A renowned writer and journalist takes center stage as the next guest at the Maestral Literature Evenings. The event unfolds on Friday, November 10, and will feature the latest work, a novel that interweaves love, war, and resilience against a turbulent backdrop. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully crafted menu inspired by the pages of the book, paired with two distinctive wines from Casa Sicilia winery in Novelda, one white and one red. The evening will begin at the Maestral restaurant in Alicante at 20:30, offering an immersive literary experience that combines storytelling with refined dining.
The new release, written by a celebrated author known for captivating historical narratives, presents a stark, emotional portrait of civil conflict told through the lens of intimate relationships. During the Literature Night organized by the Vectalia Group, the author will discuss the work with a seasoned journalist from El Español de Alicante, presenting insights into the book’s themes, character arcs, and the emotional currents that drive the narrative forward.
Set in the closing days of the Spanish Civil War, the novel begins in February 1939 as the conflict nears its end. A pivotal moment occurs when an Italian air raid claims the lives of Roman’s parents and leaves him emotionally scarred, effectively extinguishing his capacity to love. In a bid to rebuild a semblance of ordinary life, he marries Beatriz, a young woman from a prosperous family, and together they welcome a son. Yet fate intervenes, forcing him to flee to France. There, he encounters Teresa, a young communist whose ideals and courage pull him into a discreet, intricate alliance. The relationship becomes a landscape of secrets and loyalties, shaping their futures in unexpected ways.
In Barcelona, Beatriz’s family works to shield her from Roman’s alleged revolutionary past, going to great lengths to keep the truth hidden and even staging a form of personal tragedy to protect her. Beatriz goes on to establish a law practice and begins anew, building a life that seems secure on the surface. But as years pass and Roman finally regains his freedom and passport, he finds his heart burdened by years of longing and conflict. His journey back to Spain becomes a search for identity, a voyage into the heart of his own history, and a confrontation with the consequences of choices made long ago. The reader follows him into a city where memory and reality collide, and where the past refuses to stay buried.
According to the publishing house, the work offers an unusually compelling and moving exploration of human emotions. It traces the lives of a diverse cast through moments of joy, fear, betrayal, and reconciliation, capturing the fragility of families, the ache of unspoken truths, and the stubborn persistence of dreams even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Menu Three Friends
To enrich this literary journey, Maestral’s culinary team has crafted a menu that echoes motifs from the author’s craft. Guests will sample a selection of sea offerings, including Palamós shrimp, fine oysters, and mussels, arranged as a generous starter that invites sharing and discovery. The first course presents a rich winter ragout, followed by a second dish featuring a traditional hake preparation befitting the season. The meal concludes with treats such as melindros, scones, and Lyonnaises paired with a delicate scoop of ice cream plus a hint of nougat, providing a sweet counterpoint to the evening’s serious themes. The dining experience is complemented by two special wines from Casa Sicilia winery, one white and one rosé, designed to harmonize with the narrative’s tonal shifts and the evening’s flavors.
The audience will have a chance to savor the flavors that accompany this story on the Friday night of November 10, inside the Maestral restaurant. The event promises an intimate and engaging atmosphere, combining literary reflection with culinary pleasure, all within an evening dedicated to storytelling and community gathering.