the desire to project ourselves in
horizons as wide as desire itself.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Editorial Pre-Textos
phone. +34 963 333 226
Luis Santángel, 10. 1ºC
contact. Manuel Ramírez
46005
Lucía Heredia
CIF. 22523260-G
e.mail. [email protected]
www.pre-textos.com
[email protected]
Prizes and reviews.
Juan March Cencillo Short Novel Prize 2014.
87
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
THe beAuTiFul cubAn
Author: José Maria Conget
From the reader report by: Antje Sainte-Rose
A young couple, Lara and Gustavo Sanchez, arrives to New
York from Spain, full head of projects. She loves literature and
especially her husband aspiring writer. He is decided to conquer
the world (at least the literary one).
(…) La Bella Cubana, is not only a love story between two young
Spaniards who came to New York, with a green card won in a
lottery, but also a story of memories, of betrayal, of jealousy and
ruptures, that shows us the inability to change the past or to
escape the consequences of the past.
(…) The beauty that is source of love and sorrow, the innocence
of youth and the bitterness of the experience, dreams and
reality, sweetness of the promises and nostalgia for the missed
opportunities - these are the tensions that run through this novel
built in counterpoints.
A very beautiful novel, to read, to enjoy, while listening to “La
Bella Cubana ‘...
Published in New Spanish Books FR
88
EDIToRIAl PRE-TEXToS
Title.
THE BEAUTIFUL CUBAN
La BeLLa CuBaNa
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 204
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 20,00 euros
Author. José María Conget
iSbn. 978-84-15894-71-1
Author´s biography.
José María Conget (Zaragoza, 1948) studied Philosophy and Literature. He has
worked in education and cultural management in various places in Spain, Scotland,
Peru, England, United States and France. He currently lives in Seville. He has
published the books quadrupedumque (1981), Comentarios (marginales) a la guerra
de las Galias (1984), Gaudeamus (1986), Todas las mujeres (1989; Estado Crítico
Prize following a second edition in 2009), and with this publishing house: Palabras
de familia (1995) y Hasta el fin de los cuentos (1998), the collections of short stories
Bar de anarquistas (2005, Cálamo Prize), La ciudad desplazada (2010), el volumen
sobre ciudades Pont de l’Alma (2007) and his latest collection La mujer que vigila
los Vermeer (2013). He received the Aragonese Literature Prize in 2007 for his body
of work.
Publisher´s description.
Editorial Pre-Textos was founded in Valencia in 1976 and has been publishing
literature and philosophy continuously and independently ever since, with a clear
national and international vision.
Publisher. Editorial Pre-Textos
Synopsis.
New York, end of the 20th century. A young Spanish couple discover the great city,
the contrast between the glitz and glamour of cinema and the harshness of daily
life, the fragility of a personal identity still in construction and the greatest pain of
love that seemed invincible. The bitter, cynical gaze of experience falls on them: a
woman with a traumatic political past and the voice of an old writer, loaded with
guilt, confusion and nostalgia for a paradise never inhabited but glimpsed thanks to
the notes of an old Caribbean tune: The Beautiful Cuban.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Editorial Pre-Textos
phone. +34 963 333 226
Luis Santángel, 10. 1ºC
contact. Manuel Ramírez
46005
Lucía Heredia
CIF. 22523260-G
e.mail. [email protected]
[email protected]
89
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
drAgAl
Author: Elena Gallego Abad
From the reader report by: Carina Vincent
In memory of his father, a speleologist who died accidentally,
Adrian receives from his mother an amulet. It is a mysterious
Medallion where a dragon is represented. Coincidence or not, we
find this same dragon, in stone this time, on the façade of the
Church of San Pedro in a village in Galicia. (…)
There are many mysteries in this novel by Elena Gallego Abad.
Adrian, this 16 years old young man who seems possessed by
the spirit of the dragon, takes us on an adventure looking for the
secret of the Grand Master of the order of Dragal.
We therefore dive into a mysterious and supernatural world:
Adrian communicates telepathically with the dragon during the
course; the dragon that is represented on his Medallion changes
its expression based on his thoughts and actions, sometimes it
shines or it heats; when looking at the mirror, Adrian does not see
his face but the reflection of the dragon.
Finally, the novel ends on a note completely supernatural since
Adrian becomes a dragon and we wonder what adventures await
him in this new life.
From the beginning to the end, the reader is plunged into this
mysterious universe where hovers the spirit of the dragon, all
in a fluid style, punctuated by the adventures and reflections of
Adrian and Monica to complete their investigation.
Published in New Spanish Books FR
90
ElENA gAllEgo ABAD /
EDIcIóNS XERAIS DE gAlIcIA
Title.
DRAGAL
DraGaL
year of publication. 2010
language. Gallego
number of editions. 8
Pages. 264
genre. Children and Youth / Comic
Spanish retail price. 11,60 euros
Author. Elena Gallego Abad
iSbn. 978-84-9914-134-3
Author´s biography.
A journalist in times of crisis and a tamer of dragons in literary worlds, Elena
Gallego Abad lives in Galicia, her literary inspiration since infancy, where she has
developed an extensive professional career linked to the world of communications
and letters. Her series Dragal quickly became a bestseller and a benchmark for
children’s fantasy literature in Galician, and was soon translated into Spanish,
Catalan, and English. The saga will be transferred to the audiovisual world through
adaptations for the screen, interactive comics, and videogames.
www.elenagallego.es / www.dragal.gal / www.dragal.land / www.dragal.cat /
https://www.facebook.com/dragalbooks
Agency´s description.
Managing the copyright and promoting the work of the author Elena Gallego Abad.
Publisher. Edicións Xerais de Galicia
Synopsis.
Dragal narrates the story of a youth who, in in fulfillment of a thousand year old
prophecy, is transformed into a dragon in the real world. Conceived by the author
in order to intrest her son inthe universal culture and local traditions, the saga
has become a publishing phenomenon in Galicia and will reach movie screens,
comics and video games. Guided by the stone dragon of St. Peter’s church, Adrian
investigates the secrets of a magic medallion that he inherited from his father. With
the help of Monica, a school colleague, and the parish priest, he will have to look
in the forbidden books in his great-grandfather’s library, submerge himself in the
magical waters of the Moura well, and discover the hidden secrets of the catacombs.
This novels initiates a vibrant saga, full of action and adventures, and is inspired
the Apostle James’ “translatio,” upon which the Compostelan myth was constructed.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Elena Gallego Abad
phone. +34 678 600 374
Macenlle, 63. B. Marín. Pontevedra
contact. Elena Gallego
CIF. 34952790N
e.mail. [email protected]
www.dragal.eu / www.dragal.land /
[email protected]
www.dragal.cat / www.elenagallego.es /
http://goo.gl/s8OoOh
countries where the rights have been sold. Audiovisual rights worldwide
(Cinema, interactive comics, and video games. English rights for the United Kingdom
and Bulgaria. Spanish rights. Catalan rights. Galician rights.
Prizes and reviews. Finalist Fundacion Caixa Galicia Prize 2009, Frei Martin
Sarmiento 2012, http://goo.gl/4Vk14R Dossier de Prensa en http://blog.xerais.es/
search/dragal
comments. “The narrative style of this fascinating author from the very start
turned me into an adept of her saga.” http://goo.gl/4Vk14R Dossier de Prensa en
91
http://blog.xerais.es/search/dragal.
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
Seven SkullS
Author: Elena Gallego Abad
From the reader report by: François Michel Durazzo
(…) the novel seeks to reach all audiences. This black novel
without blood and violence provides a reading experience where
you are not bored a second. (…) Vocabulary avoids any jargon,
is close to the daily language, limpid, and always very correct.
No reply is likely to shock. The sentence is short, efficient and
pleasant. The rhythm is constant suspense skillfully made, even
if the mystery fades pretty quickly. This does not prevent the end
to win in intensity until the moment where the journalist met the
murderer.
This novel provides an excellent time of reading, for all audiences.
Published in New Spanish Books FR
92
ElENA gAllEgo ABAD /
EDIcIóNS XERAIS DE gAlIcIA
Title.
SEVEN SKULLS
SeTe CaVeiraS
year of publication. 2014
language. Gallego
number of editions. 3
Pages. 200
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 16,65 euros
Author. Elena Gallego Abad
iSbn. 978-84-9914-569-3
Author´s biography.
Elena Gallego Abad (Teruel 1969) is a writer and journalist with a wide range of
professional experience, associated with various press and radio media. Member
of the Colexio Profesional de Xornalistas de Galicia (CPXG) and the Federación
Internacional de Periodistas (FIP), she became known as a writer of fiction with the
young adult saga Dragal, published by Xerais, which was very successful in Galicia
and translated to Spanish, Catalan and English. Seven Skulls is her first crime novel.
www.elenagallego.es / www.setecaveiras.es / www.facebook.com/SeteCaveirasbook
Agency´s description.
Managing the copyright and promoting the work of the author Elena Gallego Abad.
Publisher. Edicións Xerais de Galicia
Synopsis.
When the journalist Marta Vilas discovers the body of a driver floating in the Vigo
harbour, she doesn’t imagine that the small toy the murderer hid in his pocket is
about to change her life. That click, from the first series of the discontinued Famobil,
is the only thing that seems to tie this murder to that of the civil guard rescued by a
fisherman in Cangas, at the other side of the river. And with the bodies which, over
the coming days, will gradually appear in different places along the Galician coast.
Fast-paced and entertaining, Seven Skulls draws together a series of murders in real
locations with marked events from the 1980s. This 21st-century novel, with evident
nods to the classics of Agatha Christie, is the author’s homage to the profession of
journalism which, moreover, weaves a fascinating plot with the soundtrack of la
Movida.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Elena Gallego Abad
phone. +34 678 600 374
Macenlle, 63 B
contact. Elena Gallego
CIF. 34952790N
e.mail. [email protected]
www.setecaveiras.es
www.facebook.com/SeteCaveirasbook
countries where the rights have been sold.
Available in all languages, including audiovisual rights, except Galician.
Prizes and reviews. ‘
A well put together novel with a rhythm that fits the sub-genre’s conventions; fastpaced at times and well measured in the resolution of the mystery, it draws the
reader in from the first lines.’
comments.
Press And Review Dossier Online At http://blog.xerais.es/tag/sete_caveiras/
Booktrailer At https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqQAuOoiXyc.
93
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
nigHT And FOg in THe OccuPied PAriS
Author: Fernando Castillo
From the reader report by: Juan Manuel Bonet
This book by historian Fernando Castillo, represents a very
interesting Spanish contribution to the history of the occupied
Paris. (…)
The book is at the crossroads of history and literature, and in
this sense can be compared to some work of Pierre Assouline,
writer who also echoed in his blog the work of the Spaniard, as
well as one of its recent initiatives, an exhibition that consisted
of paintings by young Spaniards inspired by the work of Patrick
Modiano.
Modiano is precisely one of Fernando Castillo models in this book,
among other things because one of the four fates - two French,
and two Spaniards-mentioned therein, is that of Albert Modiano,
the father of the writer. (…)
The four destinies mentioned allow Fernando Castillo to draw a
choral portrait of Paris occupied, portrait that is read like a novel,
and that will be appreciated by French, as it has already been
appreciated by Assouline, Lotman or Modiano specialist Didier
Cosnard.
