Description
The Young Nathaniel Hawthorne
Book Summary
A short novel that explores the boundary between reality and fiction. A frustrated writer, trapped by routine and a lack of faith in his talent, discovers that one of his early works has been plagiarized. The difficulty lies not only in proving the misappropriation, but in the fact that the supposed plagiarist is Nathaniel Hawthorne, an author who died over a century and a half ago. Víctor Sabaté constructs a tale of literary identity, obsession, and mystery that will captivate the reader from the very first page.
What is it about?
A young aspiring writer, who has abandoned his literary ambitions for the obligations of daily life, stumbles upon a disturbing revelation: one of his youthful stories has been published under the name of another author. His surprise turns to disbelief when he discovers that the plagiarist is Nathaniel Hawthorne, a 19th-century writer. The plot follows the protagonist's struggle to assert his truth in a world that is not prepared to believe in such an implausible coincidence. The novel becomes a game of literary echoes and existential doubts, where the reader questions to what extent artistic creation can be original and where influence or plagiarism begins.
Main themes
- The writer's identity and the value of one's own creation.
- The blurred line between literary influence and plagiarism.
- Creative frustration and the abandonment of dreams for routine.
- The conflict between personal credibility and objective truth.
- Mystery as a narrative engine and the pursuit of justice in the artistic realm.
Who is it recommended for?
This work is recommended for readers interested in mystery and suspense literature with a strong metafictional component. It is also for those who enjoy stories that reflect on the creative process, the figure of the writer, and the paradoxes of intellectual property. It is ideal for those seeking a short but intense read, with an original premise and a conclusion that invites reflection.
What this book offers
- A mystery plot that defies temporal and literary logic.
- A profound reflection on originality and influence in artistic creation.
- A reading experience that combines suspense and introspection.
- A critical view of the relationship between the writer and their social context.
- A tribute to the figure of Nathaniel Hawthorne and his work.
Technical specifications
- Author: Sabaté, Víctor
- Publisher: RAYO VERDE EDITORIAL, S.L.
- Language: Catalan
- Subject: Modern and contemporary fiction, Mystery and suspense work
- Collection: CATALAN
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: October 2012
- Number of pages: 96
- Weight: 146 g
Editorial review
A narrative proposal that stands out for its originality and its ability to generate intrigue from a very suggestive literary concept. The author manages to maintain the reader's interest with precise prose and an agile pace, despite the brevity of the work. The Young Nathaniel Hawthorne is a recommended read for those looking for a story that goes beyond conventional mystery and invites reflection on the nature of creation and intellectual property. A work that, without fanfare, leaves a lasting impression.

