Finding the European self through five representative works of fiction: SELF 5 WORKS

Programme(s): Creative Europe Programme (CREA)
Topic: CREA-CULT-2024-LIT
Type of action: CREA Lump Sum Grants
Project ID: 101192269
Objective:

"This project intends to confer a deep understanding of the European self of the 21st century through five representative literary works by 20th century authors from five countries whose literature is undoubtedly underrepresented in the Spanish language. We have a strong belief that fiction is a legitimate tool to help us better understand and comprehend reality (media and social media have proved to be insufficient for this purpose). We, as publishers of translated novels but, above all, readers and enthusiasts of foreign literature, aim to share with a growing audience five classic literary works that will unveil new aspects of who we are. Thanks to this project, readers will gain a new insight of the human condition and the complex reality behind what it means to be a European citizen. Books that stand as classics have a timeless and universal essence and have always something to say, being throughout time a valid reference. In this sense, we have chosen five representative literary works by preeminent authors from five different countries whose literature is already present in our catalogue. ""The Island"" by Meša Selimovi (Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia), ""Next Stop Paradise"" by Marek Hasko (Poland), ""EEG"" by Daša Drndi (Croatia), ""The Case of Cem"" by Vera Mutafchieva (Bulgaria) and ""The Woman in Red"" by Mircea Nedelciu, Adriana Babei and Mircea Mihie (Romania). All five novels have been acknowledged as modern classics, contributing greatly to the literary scene and the collective memory and imagination of their home country. These five novels revolve around different and complex themes: identity, history, myths, migration, ageing, war conflicts, totalitarian regimes, memory, etc. The project as a whole offers a great reading experience which for sure will enrich and broaden the worldview of the reader, and hopefully, deepen the comprehension of ourselves and our collective identity, strengthening the links between us as a society/community."