Description
Miño River. A journey between solstices
Book Summary
Xesús Fraga undertakes a six-month journey, from the winter solstice to the summer solstice, to travel the entire course of the Miño River. From its source in the Pedregal de Irimia to its mouth in the Atlantic, the author offers a natural and contemplative chronicle that blends lyricism and documentation. This work, winner of the 18th Eurostars Travel Narrative Award, rediscovers the "physical and symbolic backbone of Galicia" through unique settings, landscapes, and testimonies, inviting reflection on the past, present, and future of the country.
What is it about?
The book narrates the author's journey along the Miño River over six months, between the winter and summer solstices. The journey begins at the Pedregal de Irimia, in the Sierra de Meira, and follows the river's flow through three Galician provinces and the northern bank of Portugal. Fraga does not limit himself to a natural description of the river, but integrates its historical, cultural, and sentimental dimensions. Along the way, the reader discovers places such as Terra Chá, Lugo, Paradela, the Ribeira Sacra, Os Peares, Ourense, and Castrelo de Miño, as the author reflects on the relationship between the landscape, identity, and the future of the country.
Main themes
- A natural and contemplative journey as the narrative thread.
- A rediscovery of the Miño River as the physical and symbolic backbone of Galicia.
- A blend of lyricism and documentation in travel writing.
- Reflection on the past, present, and future of Galicia through its landscape.
- Integration of unique settings, landscapes, voices, and testimonies along the route.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in travel literature with deep roots in landscape and cultural identity. It is especially recommended for those who wish to discover Galicia from a natural, historical, and sentimental perspective, as well as those who appreciate a lyrical and reflective narrative. It is ideal for travelers, nature lovers, and people interested in Galician culture and its relationship with the territory.
What this book offers
- A detailed and evocative journey along the entire course of the Miño River, from its source to its mouth.
- An integrated vision of the natural, historical, cultural, and sentimental dimensions of the river and its surroundings.
- The opportunity to reflect on Galician identity through the landscape and the testimonies collected.
- A narrative that combines lyricism and documentary rigor, offering an enriching reading experience.
- A work recognized with the 18th Eurostars Travel Narrative Award, which guarantees its literary quality.
Technical specifications
- Author: Xesús Fraga
- Publisher: Kalandraka
- Language: Galician
- Topic: Travel literature
- Collection: Agora K
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: November 2023
- Number of pages: 216
- Weight: 362 g
Editorial review
Miño River. A journey between solstices is a work that stands out for its ability to merge natural observation with cultural and historical reflection. Xesús Fraga manages to convey the majesty of the Miño River and its importance as an element that gives structure to Galicia, while offering an intimate and contemplative narrative. His prose, at once lyrical and well-documented, makes this journey an attractive read for those who seek to understand the essence of the Galician territory. The recognition of the Eurostars Travel Narrative Award underscores its value within the genre.