Javier Fences
Every day many Internet users inquire about "Javier Cercas books", and the main results are about Soldiers of Salamis (2001). This novel is the fourth presented by the writer, and is responsible for a remarkable boost in his career. With it he obtained the recognition of literary criticism, garnering excellent comments. In this regard, Mario Vargas Llosa stated: "one of the great novels of our time."
The author has been characterized by handling a robust narrative in his novels in which he has masterfully mixed history with fiction. Despite presenting his first work in 1987, its recognition did not arrive until the beginning of the XNUMXst century.. It should be noted that during that long period in the shadows, a great friend fervently believed in him. It is nothing more and nothing less than the Chilean writer Roberto Bolaño, who maintains that Javier is extremely talented. Today the improvement of the Spanish writer has become reliable proof that Bolaño was not wrong.
Some biographical data of Javier Cercas
Childhood and studies
The writer was born on Monday, April 16, 1962 in the small town of Ibahernando in the province of Cáceres (Extremadura). He was baptized as José Javier Cercas Mena. He lived his first 48 months in his hometown, then his family group moved to Gerona. Despite the distancing, Cercas did not lose connection with his place of origin, but visited it on various occasions during his youth to vacation.
From a young age he showed interest in literature, which led him to study Hispanic Philology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. After obtaining his degree in 1985, he chose to do a doctorate in the same branch at the University of Barcelona, which he obtained years later.
Literary work and beginnings
In 1989 he began as a teacher at the University of Gerona, teaching Spanish literature classes. By that time, the writer had presented his first two works, The mobile (1987) and The tenant (1989) In addition to his work as an educator and writer, Javier Cercas has written several articles and reviews for different newspapers. From then until now, he has made contributions to the Catalan press, as well as some publications for the newspaper. El País.
After the success of his fourth novel, Soldiers of Salamis (2001), the writer has published 6 additional titles. These include: The speed of light (2005) The laws of the border (2012) The impostor (2014) y Terra Alta (2019). With them he has maintained a good reputation and reputation in front of his readers, as well as the recognition of various professors. It is estimated that by 2021 he will present his work number 11, which will be named: Independence.
Books by Javier Cercas
Soldiers of Salamis (2001)
It is the 4th novel published by the writer, which awarded him recognition in Spain and the world, being translated into more than 20 languages. In his early years he managed to sell more than 1 million copies, which allowed the novelist to dedicate himself exclusively to writing. Additionally, the work was adapted by David Trueba for film and premiered in 2003.
Synopsis
Soldiers of Salamis it is a testimony novel in which history interacts with fiction. It is set in the last months of the Spanish Civil War (1939) and presents the Falangist Rafael Sánchez Mazas as the main character. The drama tells how some republican troops who went to the border in search of exile, shoot several Francoist prisoners; Sánchez Maza managed to escape from that massacre. As he fled, he is intercepted by a soldier, who points his gun at him and, after staring at him, spares his life.
The story continues 60 years later, when a frustrated writer —Javier Cercas—, by chance, learns the story. Fascinated and intrigued, he begins to investigate deeply into the case, finding different unknowns to solve. Characters such as Roberto Bolaño intervene in the adventure, who encourages Cercas to search for the soldier who showed mercy to Sánchez Maza. Along the way to find the reason for the "act of mercy", line after line unfolds a story full of frenetic emotion that will have incredible, or, perhaps, unexpected answers.
Some awards received:
- Salambó Narrative Award
- Cálamo Award 2001 (Book of the year)
- City of Barcelona Award
Anatomy of an instant (2009)
It is a chronicle that describes the events of 23F —a frustrated coup in Spain in 1981—. This is considered to be a unique and fascinating book. After an exhaustive investigation by Cercas, he concluded that a fictitious account would not honor what happened. The author focused on showing the chronology of the event and revealing the causes that existed for it to take place.
Argument
As its name indicates, a moment in the history of Spain is recalled, a very crucial one that occurred on the afternoon of 23F, when a group broke into the Congress of Deputies. The writer makes special reference to the position of President Adolfo Suárez, who remained still in his chair while the coup projectiles echoed in the amphitheater.
At the same time, Captain General Gutiérrez Mellado —Vice President— and Santiago Carrillo —Secretary General— maintained the same position as the president, remained immobile while the other parliamentarians desperately sought refuge. Without skimping on details, this chronicle meticulously takes the reader to the precise moment of the coup and its impact on Spanish history.
The monarch of the shadows (2017)
This is the 9th author novel. In it, Cercas opted once again to maintain his classic narrative style and to use the Spanish Civil War as the setting time. This time, the author decided to tell the story of Manuel Mena —his maternal great-uncle—, who at the age of 17 joined Franco's ranks. It is public knowledge that Cercas' ancestors are Falangists, a political belief from which he himself differs. For this reason, writing about this drama was a challenge for the writer and at the same time a reconciliation with his past.
Argument
Cercas —who acts as the narrator in the novel— describes Manuel Mena, an ensign who joins a troop of the Francoist assault unit. The young man was mortally wounded in the Battle of the Ebro, after having spent two years fighting for the cause. The story told by the writer is full of emotion, humor and action. It should be noted that the author himself considers this work as: "the true end of the plot of Soldiers of Salamis".
