A Literary Journey of Faith and Reflection

Vicente Valero’s The Lily Time (Peripheral), a profound exploration of faith and self-revelation, has been recognized by the navarra booksellers association as the best book in Spanish of 2024. The award celebrates Valero’s exquisite prose and his ability to weave together personal reflection with artistic and literary references.

The book embarks on a journey, retracing the steps of San Francisco de Asís, delving into the motivations behind his radical embrace of poverty, love, and service. valero enriches this pilgrimage with insights gleaned from the works of artists and writers who have also been inspired by the saint’s example.

booksellers Champion Unconventional Literature

The Navarra booksellers association highlighted Valero’s remarkable writing, describing it as showcasing exquisite prose, cadencious measure, and a poetic look on people, landscape, and culture. This recognition underscores the association’s commitment to supporting literature that may be overlooked in the crowded marketplace.

In an era dominated by bestsellers and trending titles,independent bookstores play a crucial role in curating and promoting works of literary merit that might or else go unnoticed. According to a recent report by the American Booksellers Association, independent bookstores experienced a resurgence in recent years, demonstrating a growing appreciation for curated selections and personalized recommendations.

Author’s viewpoint: A Conversation with Vicente Valero

In an interview,Vicente Valero expressed his gratitude for the award,emphasizing the importance of booksellers in supporting his work:

He became vrey excited.the booksellers have always treated my books very well and I know that many read them with love.The truth is that I have a very good relationship with that world, which is decisive for this type of less conventional literature in terms of their gender.

Vicente Valero

Valero acknowledged the challenges faced by unconventional literature in gaining visibility, stating that his books try to be as conventional as possible and, in that sense, it is more challenging for them to make their way to the market and libraries.

The Enduring Appeal of San Francisco de Asís

San Francisco de Asís remains a figure of enduring fascination, inspiring countless individuals across diverse backgrounds. His message of simplicity, compassion, and service resonates deeply in a world frequently enough characterized by materialism and social inequality. The Lily Time offers a fresh perspective on this iconic figure, inviting readers to contemplate the meaning of his life and teachings in the context of contemporary society.

Numerous organizations and initiatives around the world are dedicated to promoting the values espoused by San Francisco de Asís, including environmental stewardship, poverty alleviation, and interfaith dialogue. These efforts demonstrate the continued relevance of his message in addressing the pressing challenges of our time.

The Storm Over “The Hate”: Censorship and the Right to Publish

Recent weeks in Spain have seen an unusual surge of public discourse surrounding a book, The Hate, penned by Luisge Martín. What makes this situation especially noteworthy is the widespread debate, even among those who don’t typically engage with literature, with calls for its censorship or outright banning. This raises fundamental questions about the boundaries of free expression and the role of public opinion in shaping literary discourse.

The core issue revolves around the tension between the potential offensiveness of a work and the author’s, and publisher’s, right to disseminate it. As of 2024, global censorship attempts have risen by 15% compared to the previous year, highlighting a growing trend of challenging artistic freedom. The debate surrounding The Hate underscores the complexities of balancing societal sensitivities with the principles of intellectual freedom.

Judging a Book: the ethics of Writing and Publishing

The question of whether a book should be written is distinct from whether it should be published. Ideally, one should read a book before judging it. However, even after reading, the judgment should be limited to the appropriateness of writing it, not necessarily publishing it. An author naturally desires publication, and a publisher must also see merit in the work. The real debate lies in the initial decision to write the book itself.Without having read The Hate, it’s impossible to comment on the ethical considerations that may have influenced its creation.

“Lilos’s Time”: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Discomfort

The narrative of Lilos’s Time opens with a reference to Matthew 26:50, What are you coming, freind?, a poignant line from the betrayal of Judas. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the traveler’s motivations and the transformative nature of journeys.

