Alp-born author Regina Rodríguez Sirvent and professor Joan Peitx achieved top book sales in Puigcerdà and the Cerdanya region during the Sant Jordi celebration on 23 April. Their novels were among the most requested titles at local bookshops and stalls across the area.
Rodríguez Sirvent's new novel, "Crispetes de matinada" (Popcorn at Dawn), proved highly popular, consolidating her recent success in the publishing market. This marks her second major achievement, following her previous work, "Les calces al sol" (Underpants in the Sun), which also enjoyed significant readership.
Peitx's book, "La vall furiosa" (The Furious Valley), which sets its narrative during the Spanish Civil War, shared the top sales spot with Rodríguez Sirvent's novel across Puigcerdà and the wider Cerdanya area. According to local bookseller Lourdes Viladesau, many readers already owned Rodríguez Sirvent's book due to a recent presentation.
Local Authors Lead Sant Jordi Sales
Lourdes Viladesau, a bookseller in Puigcerdà, reflected on the Sant Jordi day, noting the lively street atmosphere despite afternoon rain. "There was a good atmosphere, but the rain affected the afternoon," Viladesau explained. She also highlighted how the weekday timing of Sant Jordi influenced buyer behaviour.
"When Sant Jordi falls on a weekday, people celebrate it here. If it's on a weekend, many people go down to Barcelona," Viladesau stated, suggesting this circumstance reinforced the local character of the event in Cerdanya. The bookseller emphasised the strong performance of regional authors. "Many local things were sold," she affirmed.
Regional Titles See Strong Demand
Beyond Rodríguez Sirvent and Peitx, other popular regional titles included Marc Pont's "Presoners a la Cerdanya el 1939" (Prisoners in Cerdanya in 1939) and Joan Pous and Salvador Vigo's "El calendari de la Cerdanya i el Baridà" (The Calendar of Cerdanya and Baridà). These works were also among the most requested within the comarca.
While local authors dominated, national titles also saw sales, albeit in smaller quantities, according to Viladesau. She mentioned Eduardo Mendoza's "Tres enigmes per a l’Organització" (Three Enigmas for the Organisation), Carles Porta's book on "Crims", and Pratsobreroca's "El joc del silenci" (The Game of Silence).
Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the overall assessment of the Sant Jordi celebration in Puigcerdà remained positive. Viladesau concluded, "I am happy," as her shop continued to attract customers. The day underscored the enduring appeal of local literature in the region.
