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Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe, a multilingual capital of an autonomous region that longs to be independent of Spain. The city is famous for its painters, modernist architecture, style of football, and its history, but as Peter Bush reveals it has always been a major centre of literary talent and creativity.Barcelona Tales presents a selection of newly translated short stories by 14 writers, many of them Catalan. The stories explore the themes of migration and class conflict in a city renowned in world literature from the day rural innocents Don Quixote and Sancho Panza visited its streets at the beginning of the seventeenth-century, and witnessed the wonders of the printing press and the cruelties of slavery. Together, they open up the city in ironic, tragic, and lyrical ways, inviting readers to explore fictional lives and literary styles that reflect the dynamic, conflict-ridden character and history of this great European city.
This collection of short stories captures the multifaceted identity of Barcelona through the eyes of fourteen distinct literary voices. The anthology serves as a narrative map of the city, focusing on the intersection of personal experience and urban history. Through a variety of perspectives, the stories examine the tensions of migration, class disparity, and the enduring cultural legacy of a region caught between tradition and autonomy. The narrative framework shifts between the voices of Catalan and international writers, providing a mosaic of the city's character across different eras and social strata.
Readers and critics frequently highlight the anthology's ability to capture the complex, conflict-ridden spirit of Barcelona through a diverse range of literary styles. Discussion often centers on the effectiveness of the translations in preserving the unique voice of each Catalan author while maintaining a cohesive thematic focus on urban life. Many reviewers appreciate the balance between historical context and contemporary social issues, noting that the stories provide a deeper understanding of the city beyond its status as a tourist destination. The collection is often praised for its ability to weave together tragic and lyrical elements, offering a nuanced look at the fictional lives that inhabit this historic European capital.
Page Count:
304
Publication Date:
2019-07-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0198798377
ISBN-13:
9780198798378
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