Barcelona journalist and author Raúl Montilla has released his new novel, “Los acordes de la ciudad” (The Chords of the City). It offers a vivid portrayal of post-war Barcelona from the 1950s onwards. The book, published by Ediciones B, explores the city’s often-overlooked peripheral neighbourhoods. It details their vibrant cultural life under dictatorship.
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Montilla describes his work as “not a political manifesto, but it is a book of memory.” The narrative centres on Teodoro Montoya, a resourceful character from the Montjuïc shantytowns. His life transforms after meeting Chacho, a repressed musician hiding in Somorrostro. This encounter initiates a journey through a Barcelona undergoing significant change. The story extends its reach to other Spanish cities like Madrid and Benidorm, and even to Buenos Aires.
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The novel specifically highlights the “Barcelona under the carpet,” focusing on areas often excluded from mainstream historical accounts. Montilla expressed his admiration for Montjuïc. This district, despite its peripheral status, forms an integral part of the Catalan capital. “We are used to telling stories from the centre, from the Eixample. However, Montjuïc is the most wonderful place in Barcelona,” Montilla stated. He spoke during the book’s presentation on 26 March at La Conxita in Sants.
Uncovering Barcelona’s Periphery
Montilla challenges the conventional focus on central districts like the Eixample, home to approximately 260,000 residents. He spotlights the unique narratives of areas like Montjuïc. The novel uses the rhythm of rumba to explore historical memory, following Teodoro’s life among guitars, travels, and film sets. The protagonist encounters iconic figures such as El Pescaílla and Peret. The story also features a nod to flamenco with a cameo by Carmen Amaya.
Art and Dictatorship
“Los acordes de la ciudad” portrays the struggles of artists and poets under the Francoist dictatorship. It highlights the regime’s fear of art’s power to inspire change. The book recounts sorrows through song, revealing how music and poetry served as vital expressions of resistance and hope. Montilla’s narrative underscores the enduring capacity of art to challenge oppressive systems and disseminate powerful messages.
Contemporary Echoes
Although primarily set in the 1950s and extending for over three decades, the novel also resonates with contemporary global events. Montilla suggests that the dark chapters of modern history can recur. This makes the book’s themes of resilience and memory particularly relevant today. The novel serves as a poignant reminder of Barcelona’s complex past and its ongoing dialogue with historical memory.
Montilla’s work offers international readers a unique perspective on Barcelona’s social and cultural landscape beyond its well-known landmarks. It invites reflection on how the city’s history, particularly from its less-explored corners, continues to shape its identity and future.
Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta – Urban Life. Read original article.
