The narrative of Vicenç Riera Llorca: literature and historical conscience

Abstract

Abstract: The article offers the first study of the complete narrative of Vicenç Riera Llorca — thirteen novels and two anthologies of stories — published between 1946 and 1991. It provides an analysis of the author’s historical, social, political and literary motivations and puts forward an explanation for the question of why he chose fiction and not journalism, which he had previously worked in. It also raises the issue of hisrole in the construction of the historical conscience of Catalan society based on his experiences between 1931 and 1945, with one single novel set in 1962. The article also takes into consideration Riera’s essays as literary critic for Pont Blau and Xaloc as well as his memoirs, one volume about his youth in Catalonia and another one on his exile; the letters he exchanged with critic Domènec Guansé, and the critical reception of his work up to the present day (Molas, Triadú, Ramió, Saladrigas [interview], Faulí). The article situates Riera’s work in its context and discusses its value in relation
to the emerging Catalan novel since 1946. It also looks for the literary sources and the European and North American trends of thought that have had an impact on his work. It also contains representative examples that can be traced back by quotes preceded by the abbreviated titles of the novels.

Key words: Riera Llorca, novel, historical conscience, exile, realism, human nature, narrative techniques.