'Los papeles de Admunsen' by Manuel Vázquez Montalbán

The Instituto Cervantes Manchester presents the unpublished book by Manuel Vázquez Montalbán, Los papeles de Admunsen, in a discussion featuring José Colmeiro, an expert on Montalbán's work; Daniel Vázquez Sallés, writer and son of the author; and H. Rosi Song, Professor in Hispanic Studies.

Synopsis:

Admunsen, Vázquez Montalbán's alter ego and protagonist of the novel, is a frustrated young intellectual torn between the alienating demands of consumer society, personal fulfilment, and political awareness. After spending a couple of years in prison, his life unfolds in a series of failed attempts to develop as a writer, rebuild his relationship, and evade pressure to conform to the system, until, disillusioned, he must decide whether to get involved in the cause or give up his principles and jeopardize his moral integrity.

Los papeles de Admunsen offers a biting and ruthless portrait of 1960s Barcelona, ​​where Vázquez Montalbán's literature first reveals the repression of the dictatorship, the development of consumer society, new ideas, and changes in morality and customs, as well as the author's internal exile.