This quote, placed at the beginning of the book but written last, encapsulates the uncertainty and self-reflection inherent in travel. A journey, especially one with spiritual undertones, is rarely predictable. While travelers may have plans and expectations, they are often confronted with unexpected challenges and revelations.The presence of Saint Francis adds another layer of complexity, prompting introspection and questioning of one’s purpose.

The author suggests that this question, What have you come for? What is this? What have you done?, is universally applicable to anyone embarking on a journey, be it physical or metaphorical. It speaks to the inherent human desire for meaning and the potential for transformation through exploration.

The Disturbing Message of Saint Francis: Voluntary poverty in a Materialistic World

The figure of Saint Francis looms large, presenting a challenge to contemporary values.

“San Francisco’s message is disturbing, and more for us and our world, where voluntary poverty is incomprehensible”

In a world increasingly driven by consumerism and material wealth, the concept of voluntary poverty, as espoused by saint Francis, can be unsettling. his message forces us to confront our own values and priorities, questioning the pursuit of wealth and the meaning of true fulfillment.This discomfort is perhaps precisely why his message remains so relevant and thought-provoking today.

millennial Dreams and the Franciscan Ideal

the concept of a golden age,a period marked by peace,justice,and spiritual renewal,has captivated humanity for centuries. The book’s title alludes to a specific era in the 13th century when such a transformation seemed within reach, driven by a revitalized church and the rise of contemplative communities. But is this vision a genuine possibility, or merely a utopian fantasy that remains perpetually out of reach?

While the ideals of that time might resemble a utopia, they were then understood as millenarianism. This belief system posited that a new, radically different world was imminent, characterized by positivity, spirituality, and goodness.This sentiment resonated with some of Saint Francis’s early followers, though it stemmed from broader spiritual currents rather than directly from Francis himself.

The idea that at a given time was going to start a new world that was going to be completely different, and, therefore, it was going to be positive, spiritual and good, it coincided not so much with San Francisco but rather with its first disciples…

The Disturbing Radicality of Saint Francis

Saint Francis of Assisi remains a compelling, even unsettling, figure. His unwavering commitment to purity and radical simplicity challenges contemporary values.While some might interpret his message as a call for mere austerity, it goes much deeper. Francis advocated for voluntary poverty, a concept that clashes sharply with the prevailing ethos of modern society.

In a world driven by consumerism and the relentless pursuit of material wealth, the notion of deliberately choosing poverty seems not just impractical but almost incomprehensible. According to a recent study by Oxfam, the world’s richest 1% own nearly half of the global wealth, highlighting the vast disparity that makes voluntary poverty a radical proposition. This stark contrast underscores the enduring relevance, and potential discomfort, of Francis’s message.

It is indeed disturbing for what we certainly know about him. It represents purity and radicality… he tells us that we must be voluntarily poor. Logically, that message is disturbing, and more for us and our world, where voluntary poverty is incomprehensible.

echoes of Quixote: A Modern Relevance

The comparison between Francis of Assisi and Alonso Quijano (Don Quixote) is apt.Both figures, in their own ways, challenged the norms of their respective societies.While Quixote tilted at windmills, Francis confronted the entrenched materialism of his time. Both embody a certain idealism that, while seemingly out of step with reality, offers a powerful critique of the status quo.

The Unexpected revolutionary: Saint Francis Through a New lens

Saint Francis of assisi, a figure revered for his piety and connection to nature, is now being re-examined through a more unconventional lens. some scholars suggest viewing him not just as a saint, but as a figure akin to a madman, one who acted in ways that defied expectations and even contradicted his own background.

Quixotic Undertones: Fighting Windmills in Assisi

The comparison to Don Quixote isn’t accidental. like Cervantes’ iconic character,Saint Francis possessed a quixotic spirit,tilting at windmills long before the novel was written. His actions, while seemingly disruptive, challenged the conventional world he inhabited. As G.K. Chesterton noted, Saint Francis’s most compelling trait was his penchant for the unexpected.Early biographers, including Thomas of Celano, emphasized the unpredictable nature of his reactions. He existed within a customary society,yet consistently defied its norms through his words and deeds,sparking a profound revolution of thought and action. This resonates with modern examples of disruptive innovation, where individuals challenge established systems, often facing initial resistance before their ideas gain traction.

