In January 2026, Barcelona will host the launch of a new cycle of meetings for the Quadern book club. The first gathering promises to be a special one: readers will enjoy a conversation with Mercè Ibarz, an author whose works have long been a prominent presence in Catalan literature. This time, the focus will be on her book “Una noia a la ciutat,” in which personal memory intertwines with the city’s turbulent and transformative history.
The event will take place at the Toresky Studio, a venue renowned for its open and genuine discussion atmosphere. Admission is free, but organizers ask attendees to register in advance—interest in the meeting is exceptionally high. Questions, memories, debates—all of this is an integral part of these gatherings, where the lines between author and audience truly start to blur.
City and Change
Mercè Ibarz arrived in Barcelona in 1971 from the countryside to attend university. For her, this move was much more than just a change of scenery; it was a true culture shock. Barcelona at that time was a city alive with change at every corner—a place where student circles pulsed with fresh ideas, and the streets were filled with protests and hope.
In “Una noia a la ciutat,” Ibarz reflects on these formative years, when personal life was inseparable from political events. The death of someone close becomes a starting point for exploring questions about herself, the era, and a city evolving alongside her. Yet the author avoids definitive answers—she simply gathers fragments, leaving readers the space to draw their own conclusions.
Memory and Biography
At the heart of the story is not just Barcelona, but Merce Ibars herself. Her look back at the past is not nostalgia, but rather an attempt to understand how identity is shaped against the backdrop of historical upheavals. The book does not follow a linear narrative: the protagonist’s life story emerges from fragments, chance encounters, brief dialogues, and silences.
A special place is reserved for the figure of L.—the person with whom Ibars shared her youth. His death becomes a reason for her to look back, reconsider her beliefs and fears. But readers won’t find a detailed biography of L. here; the author deliberately keeps him in the shadows, allowing the story to resonate universally.
A time of change
Barcelona of the 1970s is not just a city, but a symbol. Here, dictatorship and freedom collide, tradition meets new ideas. Ibars devotes much attention to the atmosphere: the bustling streets, political slogans, the first feminist gatherings. All of this creates a sense of a moment when it seems anything is possible.
The writer is unafraid to tackle difficult subjects—fear, disappointment, the struggle to be oneself in a world that demands conformity. Her style is honest, at times sharp, but always sincere. This is what makes her books so vivid and relatable to readers.
A club for everyone
The Quadern book club has long been a place where not only book lovers gather, but also those searching for answers to important questions. The club’s host, Carlota Rubio, creates an atmosphere of trust where everyone can speak their mind. Here, people discuss not just books, but also life, politics, and culture.
Meetings are held once a month, each time attracting a new audience. This time, interest in Ibarz’s book is especially high: many see their own experiences reflected in her story. Organizers promise an informal conversation with a wide variety of questions.
Open Dialogue
To participate, simply send an email with the subject “Club Ibarz” and your details. This is more than just a formality — it’s how the club maintains a welcoming and safe atmosphere. However, even if you don’t manage to sign up, you can always follow club news and watch recordings of the meetings.
This is what makes Quadern special: it values not only books, but also lively conversation. Every evening is a chance to hear new stories, ask unexpected questions, debate, and perhaps change your perspective. The meeting with Mercè Ibarz promises to be one of the highlights of the season.