Published in New Spanish Books FR
94
fóRcolA EDIcIoNES, S.l.
Title.
NIGHT AND FOG IN THE OCCUPIED PARIS
NoChe Y NieBLa eN eL paríS oCupaDo
year of publication. 2012
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 320
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 22,50 euros
Author. Fernando Castillo
iSbn. 978-84-15174-55-4
Author´s biography.
Fernando Castillo (Madrid, 1953) holds a degree in political science. Professor
of history and civil servant. His career in public administration in different
departments has been always linked to studies and cultural management in areas
such as defence and international relations, law, history and social sciences. He
has carried out different cultural artistic and publishing projects, and has curated
exhibitions of painting and photography. He has published numerous books and
articles in various magazines about social and cultural history
Publisher´s description.
Forcola is an independent publishing project based in Madrid. It publishes books of
essays (non fiction) related to culture, history and society.
Publisher. Fórcola Ediciones
Synopsis.
The signature in 1941’s “Night and fog” Decree, by Wilhelm Keitel, Chief of Staff
of the German army, allowed the arrest and imprisonment of all «enemies» of the
Reich, and meant the disappearance of resistants, communists, socialists, Spanish
republicans and jewish, without any explanation, at night and in fog. In occupied
Paris, the sinister darkness was very different for the crossed lives of César González
Ruano, Pedro Urraca, Albert Modiano and André Gabison. This book, halfway
between the historical essay and a kind of quest, is a rigorous approach to the milieu
of the occupation, intended to rescue from the ruins of time and darkness the true
story of these sinister characters. They were not victims, but friends of the torturers;
they lived with traffickers, spies and members of the black market.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Fórcola Ediciones
phone. +34 609 858 796
Querol, 4. 4º D
contact. Fco. Javier Jiménez
Madrid
e.mail. [email protected]
CIF. B84994094
www.forcolaediciones.com
comments. «Of Entomological precision» Juan Pedro Quiñonero; “Very well written”
Antonio Muñoz Molina; «Très interessant essai» Denis Cornard; ‘Great book’ Juan
Bonilla; «Extraordinary essay» Javier Goñi
95
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
THe wOMen OF lA PrinciPAl
Author: Lluís Llach
From the reader report by: Jennifer Arnold
Les Dones de la Principal is the second novel by musician
turned novelist Lluis Llach, whose first novel was published
to considerable success in 2012, a success which has been
subsequently repeated with his second. It is part historical novel,
part detective novel and part love story and it never fails to engage
the reader, keeping them constantly surprised with a succession
of twists and turns which occur as the story progresses.
The novel tells the story of three generations of women, all called
Maria, all who run the house and wine producing estate, la
Principal, which is the largest and most noted in the village of
Pous in the wine-producing area of Abadia. (…)
(…) the originality of the novel lies in the way it is told. Underlying
the story of the family is the story of a crime; the murder of a
former foreman of the estate whose body is left in a sack on the
doorstep of the house (…)
This is a brilliantly engaging and original novel. (…)The three
women are formidably portrayed, and there are some scenes, such
as when Maria Magi is carried on her “throne” through the streets
to mass by her workers, which are so vivid that the whole novel
comes alive(…) The inspector is also a fascinating character (…)
In terms of its translatability, “Les Dones de la Principal” would be
an excellent choice because of the strength of plot and character.
It is structured in such a way that the end of every chapter leaves
the reader wanting to read on and even when, after two thirds
of the way through, it appears that the case has been wrapped
up, there are still more surprises to come. (…) with the current
trend for detective novels as strong as ever, the nod to the more
traditional of these in this novel make it an ideal candidate for
translation into English.
Published in New Spanish Books UK
96
gRuP EDIToRIAl 62, S.l.u.
Title.
THE WOMEN OF LA PRINCIPAL
LeS DoNeS De La priNCipaL
year of publication. 2014
language. Catalan
number of editions. 3
Pages. 400
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 20,00 euros
Author. Lluís Llach
iSbn. 978-84-9787-961-3
Author´s biography.
Lluíos Llach was born in Girona in 1948. His musical career has, for forty tears,
taken him to to the most famous venues in the world. www.lluisllach.cat
Publisher´s description.
Grup 62 is a benchmark in the field of Catalan publishing. It has its origigins in
Ediciones 62, a publishing house founded in 1962 with the intention of creating a
modern, general and international catalogue in the Catalan language, comparable
with that of the best of European publishers.
Publisher. Grup Editorial 62, S.L.U.
Synopsis.
Maria Roderich (The Old Lady), Maria Magí (The Mrs) and Maria Costa are three
women who, throughout almost a century, have run La Principal, the most important
house in the village of Pous, in the heart of the grape-producing region of La Abadia.
Those three, grandmother, daughter, have made the vines flourish due to a series
of transformations that have kept the business going. But there is a dark secret in
the history of La Principal: the murder, on 18th July 1936, of the man who had been
their overseer. After the war, a police inspector decides to solve the case and opens
an investigation that will lead him to discover the secrets of the family and a web of
knotted temperaments, passions and power.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Grup Editorial 62 S.L.U.
phone. +34 934 928244
Avda. Diagonal, 662-664
contact. Pilar Lafuente
Barcelona. Barcelona
e.mail. [email protected]
CIF. B-62179775
http://wam.planetadelibros.com/previsualizacion.php?seccio=100&id=168470
countries where the rights have been sold.
Spain (Seix Barral), France (Actes Sud), Germany (Suhrkamp), Holland (Meridiaan
Uitgevers), Italy (Marsilio).
97
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
THe bOOk OF MeMOry
Author: Ángels Navarro
From the reader report by: Megumi Yoshida
The author of this book, Angels Navarro, is a psychologist
specializing in psychomotor and recreational therapy. A top
expert in brain-training games in her own country and in Europe,
Navarro is highly regarded for her original thinking. Navarro has
authored over 50 books, with sales approaching 4 million units
sold, and translations available in over ten languages. Her books
of brain-training games for children are particularly famous –
every one of them colorful and beautifully designed. This book,
however, is aimed at an adult audience. Simple and refined, it
evokes a European faux-antique style, but its plainness cannot
be denied.
The content of this book, however, bears greater scrutiny. The
first half presents accurate and detailed information about the
structure and workings of the brain, the types and processes of
memory, and the influence of age on the ability to remember,
while also offering a generous helping of practical hints and
memory-training instructions. Japanese brain-training books
consist mostly of exercises, and even if there is reading matter, it
is usually short and simple.
The value in Navarro’s book lies in its secondary function as
a “Beginner’s Guide to Memory”. The actual exercises in the
second half of the book are challenging but rewarding, and can
certainly be used to engage one’s mental faculties (although I
can’t deny that solving them also involves some stress – they
may prove too difficult, especially for senior readers). Looking at
it this way, “The Book of Memory” doesn’t seem a likely candidate
for a mainstream brain-training publication, but may do well
if published as a popular science paperback and marketed to
readers looking to sharpen their minds, with an interest in the
theory behind the practice.
Published in New Spanish Books JP
98
IMc AgENcIA lITERARIA
Title.
THE BOOK OF MEMORY
eL LiBro De La MeMoria
year of publication. 2010
language. Spanish
number of editions. 2
Pages. 144
genre. Social Sciences
Spanish retail price. 17,00 euros
Author. Àngels Navarro
iSbn. 978-84-666-4615-4
Author´s biography.
Angels Navarro holds a degree in psychology, specializing in psychomotricity and
game therapy. Her interest in the development of cognitive abilities has led her to
create all kinds of brain games in all its multiple applications (therapeutic, preventive,
business, leisure) and in all possible formats: books, crafts, workshops, hobbies, apps,
multimedia games, etc. She has shared her experience in the development of the
mind with great success in more than fifty titles for all ages. She has sold about four
million copies and has been translated into a dozen languages. Many of her titles are
crafts that challenge the boundaries of the traditional book. The originality of their
proposals, the design of the works, games and challenges proposed are a stimulus for
its readers, be they children, young or adult.
Agency´s description.
IMC literary agency aims to provide a range of editorial services for writers,
illustrators, publishers and businesses.
Publisher. Ediciones B
Synopsis.
The book of memory is not a scientific test on memory with a closed training program,
but a playful disclosure directed to readers who want to know the weaknesses of his
memory, to raise their awareness of the importance of exercising it, and provide
various processes, strategies, techniques and tips to improve your performance. The
hundreds of games that it contains are intended for adults of all ages.
Publishing rights available from.
Company IMC Agencia Literaria
contact. Carles Navarrete
Av. de Sarrià, 21. entl. 5º
e.mail. [email protected]
Barcelona. Barcelona
CIF. B-61871059
www.iemece.com
99
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
THe wOMAn wHO didn´T geT OFF THe AirPlAne
Author: Empar Fernández
From the reader report by: Akiko Sato
Sara’s malicious inaction represents a moral mistake that
is committed by ordinary people everywhere. The story that
develops is one of innocent people suffering – but the reader is
compelled to continue despite the hopelessness and gloom. Alex,
who is reading Sara’s memoirs, is a passive protagonist whose
only significant actions are to bring back a suitcase and visit
Sara’s brother, yet the way he expresses his sentiments in every
situation is meticulously depicted. Together with the memoirs,
this narrative results in an excellent psychological novel. The
contrast in tone between Sara’s memoirs and Alex’s tale – both
related in the first person – makes for a very interesting read.
Further working to intrigue the reader are the author’s detailed
depictions of the everyday lives of the Spanish: the atmosphere
of Barcelona and its suburbs, conversations witnessed by Alex,
and the bustle accompanying the traditional spring festival, Sant
Jordi.
Surprising events abound in the second half of the book. Sofia and
Eloy, Sara’s close friends, offer to help a young girl looking for her
father, but their actions result in Aldo’s son exposing an incident
that Sara had desperately tried to cover up. In another episode,
the author hints that Marina’s apparent suicide was actually a
murder carried out by the half-brothers.
Published in New Spanish Books JP
100
IMc AgENcIA lITERARIA
Title.
THE WOMAN WHO DIDN´T GET OFF THE AIRPLANE
La MuJer que No BaJó DeL aVióN
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 2
Pages. 272
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 16,50 euros
Author. Empar Fernández
iSbn. 9788492929962
Author´s biography.
Empar Fernández holds a degree in clinical psychology and contemporary history.
She has published, among others, Horacioen la memoria, Para que nunca amanezca
and Hijos de la derrota. With the historical novel Mentiras capitales she charmed
many readers and received the admiration of critics. Her last three works are
thrillers electric and elegant. With these novels she has gained a new audience and
a preferential place in the Spanish black literature.
www.escritoras.com/escritoras/Empar-Fernandez
www.lecturalia.com/autor/3582/empar-fernandez-gomez
Agency´s description.
IMC literary agency aims to provide a range of editorial services for writers,
illustrators, publishers and businesses.
Publisher. Versátil
Synopsis.
After a disastrous season in Rome, Alex Bernal arrives early in the morning to
Barcelona Airport and patiently waits for his suitcase. When it finally appears all
passengers have gone. However, one suitcase remains in the deserted terminal. Alex,
beset by a lack of money and expectations, takes it. He becomes the recipient of a
story of love and pain in which Sara Suárez, owner of the suitcase, uncovered the
serious consequences that have the errors she committed.
Publishing rights available from.
