Festival 42

Fantasy genres allow writers to go well beyond the limits of conventional literature, as seen in the work of two greats of Catalan literature: Joan-Lluís Lluís and Sebastià Alzamora. Though they do not consider themselves to be exclusively fantasy authors, and they are known (and celebrated) by more mainstream critics and audiences, their major works incorporate elements from the genre. Joan-Lluís Lluís won the Sant Jordi and Ictineu prizes with the alternate history Jo soc aquell que va matar Franco and received the Serra d’Or award for Les cròniques del déu coix, with mythological elements as a central theme. Sebastià Alzamora, meanwhile, went home with the Sant Jordi Prize for Crim de sang, about a vampire, and the Òmnium Prize for Best Novel of the Year with Ràbia (Proa). Both possess a unique narrative voice, steeped in the traditions of Northern Catalonia (under French administration) and Mallorca, respectively. In this special and unprecedented conversation, moderated by La Vanguardia cultural journalist Lara Gómez, the two will talk about their long careers and their relationship with non-mimetic genres. They will also discuss new releases such as Una cançó de pluja (Club Editor), in which Joan-Lluís Lluís wonders whether or not animals have their own legends and are able to tell them.