Interest in contemporary Catalan literature is growing in Barcelona, and this trend could reshape attitudes toward new authors in Spain. The meeting with Gil Pratsobrerroca, author of the popular novel El joc del silenci, is drawing attention not only from genre enthusiasts but also from those following cultural trends. For many residents of Catalonia, this is an opportunity to meet the writer in person—whose book has stayed on best-seller lists for several months.
El joc del silenci, published by La Campana, stands out among other thrillers for its intense plot and the atmosphere of a small Pyrenean village. The story begins with the disappearance of seven-year-old Valeria Costa, instantly setting a fast pace for the narrative. The protagonist’s parents find themselves at the center of the investigation, facing suspicion and pressure from their community. This approach to exploring family tragedy and public opinion makes the novel especially relevant in Spanish society, where issues of trust and justice are frequently debated.
Gil Pratsobrerroca, born in Vic in 1997, has a background in political science, which clearly influences the depth of his work. Before dedicating himself to literature, he worked as a scriptwriter for the radio show El búnquer on Cataluña Radio and contributed to the production of series such as El creador de influencers and El teorema del mico for 3Cat. This experience helped him develop a distinctive narrative style that combines dynamism with attention to detail. As El Pais notes, his works resonate quickly with a wide audience, and he is becoming an increasingly prominent figure on the Catalan literary scene.
Event details
The event will take place on March 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Toresky studio. Admission is free, and registration is available online or via email. The event is organized by the Quadern club, which invites renowned writers every month for open discussions with readers. The event will be hosted by Carlota Rubio, known for her in-depth interviews and ability to create a trusting atmosphere. Attendees will be able to ask the author questions, discuss storylines, and learn about plans for the adaptation of El joc del silenci, which has already been announced and is generating great interest among fans of the genre.
In recent years, Barcelona has seen a rise in cultural initiatives aimed at supporting local authors. These gatherings serve not only as a platform for exchanging ideas but also as a way to draw attention to new literary phenomena. According to El Pais, the Quadern club regularly fills its venues, and recordings of the meetings are popular online. This confirms that interest in contemporary Catalan prose remains strong and is, in fact, growing.
Trends and context
The emergence of novels like El joc del silenci reflects the shift in Spanish readers’ preferences. Plots involving family dramas and mysterious disappearances are increasingly in demand. In 2026, Catalan authors are more often reaching the national stage, with their works discussed not only in literary circles but also among the broader public. Analysis by russpain.com suggests that such events help shape new cultural trends and strengthen Barcelona’s position as the country’s literary hub.
In this context, it is worth noting that the city actively supports not only literature but other art forms as well. For example, Barcelona recently launched a special bus service for fans of major music concerts, making cultural events more accessible to both residents and visitors. More about the new transport services for concert fans can be found in the article about new buses for music events.
In recent years, Spain has seen a growing number of events featuring authors whose books spark discussions on current issues. In 2025, similar clubs were already held in Madrid and Valencia, where readers could communicate directly with writers and debate not only the plot, but also the social topics raised in their works. These formats foster literary dialogue and help discover new talent. As a result, Catalan literature receives an added boost, and readers gain the opportunity to shape the cultural agenda.