Company IMC Agencia Literaria
contact. Carles Navarrete
Av. de Sarrià, 21. entl. 5º
e.mail. [email protected]
Barcelona. Barcelona
CIF. B-61871059
www.iemece.com
101
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
SuMMer SinS
Author: Daniel Blanco Parra
From the reader report by: Anette Lang
By „Los Pecados del Verano“ Blanco Parra, a Spanish author
born in 1978, presents a novel which effortlessly succeeds with
making the leap from portraying its characters in much detail
to presenting a national panorama of a pre-modern society, thus
providing also the German audience with interesting insights
into the mechanisms of mass tourism.
“Los Pecados del Verano” takes the reader back to 1951, to a
Spain which is most of all obliged to tradition, religion, and social
hierarchy – and of course to the much adored Generalissimo,
Francisco Franco. These social driving forces are presented by
the example of the well-off Villalobos family from the interior
of the country: By marrying Don Francisco Villalobos, beautiful
Consuelo has become a Senora, a title on which she places much
value and defends by all means, just like her predominant position
as the richest woman of the place.
Consuelo is unhappy, embittered and only takes care to perfectly
play her role of Senora – until one day her husband takes the
whole family on the bus because he is supposed to take part
in a congress on the moral decline on the Spanish beaches. In
a coast town with no name Consuelo discovers her love of the
sea, the wind and the immoral bikini – which makes her come
dangerously close to the disreputable foreign female tourists,
those “sinful harbingers of Satan”.
Published in New Spanish Books DE
102
INIcIATIvAS EMPRESARIAlES IluSTRATA S.l.
Title.
SUMMER SINS
LoS peCaDoS DeL VeraNo
year of publication. 2015
language. Spanish
genre. Literature
Pages. 380
Author. Daniel Blanco
Author´s biography.
Daniel Blanco (Moguer, Huelva, 1978) graduated in Journalism from the Universidad
de Sevilla and has a PhD from the Department of Literature of the Faculty of
Communication and a Masster’s in Creative Writing (2011); he is studying History
of Art at UNED. He worked as a journalist for eight years on El Correo de Andalucía,
specialising in culture and society. He has also worked in press offices and has been
commissioned to write the text for various exhibitions (La Pepa 1812-2012[The
Spanish Constitution 1812-2012]; Platero y Yo [Platero the Donkey and I]). In
2009 he published Cita con la vida (An Appointment with Life), with a prologue by
Antonio Gala. He has won some fifteen national prizes for short stories, plays and
child literature, including the children’s fiction edition of the XXVIII Jaén literary
prizes. Los pecados de verano is forthcoming from Ediciones B in June.
Agency´s description.
A literacy agency which represents Spanish writers of fiction and essays for adults
and children in terms of world rights, in addition to the translation rights for
Portuguese authors and foreign publishing houses.
Publisher. Ediciones B
Synopsis.
The wealthiest family in an inland city is composed of the Wife, her Husband, their
two young children, the Wife’s mother and Amalia, the maid. In the large house
where they live, everything is impeccable but appearances can be deceptive. The
Wife is Consuelo, a very handsome young woman from a poor family, married off
by her mother to assure them both of a comfortable future, but she lacks confidence
in her position. When the Husband takes Amalia and the family with him to a
Mediterranean city where he is to take part in a conference on morality on Spanish
beaches, Consuelo has a glimpse of another, freer and more sensual life, while her
husband is astonished to discover just how far the foreign women, the new tourists
of the early fifties, will go in flaunting morality. No one will return home unchanged.
Publishing rights available from.
Company I E Ilustrata
phone. +34 932 469 056
Girona, 86 principal
contact. Angela Reynolds
CIF. B61503520
e.mail. [email protected]
www.ilustrata.com
103
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BOOKS
Book review
A gOOd rePuTATiOn
Author: Ignacio Martínez de Pisón
From the reader report by: Isabelle Kaufeler
La Buena Reputación is a family saga spanning the course of
thirty years from the 1950s to the 1980s and focusing on the
lives of Samuel and Mercedes, their daughters, Miriam and Sara,
and two of their grandchildren, Miriam’s sons Elias and Daniel.
The story begins in 1950s Melilla where Samuel and Mercedes
live with Miriam, twenty, and Sara who is in her late teens. The
family straddles two cultures as Samuel is Jewish and grew up
in Melilla’s Jewish communities, one of the few to thrive at that
time, and Mercedes, a Catholic, first came to Melilla due to her
father’s military posting there.
Martínez de Pisón has a readable and consistent style and La
Buena Reputación is well written and constructed. The dialogue
is a particular strength as Martínez de Pisón has made excellent
use of register, vocabulary and forms of address to give a sense of
his characters’ personalities, how they see themselves and their
relationships with one another and how these change over time
(…) the lives of the different characters and the related plotlines
blend smoothly to create a believable and coherent picture of
a family and their community and there are some unexpected
twists and turns (…)
These themes of family relationships, identity and belonging,
appearances versus reality and intercultural relationships should
travel well to the UK and appeal to UK readers.
Published in New Spanish Books DE / UK
104
MB AgENcIA lITERARIA S.l
Title.
A GOOD REPUTATION
La BueNa repuTaCióN
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 5
Pages. 633
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 21,90 euros
Author. Ignacio Martínez de Pisón
iSbn. 978-84-322-2253-5
Author´s biography.
Ignacio Martínez de Pisón (Zaragoza, 1960) is the author of a dozens books, among
which are included the novels Carreteras secundarias (Back Roads, Anagrama,
1996), El tiempo de las mujeres (The Time of Women, Anagrama, 2003), Dientes
de leche (Milk Teeth, Seix Barral, 2008; Premio San Clemente 2009 and Premio
Giuseppe Acerbi 2012) and the novel El día de mañana ( Tomorrow, Seix Barral, 2011),
which was shortlisted for the EU European Book Prize in 2011 and received various
awards, including the Critics Prize in 2011 and the Premio Ciutat de Barcelona in
2012. His essay Enterrar a los muertos (Burying the Dead, Seix Barral, 2005) won
the Rodolfo Walsh and Dulce Chacón prizes and received unanimous praise from
critics in several European countries. His latest novel, La buena reputación (A Good
Reputation, Seix Barral, April 2014) is his best book to date and sets him among the
best of Spanish novelists. www.mbagencialiteraria.es
Agency´s description.
Since it was launched in 1997, MB Agencia Literaria has represented a select list
of authors in Spanish and Catalan for the whole world. It also manages the rights
of an outstanding group of international agencies and publishing houses for Brazil,
Portugal and the Spanish-speaking market.
Publisher. Seix Barral
Synopsis.
Melilla, the nineteen fifties. Faced with the decolonisation of Morocco, the Spanish
inhabitants of the Protectorate are forced to return to the Iberian Peninsula.
North African Hebrews hope to stop this exodus by installing themselves in the
recently created state of Israel. In this context of uncertainty, a middle aged couple
worry about their future and that of their two children. The husband, Samuel, is a
Sephardic Jew; his wife, Mercedes, is Catholic. In this saga, which continues into the
eighties, the author explores family conflicts, the value of secrets and the persistence
of the past. La buena reputación is a novel about inheritance. Inheritance in the
strict sense because the lives of the characters are determined by a will. But also in
the wider sense, because all their fates are written down in a pre-existent dialectic
in which it is hard find a place.
Publishing rights available from.
Company MB Agencia Literaria
phone. +34 932 659 064
Ronda Sant Pere, 62. 1º 2ª
contact. Txell Torrent
CIF. B61456125
e.mail. [email protected]
www.mbagencialiteraria.es
[email protected]
countries where the rights have been sold.
France, Portugal.
Prizes and reviews. “His finest novel. A family saga that is also a story of frontiers,
secrets, prejudices and suspicion (…) Pisón is now a master of his trade.” J. M.
Pozuelo Yvancos, ABC.
105
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BOOKS
Book review
SOOn we will be HAPPy
Author: Ignacio Vidal-Folch
From the reader report by: Lindsey Ford
In this rich, layered novel, journalist and author Ignacio VidalFolch examines life in Eastern Europe since the fall of the Berlin
Wall. The book is comprised of five sections, essentially short
stories, in which the narrator travels through Prague, Sofia,
Bucharest and other European cities, seeking to reconnect with
the people he once knew there. Each section is named after one of
these acquaintances: his former secretary, a past lover, a priest, a
dissident intellectual and a business connection. While the stories
of these five protagonists make up the bulk of each section, that is
only the jumping-off point – each is packed with sub-plots about
other minor characters, all with their own rich and interesting
back stories.(…) At the heart of this is the narrator, a nameless
travelling salesman from Spain. He makes for the perfect
blank slate for telling these stories – inquisitive and searching,
unassuming enough to serve as a cipher but still with enough
agency to drive the novel forward.
(…) Vidal-Folch’s style is by turns direct, ironic, and lyrical. He
achieves an intelligent, highly literary tone that, through wit
and a lightness of touch, remains extremely readable. There
are elements of the travelogue to the narrative, imbued with
nostalgia. The prose is exemplary, with some beautifully drawn
descriptions of faded industrial towns, intimate family life and
swinging theatrical parties.
The dialogue is also expertly composed, with each character’s
tone of voice and verbal tics seemingly perfectly suited to their
character.
His characters are intricately drawn, fully rounded and highly
memorable. Their stories weave together a picture of a region
undergoing serious upheaval.
Published in New Spanish Books UK / US
106
MB AgENcIA lITERARIA S.l
Title.
SOON WE WILL BE HAPPY
proNTo SereMoS FeLiCeS
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 325
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 20,00 euros
Author. Ignacio Vidal-Folch
iSbn. 978-84-233-4851-0
Author´s biography.
Ignacio Vidal-Folch is a writer and journalist. He is the author of the collections
of short stories Amigos que no he vuelto a ver (Friends I’ve Lost Touch With,
Anagrama, 1987), Más lejos y más abajo (Further and Lower, 1999, Premio NH for
best collection of short stories) and Noche sobre Noche (Night on Night, Destino,
2009). As a novelist, he has published No se lo digas a nadie (Don’t Tell Anyone,
Anagrama, 1987), La libertad (Freedom, Anagrama, 1996), La cabeza de plástico
(The Plastic Head, Anagrama, 1999), Turistas del ideal (Idealism Tourists, Destino,
2005) y Contramundo (Against the World, Destino, 2006). As a sharply observant,
rigorous writer of chronicles, he has written the collection Barcelona: Museo secreto
(Barcelona: The Secret Museum, Actar, 2009) and Lo que cuenta es la ilusión (It’s the
Illusion That Counts, Destino, 2012) which consists of thousands of comments taken
from his personal diary, showing a humorous, melancholy gaze. His latest work is
Pronto seremos felices (Soon We Will Be Happy, Destino, October 2014).
www.mbagencialiteraria.es
Agency´s description.
Since it was launched in 1997, MB Agencia Literaria has represented a select list
of authors in Spanish and Catalan for the whole world. It also manages the rights
of an outstanding group of international agencies and publishing houses for Brazil,
Portugal and the Spanish-speaking market.
Publisher. Destino
Synopsis.
A Spanish commercial traveller is working at his company’s branch office in eastern
Europe, where he had lived during the troubled years of the 80s. As the Cold-War
world order splits and gives way to global capitalism, the commercial traveller
returns to Prague, Bucharest and Sofia, where he meets up with some of the people
who are essential to his life, and is astounded to witness the changes historical events
and the passage of time make upon his way of life, his values and his activities.
