Lleida-based publisher Pagès Editors has declared that the literary health of the Terres de Ponent region is currently "at the most buoyant moment in its history". The statement was made by editorial director Eulàlia Pagès during the company's traditional breakfast event, which serves to kick off the Sant Jordi celebrations in Lleida.
The gathering, held at the publisher's headquarters on Sant Salvador street, brought together dozens of writers and authors from across the Lleida region. Among those presenting new works this year were Marta Alòs, Juanjo Lecumberri, and Martí Bach. The event also featured a glossa, a celebratory address, read by writer Montse Sanjuan, who highlighted "the magic" of reading and the imagination of authors.
Sanjuan, known for her successful Sergeant Anna Grimm saga, explained her intention to refer to "the magic that sometimes makes us drop everything to pick up a book and not be able to wait to find out how a story continues". Her address also touched upon her childhood memories of accompanying her father to bookstores. Sanjuan concluded that while there are many options for children today, "bookstores can still be a meeting place between parents and children".
Showcasing New Literary Voices
The literary breakfast showcased several authors and their new publications. Marta Alòs presented 'La casa dels nou hiverns' (The House of Nine Winters), a work where she "breaks" from crime fiction to return to autobiographical literature. This narrative journey explores memory and time, a theme which, according to Alòs, "everyone will feel recognised and appealed by".
Juanjo Lecumberri made his literary debut with 'Banderes blaves' (Blue Flags), an exploration of memories and popular culture, set against the backdrop of the Lleida football team. The author expressed his excitement at experiencing Sant Jordi "from the other side" and reconnecting with acquaintances who share his passion for football and literature.
Martí Bach, a 17-year-old author, also launched his first book, 'La parada de la meva vida' (The Stop of My Life), which recounts his experience with cancer. Bach believes his book "can help many adolescents see that you can get through it" and shared his enthusiasm for participating in Sant Jordi as one of the featured authors.
A Diverse Catalogue for Readers
Other notable works presented included 'La casa dels àngels' (The House of Angels) by Mag Lari, which reimagines the past of a stone house in Castellserà, Urgell, that he transformed into his home. Also featured was 'El partit que no veus' (The Match You Don't See) by Xavier Estrada, drawing on his 14 years of experience as a First Division football referee. According to Eulàlia Pagès, the publisher's catalogue is "very plural", designed to cater to "all tastes of readers".
The annual event underscores the vibrant literary output from the Lleida region and sets the stage for the upcoming Sant Jordi celebrations, where these new works and authors will connect with readers across Catalonia.
