Description
You can't give so many lobsters to the sibeca
Book Summary
An intrigue and mystery novel that begins with the sudden death of the leader of the Cambrils Ball de Bastons (stick dance group). His best friend, Plàcid Graells, is forced to replace him and manage an unexpected legacy: an archaeological find that could reveal the origin of this traditional dance. From there, the reader is drawn into a plot that combines folklore, family secrets, the aftermath of the Civil War, and a critique of hidden power, all woven into a network of parallel stories that maintain tension until the resolution.
What is it about?
The novel follows the life of Plàcid Graells, a quiet man who finds himself immersed in a whirlwind of events following the death of his friend Ramon Mercadé, the brilliant leader of the Cambrils Ball de Bastons. Upon taking on the role, Plàcid discovers that Ramon had made a mysterious archaeological find that could solve one of the great enigmas for folklorists: the origin of the stick dance. This discovery leads him to investigate a past marked by the Civil War, to face dirty business dealings, and to question power exercised from the shadows. The plot unfolds through intrigue, intense personal relationships, and a social critique that questions established power structures, all while the reader discovers how the decisions of the past affect the present.
Main themes
- Intrigue and mystery surrounding a suspicious death and an archaeological legacy.
- Catalan folklore and traditions, especially the Ball de Bastons.
- The aftermath of the Civil War and its impact on families.
- Hidden power and a critique of elites who manipulate from the shadows.
- Personal dilemmas and moral dichotomies when facing extreme situations.
Who is it recommended for?
This novel is ideal for readers interested in mystery and intrigue with strong roots in local culture and history. It is also recommended for those who enjoy plots that combine folklore, social critique, and family secrets, as well as for anyone looking for a read that blends tradition and modernity in a contemporary Catalan context.
What this book offers
- An immersion into the world of Catalan folklore and the Ball de Bastons, from a fictionalized perspective.
- A well-constructed mystery plot that maintains interest until the end.
- A reflection on the weight of history and the aftermath of the Civil War in modern life.
- A critique of power exercised from the shadows and its consequences.
- Complex characters who evolve amidst personal and social conflicts.
Technical specifications
- Author: VALLVERDU ROM, ÀNGEL
- Publisher: Cossetània Edicions
- Language: cat
- Topic: MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY FICTION
- Collection: NOTES DE COLOR
- Binding: Paperback
- Number of pages: 320
- Weight: 700 g
Editorial review
A novel that successfully combines mystery, tradition, and social critique. The author constructs a solid plot around an archaeological find that serves as a common thread to explore themes such as folklore, the wounds of the Civil War, and hidden power. With an agile pace and well-defined characters, the book offers an entertaining and reflective read, especially recommended for those who want to discover the roots of the Ball de Bastons and enjoy a story of intrigue with a strong cultural component.