His final journey to Prague becomes the point of departure for an astonishing life
journey brought about by his reencounter with Kamila, a colleague who disappeared
without trace. This search is just the beginning of other reencounters that show the
hero who the people he lived with really were and what lay beneath their secrecy.
Publishing rights available from.
Company MB Agencia Literaria
phone. +34 932 659 064
Ronda Sant Pere, 62. 1º 2ª
contact. Txell Torrent
CIF. B61456125
e.mail. [email protected]
www.mbagencialiteraria.es
[email protected]
107
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
THAT Prince i wAS
Author: Jordi Soler
From the reader report by: Daniel Huhn
This is a most unusual book. The story at its heart – or one of them
– is that of an Aztec princess, the daughter of Moctezuma, who in
1519 is kidnapped ( … ) by a Spanish baron who takes her back to
Spain as his wife (…)She arrives in Spain with her entourage (…)
There she and her husband have a child, a son, and a significant
dynasty will follow (… ) the main character is not this princess or
her child, but a distant descendent our narrator has discovered
in the twentieth century, the direct heir not just to the Spanish
nobility but to Moctezuma himself. The narrator refers to him
always as Su Alteza Imperial – His Imperial Highness.
This man – Su Alteza Imperial – has completed his education
(Oxford) and learned of his remarkable lineage, and so decides
to take on the Moctezuma name which has been lost, so he is
now not plain Kiko Grau but Federico de Grau Moctezuma, with
aspirations to the great imperial glory he feels is his birth-right.
But here’s the thing… It’s not clear what exactly this book is,
but it’s testament to the quality of the writing and the author’s
boldness that this never matters (…)
(… ) It’s a fascinating experiment in telling a story, and really
ambitious with it; it’s colourful (with a great lead character – and
some hidden treasure, too) and rich, and beautifully written – not
an easy or an obvious book, certainly, but a very good one.
Published in New Spanish Books UK
108
MB AgENcIA lITERARIA S.l
Title.
THAT PRINCE I WAS
eSe príNCipe que Fui
year of publication. 2015
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 231
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 17,00 euros
Author. Jordi Soler
iSbn. 978-84-204-1892-6
Author´s biography.
Jordi Soler was born in La Portuguesa, a community of Catalan republicans in the
jungles of Veracruz, Mexico. He is the author of over a dozen works, a number of
them translated into several languages, among the most outstanding of which are:
Bocafloja (Blabbermouth, Grijalbo-México, 1988; Punto de Lectura (Reading Point,
2003), Nueve Aquitania (New Aquitaine, Alfaguara, 1999), La mujer que tiene los
pies feos (The Woman with Ugly Feet, Prix Littéraire des Jeunes Europées 2011)
and Restos humanos (Human Remains, Penguin Random House, 2013). He has just
published his latest novel, entitled Ese principe fui yo (I Was That Prince, Alfaguara,
2015). He regularly contributes to newspapers and magazines both in Spain and
Mexico (La Jornada, Reforma, El País, Letras Libres and EP Semanal).
www.jordisolerescritor.com
Agency´s description.
Since it was launched in 1997, MB Agencia Literaria has represented a select list
of authors in Spanish and Catalan for the whole world. It also manages the rights
of an outstanding group of international agencies and publishing houses for Brazil,
Portugal and the Spanish-speaking market.
Publisher. Alfaguara (Penguin Random House)
Synopsis.
Prince or imposter? The impossible story of the last descendent of Moctezuma. In the
16th century, one of Moctezuma’s daughters was abducted by a Spanish nobleman
and taken to a remote Pyrenean village, where she gives birth to a boy and begins
the insane line that will come to an end in the 21st century. Fascinated by this,
the narrator uncovers the unlikely but true story of Kiko Grau, a descent of the
boy born to an Aztec princess and a member of the Barcelona upper middle class.
Witth a mixture of delirium, guile and the historical responsibility imposed on him
by his lineage, Kiko Grau presented himself as an Imperial Highness and set out
to con any pretentious, well-heeled bourgeois in search of aristocratic titles. Grau
finally had to flee Spain and settle in an obscure town in the Mexican jungles, whose
inhabitants are the only people to recognise his links to pre-Hispanic royalty.
Publishing rights available from.
Company MB Agencia Literaria
phone. +34 932 659 064
Ronda Sant Pere, 62. 1º 2ª
contact. Txell Torrent
CIF. B61456125
e.mail. [email protected]
www.mbagencialiteraria.es
[email protected]
countries where the rights have been sold.
France.
Prizes and reviews.
“A magical, overpowering imagination” Jorge Semprún. “A very special writer”
Delphine Peras, Lire.
109
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BOOKS
Book review
wOMen AFgHAniSTAn
Author: Gervasio Sánchez – Mònica Bernabé
From the reader report by: Serge Mestre
In this book of testimonies of women, the contribution of Monica
Barnabas was to identify problems, then women to photograph
and to accompany the Photographer Gervasio Sanchez for his
shots, to make women feel in confidence.
The book is composed of portraits of women and photos, plan
overview, of concrete situations involving Afghan women. The
clichés are accompanied by some testimonies of the women, when
this was possible and journalistic comments. The texts are all
bilingual: Spanish/English.
Texts, testimonials, and photos are really high quality, and could
undoubtedly be of interest to a broad segment of French readers
(not only lovers of photographs) which are already very aware of
the problem of abuse of women all over the world, and particularly
in Afghanistan, where they are downright archaic.
Published in New Spanish Books FR
110
NATuRART, S.A.
Title.
WOMEN AFGHANISTAN
MuJereS/woMeN aFGaNiSTáN
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 2
Pages. 224
genre. Coffee Table Book
Spanish retail price. 39,00 euros
Author. Gervasio Sánchez y Mònica Bernabé iSbn. 978-84-9801-801-1
Author´s biography.
Gervasio Sánchez is a journalist since 1984. His works are published in Heraldo de
Aragón and La Vanguardia, and he collaborates with cadena SER and the BBC. He
is the author of several photographic books.
Publisher´s description.
In our 50 years of experience, we have sought always quality, rigour and care in the
contents, as well as the variety, innovation in the themes of our editions, so that
published books get turned into an editorial line with sense and commitment.
Publisher. Naturart
Synopsis.
A document on the situation of women in Afghanistan, by two professionals who know
the Afghan reality in depth: Reporter Monica Bernabe, the only Spanish journalist
permanently established in Afghanistan, and the journalist and Photographer
Gervasio Sánchez. A book that reflects the reality of women in Afghanistan, a
country where violations of human rights, accompanied by a widespread impunity
and enormous weight of tradition, hang the lives of women.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Blume / Naturart
phone. +34 932 054 000
Mare de Deu de Lorda, 20
contact. Laura Lanuza Buil
Barcelona
e.mail. [email protected]
CIF. A08947822
www.blume.net
111
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BOOKS
Book review
THe PeAce OF THe deFeATed
Author: Jorge Eduardo Benavides
From the reader report by: Brendan Riley
La paz de los vencidos by Jorge Eduardo Benavides is a novel
written in diary form by a nameless Peruvian narrator, a thirtysomething intellectual slumming in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Recently relocated to Santa Cruz from La Laguna, he takes a deadend job at a slot machine parlor. The diary’s dates span October 5
to May 2 of the following spring of a nameless year(s) that seems
to be late 1990s near the end of the Fujimori presidency.
In a series of moving, artfully crafted entries that impressively
synthesize the emotional spontaneity of diary reflection and
metatextual associations, the narrator relates his sentimental
life, friendships, and love affairs past and present. The narration
is limpid, easily combining memories and reflections, with an
intellectual point of view that mixes the familiar anguish of the
young lovelorn bachelor with keen, critical observations (piercing,
touching, scathing, hilarious, mordant) of contemporary life, and
the difficulty involved in retaining one’s dignity while being true
to artistic and intellectual vocations. (…)
It has the hook of popular novels and the robust intellectual
reflection of the best literature; it’s sad, funny, and touching, never
flat or boring. The reader is likely to care for, and care about, the
narrator and his relationships. The humanity is abundant and
universal; the background events do not require a reader of
English to be overly familiar with the Hispanic world. (…)
Published in New Spanish Books FR / US
112
NocTuRNA EDIcIoNES, S.l.
Title.
THE PEACE OF THE DEFEATED
La paz De LoS VeNCiDoS
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 215
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 15,00 euros
Author. Jorge Eduardo Benavides
iSbn. 978-84-939750-8-1
Author´s biography.
Jorge Eduardo Benavides was born in Arequipa, Peru in 1964 and studied Law
and Political Sciences in the Universidad Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, in Lima.
From 1991 to 2002, he lived on Tenerife, where he founded and directed the fiction
workshop Entrelineas. He has contributed to such prestigious literary magazines
as Renacimiento and the cultural supplements of Babelia in El País, and Caballo
Verde in La Razon, as well as a variety of media organs in his own country. In
addition to La paz de los vencidos, he has published the following books: Cuentario
y otros relatos (Storybook and Other Stories, 1989), Los años inútiles (The Wasted
Years, 2002), El año que rompí contigo (The Year I Broke with You, 2003), La noche
de Morgana (Morgana’s Night, 2005), Un millón de soles (A Million Suns, 2008),
Consignas para escritores (Instructions for Writers, 2012), Un asunto sentimental
(A Sentimental Affair, 2013) y El enigma del convento (The Convent Enigma, 2014,
winner of the Torrente Ballester prize). www.jorgeeduardobenavides.com
Publisher´s description.
Literary publishing house with three collections: Magic Literature (children’s books),
White Nights (fiction) and Recounted Lives (biography).
Publisher. Nocturna
Synopsis.
“I feel like those voluntary exiles – if that isn’t a contradiction in terms – who never
find peace anywhere because, at heart, they have not severed their ties with the one
thing it is impossible break with: ourselves.” A Peruvian immigrant writes a diary
that starts with his new job in a slot machine arcade. His days pass by with no
prospect of change and the people around him are in a very similar limbo: an elderly
teacher with no students, a compulsive gambler, an old friend who chains him to a
painful past, a tyrannical boss, a writer eclipsed by his only work, a beautiful young
woman with strange intentions, the long shadow of a former love… “Jorge Eduardo
Benavides is an extraordinary writer”. Fernando Iwasaki
Publishing rights available from.
Company Nocturna Ediciones
phone. +34 914 161 530
Corazón de María, 39. 8 C. esc. dcha
contact. Irina C. Salabert
28002 Madrid
e.mail. [email protected]
CIF. B85609659
[email protected]
www.nocturnaediciones.com
countries where the rights have been sold. Spain, Latin America
Prizes and reviews. XII Julio Ramón Ribeyro Short Novel Prize “A novel about
the desire to prosper in exile” El Cultural (El Mundo) “A very true picture of the
triviality of everyday life.” El País
comments. “Ironic, tender, full of Chaplinesque characters, La paz de los vencidos
is a novel I have very much enjoyed”. Jorge Edwards, Cervantes Prize winner.
