For the ‘patria' with love

Most writers have never found themselves on the other side of the table, queuing to get the autograph of their favourite author. So along comes Sant Jordi and armed with patience and a couple of ballpoints, down they sit come rain or shine with that smile necessary to keep their readers happy: it's time to face the fans. “For Carles, a former student, I am sure he could teach me a thing or two!”, was one dedication from David Cirici who took time to shake hands and give afew kisses if needed to readers of El setè àngel, winner of this year's Sant Jordi prize. “For actors, applause is the most important, for the cinema, the box office, and for us it's the opinion of our readers,” he said.

At times the readers have their own tale to tell which in some way connects with the original story and for many authors this comes as a surprise. A connection has been made. For North American writer Siri Hustdvedt, it was her debut at Sant Jordi with her latest book La dona que mira els homes que miren a les dones, and what surprised her was the number of people who talked of her earlier work. “I was surprised because I had a reader to cry and tell me that my books had changed her life.” She was not the only visitor. Greek writer Petros Márkaris joined the American writer Donna Leon who seems to be in the midst of a love affair with Barcelona and was welcomed by a loyal gathering of fans.

“The day is an overdose of adrenaline and emotions; you are skin to skin with the reader and the book is the protagonist; no day can be happier, more intense or tiring” says Pilar Rahola. She signed one book , “for our beloved and mistreated patria.”