The philosopher, theologian, and professor at Universitat Ramon Llull, Francesc Torralba (Barcelona, 1967), won the Josep Pla Prize for the essay Anatomy of Hope (Anatomia de l’esperança). The work aims to be a map for navigating times of uncertainty, exploring the mechanisms that sustain the spirit through philosophy, literature, and human experience.
“"It is precisely in dark contexts like the current one that we need it most, because if there is no hope, there is no commitment and no change is possible."
Meanwhile, the writer David Uclés (Úbeda, 1990) took the Nadal Prize for the novel The City of Dead Lights (La ciudad de las luces muertas). The plot begins in post-war Barcelona shrouded in darkness and crosses different eras and historical figures such as Antoni Gaudí, Mercè Rodoreda, or Freddie Mercury to restore light to the city.
“"I have been dazzled by Catalan literature, especially Mercè Rodoreda, whom I consider the best writer of the 20th century."
The literary gala, held on January 6, was attended by the President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa; the Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, and the Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun. The Pla Prize, endowed with 10,000 euros, received 42 submissions, while the Nadal Prize, with 30,000 euros, registered 1,207 originals. Both works will be published on February 4.