113
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Book review
BOOKS
AbOuT MAJOrAnA
Author: Javier Argüello
From the reader report by: Félix Lizárraga
Ettore Majorana (1906-1938?) was an Italian theoretical physicist
who managed to make massive contributions to physics in his
twenties before his mysterious disappearance at sea, somewhere
between Palermo and Napoli. Around this fascinating and elusive
figure, Javier Argüello weaves his second novel A propósito de
Majorana –which in English could be variously translated as
“About Majorana,” “Concerning Majorana,” “With Reference to
Majorana,” etc.
The novel starts in a half-noir, half-Kafkaesque tone, with
Ernesto Aguiar, his protagonist, being fished out of the sea in
Sorrento and held suspicious of a supposed crime that he cannot
prove did not happen. Aguiar, an Argentinean living in Barcelona
much like Argüello himself, is a reporter frustrated with the
direction his life is taking, who is sent to Napoli to write an article
about Majorana’s disappearance on occasion of an experiment on
neutrinos. The more Aguiar finds out, the more his dissatisfaction
with his own life begins to mirror Majorana’s own, and he begins
to understand Majorana’s possible frame of mind at the time. (…)
Full of great characters, fascinating ideas, scintillating dialog, and
a plot that keeps twisting and turning in startlingly unexpected
directions, A propósito… manages to do all that in a language that
is crystal clear. Jorge Luis Borges criticized Faulkner for writing
his labyrinthine novels in an equally labyrinthine language,
further alienating the reader; I am happy to report that Agüero
conveys even the headiest intricacies of philosophy and quantum
physics in a relaxed, conversational way that makes everything
look easy.
A propósito de Majorana did to me what every good book should
do: it made me want to read more. I readily recommend it for
translation.
Published in New Spanish Books US
114
PENguIN RANDoM houSE
gRuPo EDIToRIAl
Title.
ABOUT MAJORANA
a propóSiTo De MaJoraNa
year of publication. 2015
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 320
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 19,90 euros
Author. Javier Argüello
iSbn. 9788439729303
Author´s biography.
Javier Argüello is an Argentinian writer living in Barcelona. He has published
the books Siete cuentos imposibles (Seven Impossible Tales, Lumen, 2002) and El
mar de todos los muertos (The Sea of All the Dead, Lumen, 2008). He occasionally
contributes to El País, has edited various anthologies of poetry and teaches in the
Ateneu Barcelonès school of writing. His novels have been sold in five countries.
Publisher´s description.
Penguin Random House comprises almost 250 editorially and creatively independent
imprints and publishing houses which publish a total of over 15,000 new titles per
year. Its catalogues include over 70 Nobel prize winners and hundreds of the world’s
most widely read authors.
Publisher. Random House Grupo Editorial (Literatura Random House)
Synopsis.
Ernesto Agular, an Argentinian journalist of around forty, is an obituary writer for
a Barcelona newspaper. His boss asks him to write an article on the disappearance
of the Italian physicist Ettore Majorana. To do this, he has to go to Naples, where
the dead physicist disappeared during a ferry journey from Palermo to Naples. That
is when Ernesto runs into his old friend Ross, who has just arrived in Barcelona,
sailing on the Victoria, and who offers to take him to Naples. After a brief stopover
on the isle of San Pietro, Ernesto wakes up to discover that his friend Ross has
disappeared. With no idea of how to get to port, he decides to swim ashore, where he
becomes the main suspect in Ross’s disappearance. When he looks into the matter,
he discovers that it is thought that Majorana may have faked his suicide.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Penguin Random
phone. +34 933 660 291
House Grupo Editorial
contact. Maria Reina de la Puebla
Travessera de Gràcia, 47-49. 08021
e.mail. mariareina.delapuebla@
CIF. A08116147
penguinrandomhouse.com
www.megustaleer.com
justyna.rzewuska@
penguinrandomhouse.com
www.literaturarandomhouse.com
comments.
A hybrid between fantasy and detective fiction about someone who really existed.
A circular exploration of time and parallel realities.
115
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SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
THe nigHT cOMMiTTee
Author: Belén Gopegui
From the reader report by: Myriam Chirouse
A mysterious organization announces that it will disclose two
documents in its possession. These texts are the two parts of the
novel by Belén Gopegui, El comité de la noche.
In the first text, Alex, unemployed hematologist who has moved
in with her parents together with her daughter, confided to his
computer the words written over the days, at home, on a bench,
in a bar. (…)
The second text tells the story of Carla. She comes to the office
of a public writer used to transcribe the memories of others and
imposes her conditions: that his narration also includes what
happens between them over the sessions, breaks, the dialogues.
The writer is under the charm and the story in the story begins.
(…)
Amazing mixture of political reflections and poetry, the novel, of a
rather slow pace in its first forty pages, is like a breathless thriller.
The writing is fine, precise, and sensitive. The motivations of the
characters are complex and moral problems are dealt without
Manichaeism. It is a powerful, beautifully constructed novel.
Published in New Spanish Books FR
116
PENguIN RANDoM houSE
gRuPo EDIToRIAl
Title.
THE NIGHT COMMITTEE
eL CoMiTé De La NoChe
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 272
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 17,90 euros
Author. Belén Gopegui
iSbn. 9788439729099
Author´s biography.
Belén Gopegui ( 1963). In 1993 Anagrama published her first novel La escala de los
mapas (The Scale of Maps). It was followed by, among others: Tocarnos la cara (Touch
Our Faces,1995) and La conquista del aire (The Conquest of the Air, 1998), adapted
for the cinema in 2000 under the title Las razones de mis amigos (My Friends’
Reasons). These were followed by, among others, Lo real (Reality, 2001), El lado frío
de la almohada (The Cold Side of the Pillow, 2004), El padre de Blancanieves (Snow
White’s Father, 2007), El balonazo (Hit by the Ball, 2008), Deseo de ser punk (Desire
to be Punk, 2009) y Acceso no autorizado (No Entry, 2011). In 2014 her anthology of
essays Rompiendo algo (Breaking Something) and the novel El comité de la noche
(The Night Committee) appeared.
Publisher´s description.
Penguin Random House comprises almost 250 editorially and creatively independent
imprints and publishing houses which publish a total of over 15,000 new titles per
year. Its catalogues include over 70 Nobel prize winners and hundreds of the world’s
most widely read authors.
Publisher. Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial (Literatura Random House)
Synopsis.
Two women start a campaign against the trafficking and dealing in blood, in life.
After losing her job in a Spain that seems to be heading nowhere Álex returns with
her daughter to her parents’ home.; from there she writes down her reasons for
joining the Night Committee, an underground group that has decided to actively
confront the barbarity of the present day. Carla works in a company dealing in
Haemoglobin derivatives in Bratislava where, by illegal means, she is lobbying
for the privatisation of the blood donation system. Torn between her affections,
corruption and loyalty, she gets in contact with a freelance scribe. Carla and the
enigmatic scribe radically transform the nature of their relationship and leave a
record of what is happening. In this novel, the action is telling what’s happening on
the outside in order to understand what’s happening inside.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Penguin Random
phone. +34 933 660 291
House Grupo Editorial
contact. Maria Reina de la Puebla
Travessera de Gràcia, 47-49. 08021
e.mail. mariareina.delapuebla@
CIF. A08116147
penguinrandomhouse.com
www.megustaleer.com
justyna.rzewuska@
penguinrandomhouse.com
www.literaturarandomhouse.com
117
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
THe curSe OF inTelligence
Author: Carmen Sanz Chacón
From the reader report by: Mioko Nagami
The word gifted, which was born in America, is becoming
increasingly better known in Japan through books such as “The
Gifted: The Study Habits of a Prodigy Who Was Admitted to
Top Canadian Universities at Age 14” (Sho Okawa / Fuso sha)
and “I Am a Nine Year Old University Student—Father, Mother,
and Myself, Fighting ‘Common Sense’” (Sho Yano / Shoden sha).
However, unlike the brilliantly successful people in those two
books, the gifted people in this book are children who are badly
adjusted to school-life and suffer, or adults who have poor work
and social lives, despite their high intelligence. The writer, who is
gifted herself, is a clinical psychologist and founded “The World
of the Gifted”, a support organization for the gifted. From her
many experiences of offering aid to the gifted, she clearly explains
the characteristics of the gifted and their common problems, and
shows a path to solve these problems. As 2% of the population is
gifted, it is estimated that there are 2,400,000 gifted in Japan.
This book will be a tremendously useful for these 2,400,000 gifted
and their families, as well as for educators.
Published in New Spanish Books JP
118
PlATAfoRMA EDIToRIAl, S.l.
Title.
THE CURSE OF INTELLIGENCE
La MaLDiCióN De La iNTeLiGeNCia
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 3
Pages. 208
genre. Social Sciences
Spanish retail price. 19,00 euros
Author. Carmen Sanz Chacón
iSbn. 9788416096824
Author´s biography.
With a degree in physics, clinical psychology and an MBA, Carmen Sanz Chacón is an
expert in intelligence and giftedness. She was the President of the Spanish Federation
of Women in Management. She currently manages El Mundo del Superdotado and
serves as president of the Fundación Inteligencia y Sociedad [Intelligence and
Society Foundation]. She has developed a therapy for the intellectually gifted.
www.elmundodelsuperdotado.com
Publisher´s description.
Plataforma is an independent publisher that publishes books people want to
read and share. We publish books about education, sport, personal development,
business, cookery, detective fiction, historical fiction, commercial and literary fiction,
and young adult fiction.
Publisher. Plataforma editorial
Synopsis.
The author, a clinical psychologist specialized in the extremely gifted, explains
in this book why being intelligent is a curse for many children and adults. Being
extremely intelligent can lead to rejection by those around you, affecting selfesteem, motivation and social development, with possible life-long traumas creating
depression or aggression. Using simple, direct language, this book will help parents,
teachers, counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists and highly-gifted
individuals themselves to fully understand their needs and improve the attention
they currently receive.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Plataforma Editorial
phone. +34 934 947 999
Muntaner, 231. entresuelo 1ª
contact. María Alasia
Barcelona
e.mail.
CIF. B64624240
[email protected]
www.plataformaeditorial.com
[email protected]
119
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
POlyPHeMuS liveS THe eAST. A JOurney
TO THe bAck rOOM OF eurOPe
Author: Daniel Pinilla Gómez
From the reader report by: Alex Ibarz
Great travel literature has always had something to do with
the marvellous, be it Marco Polo or Evelyn Waugh. The author
of this book shares much in common with both authors, in that
the very act of travelling becomes a literary endeavour and the
two live happily side by side, leading the reader on an adventure
which has the added value of being a truthful account of what the
traveller has encountered, without any embellishments, all the
poor toilet facilities included.
(…) These scattered voices of the locals then are connected in
turn to the historical analysis of the author, which is not only
accurate but very satisfying in that it focusses on details not
generally known, and connects them for the reader with more
familiar events and developments in European history.
I think there is no doubt that the book was written with an
international market in mind, as the literary references to English
authors is quite extensive and the author is heavily influenced
by British travel writing of the 1930s. The book would therefore
translate very easily into English, because while it is written
with panaché and elegance, the prose is yet very restrained (…).
(…) if anyone still doubts the reason why cultural trauma is as
important as other forms of trauma should read this book, told by
an intrepid explorer, who is not only brave and compassion but
also superlatively well read(…).
Published in New Spanish Books UK
120
PuNTo RoJo lIBRoS S.l.
Title.
POLYPHEMUS LIVES THE EAST.