A Timeless Journey: Echoes of the Past in the Present

The exploration of Saint Francis’s life is not merely a historical endeavor; it’s a journey through time,connecting with writers,musicians,and filmmakers who have also been drawn to his story. Figures like Goethe, Lord Byron, Montaigne, Simone Weil, Saramago, Liszt, and Pasolini have all, in their own ways, engaged with the legacy of Francis of Assisi. This raises a crucial question: How essential is it to draw upon past experiences, as embodied in texts and artistic works, to better prepare ourselves for the future? Consider the current resurgence of interest in Stoic ideology, demonstrating a similar desire to glean wisdom from the past to navigate contemporary challenges.

Reading the Landscape: A Multifaceted Perspective

The landscape of umbria, so closely associated with Saint Francis, can be interpreted in multiple, complementary ways. By observing and contemplating the region through the eyes of those who came before – those who described it, were inspired by it – we gain a richer understanding. This approach emphasizes the importance of historical context and diverse perspectives in interpreting not only physical landscapes but also complex social and cultural phenomena. For example, understanding the historical context of urban planning decisions can provide valuable insights into current urban challenges and potential solutions.

A Figure of Unparalleled Representation

St. Francis of Assisi’s impact on art is undeniable. He stands as one of the most depicted figures in Western art, rivaled only by Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. This prominence underscores his enduring appeal and the profound spiritual resonance he holds for artists across centuries. From Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary interpretations, St. Francis continues to inspire visual narratives.

Recent exhibitions,such as the one held at the National Gallery in London two years ago and the current showcase of Zurbarán’s “San Franciscos” in Barcelona,highlight the ongoing fascination with his image. These events demonstrate the breadth and depth of artistic engagement with St. Francis, spanning diverse styles and periods.

Beyond the Canvas: St. Francis in Literature

While his visual representation is widely recognized, St. Francis’s influence extends into the realm of literature. Numerous writers have explored his life and teachings, offering their unique perspectives on his spiritual journey. Furthermore, the landscapes of Umbria, intrinsically linked to St. Francis’s life, have served as a muse for countless authors, capturing the essence of his connection to nature and spirituality.

The symbiotic relationship between St. Francis and Umbria is undeniable. One cannot contemplate the saint without envisioning the landscapes that shaped his life, nor can one traverse Umbria without reflecting on the profound legacy of St. francis. this connection continues to inspire artists and writers alike.

Goethe’s Reflection: Primitive Christianity and Modern Values

Following his travels through the lands of St. Francis, Goethe pondered the apparent absence of primitive Christian values in his time.This raises a crucial question: Does this observation hold relevance in today’s world?

Scholarly research on primitive christianity is ongoing, yet a complete understanding remains elusive. For many Christians, it represents a utopian ideal, a state to be reclaimed. St. Francis himself embodies this aspiration, advocating for a return to a purer form of Christianity. goethe, during his 19th-century Italian journey, similarly reflected on how subsequent artistic and societal developments had obscured the romanticized vision of early Christianity.

Artistic inspiration and Umbrian Influence

The book delves into the influence of St. Francis and the Umbrian landscape on various artists, exploring how these elements have shaped their creative visions. The region’s serene beauty and spiritual importance have long served as a catalyst for artistic expression.

Unveiling Lo Spagna: An Artistic Pilgrimage through Umbria

Embarking on a journey to unfamiliar lands often leads to unexpected discoveries. In the heart of Umbria, a region steeped in history and artistic heritage, lies the captivating story of Giovanni di Pietro, also known as Lo Spagna. This Spanish painter, a student of Perugino, lived two centuries after Saint Francis, during the early Renaissance. His presence permeates the region, becoming an integral part of a personal exploration.

