Catalan literature and the impact of Oriol Canals' new novel

The decline in reading rates, particularly among younger populations and within the Catalan language, remains a significant concern for educators and academics. While reading is often viewed as a solitary, cultural activity, it is deeply embedded in the social fabric through book clubs, literary fairs, and publishing statistics.

In response to these trends, certain genres like crime fiction and thrillers are noted for their ability to cultivate new readers. While some purists criticize formulaic works, high-quality genre fiction serves as a vital mechanism for engagement. Oriol Canals has emerged as a notable figure in this sector, balancing commercial success with literary quality. His latest work, ‘El cinquè cor’, published by Rosa dels Vents, follows the success of ‘No dormiràs’, which achieved rare bestseller status in Catalan during the Sant Jordi celebrations.