Enrique Botella explains Alicante’s role in the Civil War
Pablo Arce, a renowned criminal lawyer who long ago hung up his robe, is pulled back into the courtroom by a case tied to a painful past. The narrative follows his return to public life as he defends a young woman under scrutiny after a tragic event involving a partner who dies with help. The mystery pushes Arce to confront a question that unsettles him: what happens when someone he loves asks for help in ending a life? The novel blends legal drama with a deeper look at duty, loyalty, and the moral lines that lawyers sometimes walk. The tale unfolds in a setting where memory and history brush close to the present, inviting readers to weigh responsibility against desire and the cost of choosing to act or to abstain.
Participation in the book launch is free, though space is limited. Copies can be purchased at the venue, and a signing session follows the discussion. A streaming option is available through the official university platform, providing access for those who cannot attend in person.
Enrique Botella: lawyer and writer
Born in Alicante in 1960, Botella is a lawyer, lecturer, and columnist who has contributed to multiple legal journals and media outlets. His work includes practical workshops on the attorney’s role before juries and a body of fiction that earned him early recognition with the José Ferrer Award in 2011 for sea foam. His novels and stories—from memories of wind and stormy seas to later works—reflect a sustained interest in law, memory, and human resilience. Finalist for notable awards, his writing is noted for its clear eye on legal process and personal conscience.
Carlos Salem: journalist, writer and poet
Carlos Salem Sola, a journalist, novelist, and poet born in Buenos Aires in 1959, has lived in Spain since 1988. His work has been translated into several languages, and his recent fiction explores crime and detective life with a sharp, urban sensibility. The latest novel in his ongoing series follows a cast of characters who confront danger and moral ambiguity in a modern setting. Salem’s poetic voice also informs his detective fiction, adding texture and rhythm to the stories he crafts with collaborators and friends in the literary community. The author’s broader body of work includes numerous novels that have gathered accolades and a dedicated readership around the world.
Alongside fellow crime writers, Salem participates in projects aimed at peace and humanitarian aid. In a collaborative spirit, the team coordinates creative work that supports charitable efforts, with profits directed toward humanitarian organizations responding to global crises. The collaboration demonstrates how crime writing can intersect with social action, offering readers an avenue to engage with important issues beyond the page.