For lovers of good stories and the smell of new books, the province of Zaragoza is in for a treat. The Zaragoza Provincial Council has kicked off the thirteenth edition of its now emblematic series 'Conversations Between Authors,' an initiative that aims to bring culture out of the big cities and directly to the heart of small towns, where libraries are the lifeblood of the community. This initiative, already a staple of the Aragonese cultural calendar, will travel to 25 municipalities, in addition to the capital, until mid-November, fostering direct contact between authors and local audiences.
It's not just about a writer talking about their book, but about creating a relaxed conversation space where neighbors and the book clubs in Spain can sharing impressions and emotions Face-to-face with some of the most influential figures in the current Spanish literary scene. The program was officially presented by José Manuel Latorre, head of Archives and Libraries at the Provincial Council of Zaragoza (DPZ), who was accompanied by cultural activist LucÃa Camón and writer LucÃa Solla, who will inaugurate the sessions in towns such as Cariñena, Gallur, and Mallén.
Cultural dynamism in the villages of Zaragoza
This year's goal is to reach further than ever before, covering 11 of the 13 districts of Zaragoza so that no one is left out. Latorre emphasized that reading is not a solitary act, but a way of life. building community and better towns through collective reflection. For this reason, a special effort has been made to include municipalities that are not usually part of the usual circuits, reinforcing the role of librarians, who are the ones who truly bring cultural life to rural areas.
LucÃa Camón will once again lead these dialogues. Through her 'Pueblos en Arte' project, she has extensive experience in bringing culture beyond the cities. According to her, this year's selection is especially varied and braveThe program features authors who not only discuss technical aspects but also address topics that resonate with us, such as rural life, social relationships, and emotional well-being. Furthermore, the aim is to encourage book clubs to step outside their comfort zones and discover voices they may not yet have on their shelves.
A selection of top-level authors
Among the names that will be seen in the libraries is Irene Vallejo, who, after the worldwide success of 'El infinito en un junco' (Infinity in a Reed), will visit Quinto and Sobradiel to chat with their fellow townspeople. We will also have the pleasure of the talent of Sara Mesa, one of the most prestigious storytellers of the moment, and with voices as necessary as that of Rosario VillajosThe winner of the Biblioteca Breve prize will address topics such as consent and the female body. Media personalities like Pablo Rivero, who has gone from being the ever-present Toni Alcántara to establishing himself as a gripping psychological thriller author, will also be present.
The opening of the cycle was led by LucÃa Solla, whose novel 'You Will Eat Flowers' is generating a lot of buzz for how it addresses the toxic relationships and psychological abuseThe Galician writer emphasized the importance of bringing culture to rural communities, as not everyone has the opportunity to travel to a big city to attend a book presentation. Alongside her, other names such as Juan Tallón, Vanesa Freixa, Violeta Gil, and the young poet Mario Obrero complete a list that promises some very engaging discussions.
Calendar and stops of the literary cycle
The literary route is extensive and will last for several months to cover a large part of the provincial geography:
- LucÃa Solla: Cariñena (May 27), Gallur and Mallén (May 28).
- Juan Tallón: Ariza and Alpartir (June 1), San Mateo de Gállego (June 2).
- Vanesa Freixa: Leciñena and Zaragoza (June 8), Artieda (June 9).
- Pablo Rivero: Alborge and Gelsa (June 22), Pradilla de Ebro (June 23).
- Irene Vallejo: MarÃa de Huerva (July 1), Quinto (September 17), Sobradiel (September 23).
- Violeta Gil: Uncastillo (September 2), Torres de Berrellén and Zaragoza (September 3).
- Sara Mesa: Zuera (September 21), Fuentes de Ebro and La Puebla de Alfindén (September 22).
- Mario Obrero: Caspe and Bujaraloz (October 1), Ainzón (October 2).
- Rosario Villajos: Belchite (November 12), Calatayud and Valtorres (November 13).
This ambitious literary program organized by the Provincial Council of Zaragoza is confirmed as a fundamental pillar for to structure the territory through literatureDemonstrating that there is an audience in rural areas eager for culture and dialogue. With the participation of top-tier authors and an approach that combines established names with promising new talents, the series not only revitalizes libraries, but also transforms each event into a unique opportunity to champion reading as a tool for social and personal transformation in every corner of the province.