The allure of Lo Spagna lies in his relative obscurity. While many artists with ties to Umbria are well-known, Lo Spagna remains a figure shrouded in mystery. This sparked a deep curiosity, leading to an examination of his life and works. Interestingly, Lo Spagna shared a name with Saint Francis himself, both being called giovanni di Pietro. This coincidence added another layer to the intrigue, prompting a pursuit of the painter’s legacy through the region’s churches, some remote and forgotten, where he left behind remarkable frescoes.

Following the wake of this painter, visiting all his works in the churches, sometimes remote and completely forgotten, of the region, where he painted great fresh ones, somehow gives the book another aspect, that of artistic persecution.

The Interplay of Nature, Culture, and Personal Growth

Similar to previous explorations, this journey through Umbria serves as a vehicle for self-discovery. The central question revolves around the profound influence of nature and culture on a region and, by extension, on oneself.Umbria, like Provence, stands as a testament to the unusual contributions of art, culture, literature, and spirituality. These regions share a common thread, offering insights into the intricate relationship between art and nature.

The exploration delves into the weight that nature and culture can have in a region or in a person. The search is the same, these two books have a lot of connection with each other because, although they are formally very different, they share a common background, and they are two places that have contributed exceptionally in the progress of art, culture, literature and also of spirituality. Provence and Umbria have those two things in common and in both I have found things that are part of my particular interests and that answer a question: to what extent art and nature dialogue and are related?

Umbria’s Enduring Appeal: A timeless Source of Inspiration

Umbria’s allure lies in its ability to inspire and provoke introspection. The region’s rich artistic heritage,coupled with its stunning natural landscapes,creates a unique surroundings for contemplation and self-discovery. As travelers and artists continue to explore its hidden corners,Umbria’s timeless appeal will undoubtedly endure,offering new perspectives and insights for generations to come.

The Nature of Truth in Storytelling

The question of truth in literature has been debated for centuries. Is there an inherent truth within fictional narratives, or is it merely a construct of the author’s imagination? This exploration delves into the complex relationship between fiction and reality, examining how authors use storytelling to convey deeper truths about the human condition.

Authorial Intent and Reader Interpretation

The author’s perspective plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative’s perceived truth. While some authors strive for realism, others embrace allegory and symbolism to explore abstract concepts. Ultimately,the reader’s interpretation is equally critically important in determining the truth value of a literary work. As Umberto Eco famously stated,The author should die once he has finished writing. So as not to trouble the path of the text. this highlights the idea that once a work is released, its meaning is open to interpretation.

Truth Beyond Facts: Emotional and Psychological Realism

Often, the truth in literature lies not in factual accuracy but in emotional and psychological realism.A story might potentially be entirely fictional, yet resonate deeply with readers as it captures global human experiences such as love, loss, and the search for meaning. Consider, such as, the enduring popularity of Shakespeare’s tragedies. While the historical accuracy of these plays might potentially be debatable, their exploration of human flaws and moral dilemmas continues to resonate with audiences today.

The Author’s Perspective: A Personal Account

When questioned about the veracity of their work, one author responded with a playful yet profound statement: No, everything is true. In literature everything is true … followed by laughter. This seemingly paradoxical statement underscores the idea that literature, even when fantastical, can reveal profound truths about the world and ourselves. It suggests that the emotional core of a story, the underlying themes, and the exploration of human nature can hold a deeper truth than mere factual accuracy.

The enduring Power of Storytelling

the truth in literature is a multifaceted concept that extends beyond factual accuracy. It encompasses emotional resonance, psychological realism, and the exploration of universal human experiences. While the author’s intent and the reader’s interpretation both play crucial roles, the enduring power of storytelling lies in its ability to reveal profound truths about the world and ourselves, even within the realm of fiction.