A JOURNEY TO THE BACK ROOM OF EUROPE
poLiFeMo ViVe aL eSTe. ViaJe a
La TraSTieNDa De europa
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 488
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 18,90 euros
Author. Daniel Pinilla Gómez
iSbn. 9788416274772
Author´s biography.
Daniel Pinilla Gómez (Sevilla, 1974) is unclassifiable, in the best sense of the word.
Let’s just say versatile. For twenty years, he has been a notable sports journalist in
the spare time between his innumerable journeys. It’s a mystery, even to himself,
how he has managed to plant the flag in five continents on the basis of creative
and thoroughly effective financial engineering. To summarise: a limited budget is
no excuse for staying on the sofa. A multifaceted person, Pinilla has found time to
invent (and re-invent) his own literary content enterprise, with travel as the common
denominator. On one occasion, he himself admitted his surprise on discovering that
dozens of friends have followed his itineraries and advice to the letter. And friends of
those friends, even the odd enemy, have jumped on the bandwagon…
www.polifemovivealeste.com
Publisher´s description.
Punto Rojo Libros has been helping authors to publish and sell their books in
the market since 2004 and has offices in Madrid and Seville, plus offering global
distribution services to major chains of booksellers.
Publisher. Punto Rojo Libros
Synopsis.
Travel journalism returns. In the 21st century the planet has been mapped,
measured, photographed and explained down to the last detail. Is finding Terra
Incognito, savouring something approaching a discovery an impossible task? Not
for an exceptional reporter who follows in the wake of the great masters of literary
journalism, from Robert B. Kaplan to Evelyn Waugh, not to mention Dominique
Lapierre and Sir Winston Churchill. Polifemo vive al Este is an invitation to travel,
to become part of a chronicle that leads the reader by the hand to the least explored
corners of Europe, in search of apparently forgotten empires and frontiers whose
legacies demonstrate that this is not true. If you follow his footsteps, you’ll find
out for yourself. Equipped only with history books and a notebook, Daniel Pinilla
proposes to re-discover…
Publishing rights available from.
Company Punto Rojo Libros S.L.
phone. +34 911 413306
Cuesta del Rosario, 8. C1 1-O
contact. Iván Parrilla Rojas
CIF. B-91388686
e.mail. [email protected]
www.polifermovivealeste.com
www.puntorojolibros.com
121
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SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
icelAnd, rHyOliTe dreAMS
Author: Jordi Morell
From the reader report by: Judith Willis
This short novel, published in June 2014, is the author’s first
published novel. It is set in an unspecified contemporary period
and recounts the stories of a group of people who all happen to be
in the same café in central Reykjavik at the same time without
meeting one another (…).
These intertwined stories are told within a tight structure,
consisting of an initial chapter, set in the Reykjavik café, where
the five main characters are all presented, followed by a series
of five chapters each devoted to one of them - exposition and
development of the narrative – and a second batch of five chapters
with the resolution of each of their stories
The characters are clearly drawn and manage to be sufficiently
different from one another to make following their individual
stories straightforward and engaging (…) Iceland itself as a
country plays an important role in the book and has a profound
effect on the four visitors, acting as a catalyst to their evolution
and helping them to realize their dreams.
The novel is in keeping with the contemporary fashion for
intertwined stories (I’m thinking of books like Sebastian Faulks’
A Week in December or Amanda Craig’s Hearts and Minds) and
is an essentially undemanding and pleasant read. It should be
relatively straightforward to translate and the neutral setting of
Iceland means there are no culture-specific items to explain.
Published in New Spanish Books JP /UK
122
RAyo vERDE EDIToRIAl, S.l.
Title.
ICELAND, RHYOLITE DREAMS
iSLàNDia, SoMNiS De rioLiTa
year of publication. 2014
language. Catalan
number of editions. 1
Pages. 160
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 16,00 euros
Author. Jordi Morell
iSbn. 9788415539735
Author´s biography.
Jordi Morell was born in Ivars d’Urgell in 1975 and is an agronomist and forest
engineer. To date he has written short stories, irrigation projects, a travel blog,
flooding studies and rambling tales. He has won various literary prizes: the Premio
Literario de la Universidad de Lleida for his novella Reflex, the Premio Literario
de Cuentos Cortos de las Homilías de Orgañá for Samarkanda and the Premio
Lletraferit del Ateneu for the work Doble Sessió. Iceland, Rhyolite Dreams is his
first published novel.
Publisher´s description.
We want to give more space to inquisitive, engages, audacious, nonconformist and
demanding books in bookshops and libraries.
Publisher. Rayo Verde editorial, S.L.
Synopsis.
Lives crossed in a fantasy country. An unforgettable journey to Iceland. A watchmaker
who has never left Sabadell and has to go to Iceland to fix and old clock. A young
Scandinavian in search of a band to play the music he likes. A couple of geologists
who go on their dream trip. A retired learned writer and a young journalist who
had to interview him. A presumed victor. A novel that, like Route 1 that circles the
Icelandic coast, connects the lives of characters who reflect on whether their lives
are as they would wish and if there is still time to change them. With the stellar
appearance of Halldór Laxness and Island of Formentera.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Rayo Verde Editorial, S.L.
phone. +34 629 230 088
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 514. 1o 7a
contact. Laura Huerga Ayza
CIF. B65498818
e.mail. [email protected]
www.rayoverdeeditorial.com
[email protected]
Prizes and reviews.
Premio Literario de Cuentos Cortos de las Homilías de Orgañá (Samarkanda)
Premio Literario de la Universidad de Lleida (Reflex) - Premio Lletraferit del Ateneu
(Doble Sessió).
123
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
TAPAS. THe cuiSine OF TickeTS
Author: Albert Adrià
From the reader report by: Susanne Viegener
Since 2010 Albert Adrià, a well-known Spanish gourmet chef and
the younger brother of Ferran Adrià, the co-founder of molecular
cooking and owner of the elBulli gourmet temple which closed
down in 2011, runs the “Tickets” tapas bar in Barcelona which is
designed like a “tapas cinema”. Given the great popularity of the
“Tickets” bar and its gourmet tapas, it was suggesting that in 2013
Adrià successfully published the tapas recipes he had created for
the “Tickets”. Meanwhile the book has been edited for the fifth
time in Spain. Since the early 1990s Albert Adrià, together with
his brother Ferran, has published several cookbooks on cooking
at the elBulli. At the international level, the two represent most
different concepts of gastronomy.
Following a photo of the author and the slogan of the book,
according to which Adrià wants “La vida Tapa” to be understood
not only as the concept of a restaurant but also an approach to
life, as the staging of culinary life, on several pages the reader
is told about the concept of the “Ticket” and the history of its
founding. Then there follows the main part, the part on the recipes,
structured into 5 chapters on snacks, oysters, vegetable tapas,
seafood tapas and meat tapas. The language is uncomplicated,
each step of the preparations is easy to understand.
Albert Adrià shows us how to do it. Everybody can do it, and it is
worth the effort! His concept works and is one of the best examples
of the further development of tapas cooking. Spanish traditional
cuisine on its journey to the future of culinary refinement. The
most demanding palate will be much delighted. No matter if it is
mussels with duck gravy and crushed anise seed or orange salad
with olive nectar – each dish promises fireworks for the tongue.
Published in New Spanish Books DE
124
RBA lIBRoS, S.A.
Title.
TAPAS. THE CUISINE OF TICKETS
TapaS. La CoCiNa DeL TiCKeTS
year of publication. 2013
language. Spanish
genre. Gastronomy
Pages. 176
Author. Albert Adrià
iSbn. 9788490560051
Author´s biography.
Albert Adria was born in October 20, 1969. His parents inculcated an interest in
cooking, but it was his brother Ferran who introduced him to haute-cuisine. In 1985
Adria left his studies and joined the staff of elBulli. After training for a period of two
years, his interest became focused on pastries. He also did stages in pastry shops
such as Turull, Escrib and Totel. In 1997, he left elBulli and started to write his first
book, The Desserts of elBulli, published in 1998, with which he won the Prize for the
Best Pastry Book at Gastronomic Book Fair of Perigueux. At the end of that same
year, he started working at elBullitaller. In 2006, he opened the Inopia Classic Bar
in Barcelona, specializing in traditional tapas. He recently opened the restaurants
Tickets, which offers a new concept in tapas, 41º, a cocktail bar, Pakta, offer Nikkei
cuisine, and Bodega 1900, a sherry and vermouth bar. www.ticketsbar.es/web/ca/
Publisher´s description.
By incorporating such prestigious publishers as La Magrana, Gredos and Molino,
and committing to ongoing collections such as crime fiction, current affairs and
general non-fiction, RBA has converted itself into one of the leading Spanish
publishing firms.
Publisher. RBA Libros, S.A.
Synopsis.
Tickets restaurant, in Barcelona, has become a neighborhood “Bulli”, as defined
by its creator, Albert Adria. For this prestigious chef, tapas dining is undoubtedly
associated with partying, surprises and variety. At Tickits, tapas dining is more than
a form of nutrition, it’s a philosophy of cooking and life. Albert Adria invites us
to have this gastronomic experience for ourselves in our own homes and cooks for
us the most emblematic tapas of his restaurant. Olives, tomato tartare, oysters in
brine, ham airbaguettes, peas a la Maresme, avocado and brown crab cannelloni,
and hog jowl buns are just some of the nearly 60 tapas with which we may infuse
the magic and enchantment of Tickets into our cuisine.
Publishing rights available from.
Company RBA Libros S.A.
phone. +34 932 170 088
Avda. Diagonal, 189
contact. Merche San Segundo
08018 Barcelona. Barcelona
e.mail. [email protected]
CIF. A-61624714
www.rbalibros.com
125
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
A MOTHer
Author: Alejandro Palomas
From the reader report by: Lynn Leazer
Una madre is set in Mamá Amalia’s Barcelona apartment during
a New Year’s Eve celebration with her three adult children (Silvia,
Fernando and Emma), her brother Eduardo, and Emma’s lesbian
partner Olga. The time period is contemporary, and past events,
many of which were tumultuous, are told through flashbacks that
form separate, interspersed chapters. The flashbacks are easy to
distinguish from the present action, which is limited, as the novel
is not plot-driven, but rather revolves around personalities and
feelings and the impact of past events on them. The plotlines are
as varied as the members of a family, but like family, the stories
share much in common and are naturally interwoven.
Una madre gives the reader much somber food for both thought
and feeling; yet, many moments of sheer hilarity provide comic
relief, especially in the dialogue, which is the novel’s main
strength.
The story is told from Fernando’s point of view,
and the language ranges from colloquial and conversational to
contemplative and poignant. (…)
Una madre is an extremely readable and enjoyable novel that
evokes strong feelings and explores universal themes using a
range of language that is accessible, yet creative, humorous and
lyrical. (…)
Published in New Spanish Books DE / JP / US
126
SANDRA BRuNA AgENcIA lITERARIA, S.l.
Title.
A MOTHER
uNa MaDre
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 4
Pages. 248
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 17,95 euros
Author. Alejandro Palomas
iSbn. 978-84-16120-43-7
Author´s biography.
