Description
An Illusion
Book Summary
Ismael Grasa turns the story of his youth into a profound reflection on the value of life experience. Through episodes ranging from an adolescence marked by the construction of a spaceship to escape his city, to his time in a religious sect and living in shared apartments, the author invites us to reconsider what truly matters. An Illusion is a work that fuses personal memory with philosophical inquiry to offer a lucid and moving look at the very act of living.
What is it about?
The book is a retrospective journey in which Ismael Grasa examines the key moments that have shaped his existence. The narrative begins on an adolescent afternoon, when the author was nearly electrocuted while building a spaceship, a project that symbolized his desire to flee a small town. From there, the story unfolds to encompass his entry into a religious sect, his time at university, and the experience of living in a shared apartment. Far from being a simple autobiography, the work uses these episodes as a springboard for a broader meditation on illusion, the passage of time, and the search for meaning in everyday life.
Main themes
- Memory and the reconstruction of the past as a tool for self-knowledge.
- Adolescence and youth as stages of seeking, evasion, and confrontation with reality.
- The experience of belonging to groups with strong ideologies, such as religious sects.
- Communal living and the relationships forged in shared apartments during youth.
- Philosophical reflection on the intrinsic value of living, beyond achievements or failures.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in autobiographical narrative with a strong reflective component. It is ideal for those who enjoy works that explore personal memory to extract universal questions, as well as those who appreciate a polished literary style and a lucid look at youth and the passage of time. It will also be attractive to followers of contemporary Spanish literature who are looking for a personal and authentic voice.
What this book contributes
- An original perspective on how seemingly trivial episodes of youth can hold profound lessons.
- An honest and unsentimental reflection on the search for identity and the experience of illusion.
- A generational portrait of late 20th-century Spain through personal experiences.
- Prose that combines the narration of anecdotes with philosophical inquiry, offering an enriching read.
- The opportunity to accompany an author on an introspective journey that invites the reader's own reflection.
Technical specifications
- Author: Grasa Adé, Ismael
- Publisher: Xordica
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY FICTION
- Collection: CARRACHINAS
- Binding: Other
- Date of publication: March 2016
- Number of pages: 168
- Weight: 243 g
Editorial review
An Illusion stands out for its ability to turn personal memory into a reflection of universal significance. Ismael Grasa achieves a commendable balance between anecdote and meditation, offering a narrative that captivates with its honesty and depth. It is a work that will resonate especially with those readers who seek in literature not just a story, but a mirror in which to view their own experiences and questions about the meaning of life. A recommended title for those who value introspective and well-written narrative.