The Sant Jordi spell draws in even those long practiced in charms, those who have narrated miracles and the inexplicable, those who have wandered through grand places filled with tricks and pomp. Perhaps because today’s magic carries a touch of the unfathomable.
The Uruguayan writer Pablo Vierci, radiant and surprised at his Book Day baptism, and the Catalan filmmaker J.A. Bayona — who has proven himself with words before, in 2016 collaborating with Patrick Ness on The Monster Calls — were, in a sense, two men bound by tragedy (the Andes) who shared a table to sign copies of The Snow Society. The first published that book fifteen years ago, and now it moves alongside a fan phenomenon that is impossible to ignore. Especially on a day like today, prone to giant crowds.
An extraordinary cultural avalanche, full of spectators and readers alike, an unmistakable surge. A flood — I should warn you, this is the second clear reference, and I can’t promise there won’t be more — that arrives promptly every April 23, yet continues to surprise. And this time the late appearance of actors Simón Hempe and Santiago Vaca added to the spectacle, as they were hugged, kissed, and handed roses as if they were the very youths who boarded a plane that never reached its destination.
From the outset, the duo Vierci-Bayona seemed destined to fill Rocaguinarda bookstore’s afternoon rush. By 10 a.m., a small crew of fans gathered, forming a numbered line in order of appearance. It was clear this wasn’t their first visit to one of these events. In the patient queue, one devotee had watched Bayona’s film 27 times, equating to nearly three days spent in front of the screen, movie after movie.
The miraculous tone surrounding the story also produced devoted followers, including a woman distributing holy cards and urging others to keep praying the rosary. She was part of a large Uruguayan community that came to see them, just as a man in the distance greeted Vierci with an unashamed proposal: Neighbor, we come to greet you. We will have a barbecue later.