Alejandro Palomas (Barcelona, 1967) graduated in English Philology and has a
Masters in Poetics from New College, San Francisco. He has mixed his incursions
into the world of journalism with the translation of important authors. His published
novels include: El tiempo del corazón (Heart Time, published by Siruela and for
which he was nominated Fnac New Talent), Tanta vida (So Much Life), El secreto
de los Hoffman (Hoffman’s Secret, shortlisted for the Premio de Novela Ciudad de
Torrevieja 2008 and adapted for the stage in 2009), El alma del mundo (The Soul of
the World, shortlisted for the Premio Primavera 2011) and El tiempo que nos une
(The Time That Binds Us). His work has been translated into eight languages.
Agency´s description.
Sandra Bruna Agencia Literaria has, since 2001, represented national and
international authors, in addition to foreign agencies and publishing houses in
Spain, Latin America, Brazil and Portugal.
Publisher. Siruela
Synopsis.
The portrait of a city that is welcoming and uncommunicative in equal measure, of
a family united by the fragile bonds of necessity and love and the unique gaze of a
marvellous woman at an extraordinary moment. At the age of 65, and after several
failed attempts, Amalia has succeeded in seeing her dream come true: getting her
whole family together for a New Year’s Eve dinner. One mother tells the story of how
Amalia, with humour and her personal commitment, weaves the web of invisible
threads with which she protects and brings together those closest to her, patching
over the silences of some and guiding the futures of others. She knows that it will be
an intense evening, awash with secrets and lies, a lot of laughter and long overdue
confessions that will finally come out to reveal the future. A portrait of a dearly loved
woman and an indication of what human nature is capable of at its very best.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Sandra Bruna Agencia Literaria
phone. +34 932 177 406
Pl. Gal.la Placídia, 2. 5-2
contact. Natàlia Berenguer Gamell
CIF. B-62636915
e.mail. [email protected]
www.sandrabruna.com
countries where the rights have been sold.
Portugal (Presença), Brazil (Casa de Palavra), Italy (Neri Pozzo).
Prizes and reviews.
It has it all: funny, tender and intelligent (Elle Excelente). For readers with good
taste. Heir to a certain Anglo Saxon tradition, with names like Virginia Woolf
(El Cultural).
127
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
A FAllen Tree
Author: Rafael Reig
From the reader report by: Laura McGloughlin
Rafael Reig’s novel Un Árbol Caído Tree is an intriguing novel set
during Spain’s transition from dictatorship to democracy in which
he charts the fortunes of a group of friends who have themselves
undergone a transition from young communists to middle-aged
bourgeois citizens. The novel opens in 1979 as the news spreads
that a former friend and comrade, Luis Lamana - also known as
Fatty - is to return to Spain after spending years in America and
his return will have major repercussions for all three couples Alejandro and Lola, Pablo and Alicia, Ricardo and Carlota - as
well as their children.
One of the strengths of this novel is the chess metaphor that
extends throughout - the game between Alejandro and Pablo
that begins on that fateful evening is played out move by move,
chapter by chapter - full of mistakes and false moves. It provides
a fascinating backbone for Reig to hang his story.
This is an intriguing and involving novel (…)
Published in New Spanish Books UK
128
TuSquETS EDIToRES, S.A.
Title.
A FALLEN TREE
uN árBoL CaiDo
year of publication. 2015
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 296
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 19,00 euros
Author. Rafael Reig
iSbn. 978-84-9066-045-4
Author´s biography.
Rafael Reig (Cangas de Onís, Asturias, 1963) lived in Columbia in his childhood and
studied Philosophy and Literature in the Universidad Autónoma, Madrid. He has
given classes in literature in New York, where he did his PhD, and in various North
American universities. He teaches at the Hotel Kafka school of creative writing and
contributes to various digital and print publications. Among his novels are: Sangre
a borbotones (Gushing Blood, Premio de la Crítica de Asturias en 2002) and Todo
está perdonado (Everything Is Forgiven, VI Premio Tusquets Editores de Novela
en 2010). A brilliant chamber piece, Lo que no está escrito (Between the Lines) is
a psychological thriller about the negative aspects of marital relationships, with a
terrifying plot, ably constructed from the different perspectives that attest to the
versatility and mastery of their author. www.tusquetseditores.com/blog/rafaelreig
Publisher´s description.
Launched in 1969, and with offices in Mexico and Argentina, Tusquets is notable
for its literary fiction, biography, essays, science, history, erotic novels and poetry. It
handles the translation rights of the majority of its Spanish-language authors.
Publisher. Tusquets Editores, S.A.
Synopsis.
In 1979, a group of friendly families comment on the return of an old acquaintance
who will disturb the life in their residential estate. They all know one another
due to having been active in anti-Franco political parties. Twenty-five years later
Julián, the son of one of them, sets out to reconstruct what has become of them,
their children, their successful professional careers, some in large companies, others
following literary careers. While telling their stories, Julián hopes to shed light
on a number of dark areas: who betrayed his mother in the sixties, why did that
acquaintance return in that very year, how were those moments of apparent hope
and happiness destroyed in 79, and why had he and his friends never been able to
make a place for themselves in the world? In his excavation into the past, Julián
uncovers the chess game the friends played that year, a metaphor for the decisions,
triumphs and defeats of a country.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Tusquets Editores, S.A.
phone. +34 932 530 400
Avenida Diagonal, 662-664
contact. Alejandra Segrelles
Barcelona. Barcelona
e.mail.
CIF. A-08-452021
[email protected]
www.tusquetseditores.com
129
NEW
SPANISH
BOOKS
Book review
MAnOliTA And Her THree weddingS
Author: Almudena Grandes
From the reader report by: Eduardo de Lamadrid
Las tres bodas de Manolita, the third entry in the series Episodios
de una Guerra Interminable (Episodes from an Interminable
War), attempts, like Galdos’ Episodios Nacionales (National
Episodes), to recover the historical memory of Spain and novelize
diverse episodes of the anti-Francoist struggle during the postSpanish Civil War period. The cycle was initiated in 2010 with
Inés y la alegría (Inés and Mirth) and continued in 2012 with El
lector de Julio Verne (The Reader of Jules Verne). Like those
previous entries, even though its narrative universe is the same,
Las tres bodas de Manolita can be read independently, although
each novel contains details that tie them together. (…)
The author uses two narrative voices throughout, alternating
the chapters in which Manolita, in the first person, narrates
her quotidian life, and those in which an omniscient narrator
relates the past history of the rest of the characters, and takes
these “mini-novels” into the present. Adding to the density is the
admixture of historical fact and fiction.(…)
Las tres bodas de Manolita is an immense, intense and stratified
work that relates comprehensively the social life of postwar
Madrid and helps us understand the thought of the vanquished.
Almudena Grandes, like Pérez Galdós and the classic Russian
novelists, has written an intra-historical novel that deftly
documents the customs and social life of that age. Her characters
are sketched with great care and detail, and their lives are
narrated in their total complexity. For those reasons, this novel,
and indeed the whole cycle, deserves to be translated into English.
(…)
Published in New Spanish Books US
130
TuSquETS EDIToRES, S.A.
Title.
MANOLITA AND HER THREE WEDDINGS
LaS TreS BoDaS De MaNoLiTa
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 6
Pages. 766
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 22,90 euros
Author. Almudena Grandes
iSbn. 978-84-8383-845-7
Author´s biography.
Almudena Grandes (Madrid, 1960) became known in 1989 for her novel Lulu’s
Age, winner of 11th Sonrisa Vertical Prize, and since them the applause of readers
and critics alike has never left her side. She is the author of eleven novels and two
books of stories that have made her one of the most established and internationally
recognized names in Spanish letters. Many of the works have been taken to the
screen and have received, among other prizes, the Fundacion Lara, the Booksellers
of Madrid and Seville prizes, the Rapallo Carige in Itally, and the Prix Mediterraee
in France. Her novel Ines and Joy garnered her the Critics of Madrid Prize, the
Poniatowska, and the Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz in 2011, and The Reader of Jules
Verne was chosen by the readers of El Pais as the best book of 2012.
www.almudenagrandes.com
Publisher´s description.
Launched in 1969, and with offices in Mexico and Argentina, Tusquets is notable
for its literary fiction, biography, essays, science, history, erotic novels and poetry. It
handles the translation rights of the majority of its Spanish-language authors.
Publisher. Tusquets Editores, S.A.
Synopsis.
In postwar Madrid, surviving is hard task. Specially for Manolita, an eighteen year
old young woman who, with her father and stepmother in jail and her brother Antonio
hiding in a flamenco show bar, has to take charge of her four younger siblings. To
add to her problems, Manolita is told by Antonio to visit a prisoner who could give
them the key to some copiers so that they can print propaganda. Manolita cannot
imagine that the timid and apparently unattractive young man will in reality be
a determining factor in her life and that their paths will again cross some time
later. But before she does anything, Manolita must uncover the snitch that prowls
through her neighborhood. An emotive choral story about the fabric of solidarity
woven by many persons in order to protect a young woman of courage for whom
happiness is a form of resistance.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Tusquets Editores, S.A.
phone. +34 932 530 400
Avenida Diagonal, 662-664
contact. Alejandra Segrelles
Barcelona. Barcelona
e.mail.
CIF. A-08-452021
[email protected]
www.tusquetseditores.com
countries where the rights have been sold.
France, Italy, Holland.
Prizes and reviews.
“A group of moving characters... Grandes once again demonstrates that she
is a great narrator.” Sonia Hernandez, Culturas, La Vanguardia.
131
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
MeTAl And SlAg
Author: Gonzalo Celorio
From the reader report by: Svetlana Doubin
El metal y la escoria could be the prequel of Tres lindas cubanas,
published in 2006. In the latter, the author traces his family
history on the maternal side by the ways of saga, chronicle travel,
autobiography, political testimony and literary essay. In El metal
y la escoria, he explores four generations. His paternal greatgrandparents were born shortly after the constitution of the
Spanish political monarchy of 1812 and the Mexican independence
revolution. The novel opens on the course of his grandfather,
Emeterio Celorio, who left the small village of Vibano in Asturias,
in 1874, to try his luck in Mexico. He will collect a colossal fortune
that is quickly wasted by his descendants. Then the author will
take us to the Madrid of the 1920s, to la Merced district in Mexico
City, in the 1970s, to the provincial city of Torreon... And again to
Vibano. This is the backdrop.
(…) El metal y la escoria presents a gallery of characters, endearing
and very well depicted, thanks to a simple but powerful writing.
Published in New Spanish Books FR
132
TuSquETS EDIToRES, S.A.
Title.
METAL AND SLAG
eL MeTaL Y La eSCoria
year of publication. 2015
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 320
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 18,00 euros
Author. Gonzalo Celorio
iSbn. 978-84-9066-039-3
Author´s biography.
Gonzalo Celorio (Mexico, 1948) studied Spanish language and literature at the
School of Philosophy and Letters at the National Autonomous University of Mexico,
at which he has held the chair of Iberian-American literature since 1974. He has also
taught at the Iberian-American University and the College of Mexico. He is a member
of the National System of Art Creators and the Mexican Academy, a counterpart of
of the Spanish Academy. Besides novels, he has published a dozen books that include
essays about literature and architecture. His work has been translated into English,
French, Italian, Greek, and Portuguese. He has received awards such as the Two
Oceans Prize in Biarritz, France (1997), the IMPAC-Conarte-ITESM Prize (1999),
and the National Prize in Mexico (2010).
Publisher´s description.
Launched in 1969, and with offices in Mexico and Argentina, Tusquets is notable
for its literary fiction, biography, essays, science, history, erotic novels and poetry. It
handles the translation rights of the majority of its Spanish-language authors.
Publisher. Tusquets Editores, S.A.
Synopsis.
In 1874 a young Asturian man decide to emigrate to Mexico in search of his fortune.
There he will rise from a store clerk to a pulque bar owner that neither his sons,
who lead a dissolute life in Spain, nor his daughters, condemned to inactivity in
a machista society, are able to conserve. Many years later, the grandson who had
again taken up the economic initiative will face an unexpected and devastating
threat: the loss of memory. It would be Gonzalo, the younger grandchild, determined
to understand what occurred, who would reconstruct the novelesque lives, the
vicissitudes of victory and defeat, of the entire family. And he will do so impelled by
the urgency of raising a novel, full of life, precise and moving, to pay them homage.
A dazzling narrative of the journey of a family that incarnates as few others do the
recent history of Mexico and its relationship with Spain. An antidote to forgetting.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Tusquets Editores, S.A.
phone. +34 932 530 400
Avenida Diagonal, 662-664
contact. Alejandra Segrelles
Barcelona. Barcelona
e.mail.
CIF. A-08-452021
[email protected]
www.tusquetseditores.com
133
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
MiSTrAliA
Author: Eugenio Fuente
From the reader report by: Kirsten Brandt
Eugenio Fuentes Pulido (born 1958) is currently one of the
best known authors of crime stories in Spain. Mistralia is his
eleventh novel and the fifth one on private eye Ricardo Cupido
from the Spanish town of Bread. The first four “Cupido” novels
have already been translated into the German language and were
mostly well received by critics and audience. One may read them
independently of each other.
At Breda, the “Mistralia” energy firm has built a wind farm which
is now supposed to be extended. To make this possible, some
farmers will have to sell their properties, and basically they are
perfectly ready to do so because Mistralia pays very good money.
Only one couple refuses stubbornly to sell their property, thus
endangering the entire extension of the wind farm.
When Esther Duarte, the Mistralia manager in charge of the
extension, is found hanged at one of the windmills, the company –
represented by slick manager Álvaro García-Lage – hires private
eye Ricardo Cupido to find the murderer before the story will
meet too much public attention. In the course of his research,
soon Cupido finds out that ambitious Esther Duarte with her
brusque and arrogant behaviour has made enemies everywhere.
Thus there are several suspects, and for a long time it stays open
if the murder was for private or business reasons.
Published in New Spanish Books DE
134
TuSquETS EDIToRES, S.A.
Title.
MISTRALIA
MiSTraLia
year of publication. 2015
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 293
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 19,00 euros
Author. Eugenio Fuentes
iSbn. 978-84-9066-007-2
Author´s biography.
Eugenio Fuentes was born in Montehermoso (Cáceres, Spain) in 1958. He is now one
of the authors of the Spanish noir novel renaissance with the broadest international
reputation due to the novels featuring his detective, Ricardo Cupido: El interior
del bosque (Inside the Forest), La sangre de los ángeles (The Blood of Angels), Las
manos del pianista (The Pianist’s Hands), Cuerpo a cuerpo” (Body to Body) and
Contrarreloj (Against the Clock). He has been awarded the Premio Extremadura a
la Creación, the IX Premio Alba/Prensa Canariaand the Premio Brigada 21 for the
best noir fiction novel written in Spain in 2008. He is also the author of Si mañana
muero (Should I Die Tomorrow), a novel about art destined for destruction and how
music can give meaning to our lives.
Publisher´s description.
Launched in 1969, and with offices in Mexico and Argentina, Tusquets is notable
for its literary fiction, biography, essays, science, history, erotic novels and poetry. It
handles the translation rights of the majority of its Spanish-language authors.
Publisher. Tusquets Editores, S.A.
Synopsis.
A woman is found hanged on the blade of one of the wind turbines the company
Mistralia is installing in an until then idyllic landscape. Her name is Esther and she
is an engineer working in the company. Murder or suicide? When Detective Ricardo
Cupido is asked to deal with the case, he can have no idea where his investigations
will lead. The wind farm is a source of conflict: many of the local people take
advantage of it to sell their land, while one couple, both ecologists, refuse to sell
and threaten to ruin the company, and harassment and assaults begin to occur in
the wind farm. But even Mistralia’s executives don’t know what’s really going on.
Cupido finds out about Esther’s complex love life and the stress she endures at work
through her replacement, Senda, who he cannot help but feel attracted to. Just as he
cannot help the appearance of another body.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Tusquets Editores, S.A.
phone. +34 932 530 400
Avenida Diagonal, 662-664
contact. Alejandra Segrelles
Barcelona. Barcelona
e.mail.
CIF. A-08-452021
[email protected]
www.tusquetseditores.com
135
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
THe bAlcOny in winTer
Author: Luis Landero
From the reader report by: Serge Mestre
The book by Luis Landero, El balcón en invierno, is a novel of
memories essentially oriented on his personal discovery of
literature and in particular on the way, coming from a family
of peasants in Extremadura, he has been seduced by poetry,
philosophy and novels, and decided to leave out his first vocation
of guitarist to get himself to write and become a novelist.
The book of Luis Landero is also, through the description of his
literary journey, a book of remembrance describing the rural
Spain of the 20th century, from the early 1950s. The civil war of
1936 is mentioned, if only by small keys merely to contextualize
the environment in which the author’s family evolves.
(…) the subject is not what is said, but how it is said. The subject
is literature itself being done. It is a literary introspection of
interest for who knows the work of Luis Landero.
Published in New Spanish Books FR
136
TuSquETS EDIToRES, S.A.
Title.
THE BALCONY IN WINTER
eL BaLCóN eN iNVierNo
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 5
Pages. 245
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 17,00 euros
Author. Luis Landero
iSbn. 978-84-8383-929-4
Author´s biography.
Luis Landero was born in Albuquerque (Badajoz) in 1948. He graduated in Hispanic
philology from the Universidad Computense and has taught literature at the Escuela
de Arte Dramático de Madrid and been guest lecturer at Yale. He came to the public
notice in 1989 with Juegos de la edad tardia (Games of Later Life: Premio de la
Critica and Premio Nacional de Narrativa, 1990), followed by Caballeros de fortuna
(Gentlemen of Fortune, 1994), El mágico aprendiz (The Aprrentice Magician, 1998),
El guitarrista (The Guitarist, 2002) and Hoy, Júpiter (Today, Jupiter, 2006: XIV
Premio Arcebispo Juan de San Clemente). He is also an inspired literary essayist,
author of Entre lineas: el cuento o la vida (Between the Lines: the story or life,
2000) and ¿Cómo le corto el pelo, caballero? (How Shall I Cut Your Hair, Sir?, 2004).
Translated into numerous languages, he is one of the most outstanding Spanish
authors.
Publisher´s description.
Launched in 1969, and with offices in Mexico and Argentina, Tusquets is notable
for its literary fiction, biography, essays, science, history, erotic novels and poetry.
It handles the translation rights of the majority of its Spanish-language authors.
Publisher. Tusquets Editores, S.A.
Synopsis.
This work, the most sincere and probably most beautiful of the author, is a story
of formation which portrays a country and a time through the exciting story of a
childhood in a family of farmers in Extremadura, and a teenager in a district of
Madrid.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Tusquets Editores, S.A.
phone. +34 932 530 400
Avenida Diagonal, 662-664
contact. Alejandra Segrelles
Barcelona. Barcelona
e.mail.
CIF. A-08-452021
[email protected]
www.tusquetseditores.com
137
NEW
SPANISH
Book review
BOOKS
dOn’T AllOw uS TO be cHildren
Author: Pere Cervantes
From the reader report by: Sabine Giersberg
By this novel Pere Cervantes, for long years a policeman at the
Internet Crime Department and for some time a UN observer
on the Balkans, presents a crime story happening on the idyllic
holiday island of Menorca, with a woman acting as the investigator:
Resolute Detective María Médem, age 39, the daughter of a
policeman and a profiler of the homicide squad, has returned to
duty after the birth of her son, Hugo. At first her square, macho
workmates let her do the deskwork only. This changes at a stroke,
when within a short span of time there appear the corpses of two
elderly ladies of about sixty years: strangled to death, hanged
half-heartedly, the faces covered by towels. At each site a sachet
of sugar is found with a wisdom which obviously is supposed to
send a message to the investigators, while in the background a
computer plays Raphael´s song “No nos dejan ser ninos” as an
endless loop. Soon it is clear that it must be a female perpetrator.
María´s husband, Bruno, is most of the time kept at Shanghai by
his job, so that she must herself care for little Hugo. While María
is desperately trying to bring together child and job, Bruno in
Shanghai has fun with his rich mistress, Li.
The tensions are rising between María and her absent husband,
even more as suddenly there reappears Roberto, now the head of
the homicide squad in Madrid, who has taken charge of the case
together with his colleague, the nerd Roberto. Handsome Roberto,
the smell of Loewe Eau de toilette – very soon María dives back
into the past when in Barcelona the two had experienced a
passionate though after all unhappy love.
Published in New Spanish Books DE
138
ZARANA AgENcIA lITERARIA
Title.
DON’T ALLOW US TO BE CHILDREN
No NoS DeJaN Ser NiñoS
year of publication. 2014
language. Spanish
number of editions. 1
Pages. 304
genre. Literature
Spanish retail price. 18,00 euros
Author. Pere Cervantes
iSbn. 9788466655309
Author´s biography.
Pere Cervantes (Barcelona 1971, when life was indeed a noir novel). Diagnosed by
those who know him well as a nostalgic sort, stubborn by vocation and a dreamer, he
has spent almost twenty-five years pounding the streets of this country with a badge
in his pocket, a pistol at his waist and a recording eye which he uses, first hand, to
create his novels. He is what is known in police argot as a member of ‘la pringue’,
the Crime Squad. He is given to saying that he took the wrong university course
since, in those days, storytelling degrees didn’t exist, and that his experience of three
years in the Balkans as a UN peace observer taught him that hostility, regardless
of ethnicity or creed, can be tempered by reading. He is the author of Trescientos
sesenta y seis lunes (Three Hundred and Sixty-six Mondays), La soledad de las
ballenas (The Loneliness of Whales), Tranki pap@s and Rompeolas (Breakwater).
www.perecervantes.com
Agency´s description.
The Zarana Literacy Agency represents Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American
authors of fiction and non-fiction globally.
Publisher. Ediciones B
Synopsis.
Ciudadela, Menorca. When María Médem returns to her job as an officer in the local
police after maternity leave, two sexagenarians are murdered on the island. The
house where their bodies are discovered has three notable features: a strong smell of
mint, the same song by Raphael playing continuously on the computer and absolute
order in all the rooms. As a former member of the Barcelona Homicide Squad,
María is asked to take charge of the complex investigation. Neither reconciling her
responsibilities as a mother with her work, despite the occasional absences of her
husband due to his job, nor even the disturbing presence of the enigmatic Rioberto
Rial, head of the Madrid Homicide Unit, are any way near María’s main concerns.
Publishing rights available from.
Company Zarana Agencia Literaria
phone. +34 651 983 089
República Argentina, 90. At. 2
contact. Marta Sevilla
CIF. 43512346A
e.mail. [email protected]
www.zarana.es
[email protected]
Prizes and reviews.
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comments.
Included by La Vanguardia among the 10 must-have noir novels this Christmas.
139