Eric’s version

BOOK REVIEW

ERIC’S VERSION

Author: Nando López From the reader report by: Julia Krumm

La versión de Eric is a crime novel and a novel about becoming an adult, about finding oneself and about friendship, which is written in a touching and honest way, without being stereotyped or lecturing. Sometimes soberly, sometimes philosophically, and sometimes optimistically, López shows how tough the time at school may be and how valuable friendships are if we perceive them as being welcoming and supportive, quite independent of age, appearance and success. Successfully the book makes a case for more empathy, against bullying and transphobia, which demonstrates how vulnerable humans are and how differently they deal with their wounds and traumas. The novel sheds a critical light on gender inequality in the Spanish language, the school system and even in the literature dealing with transgender people, and it stimulates new, more inclusive and more colourful ways. Told from Eric’s point of view, again and again the plot gets lost, diary-like, in memories and presents retrospective views of his experiences, however it always skilfully takes the readers back to the most recent events – this balancing act never looks constrained but rather like a lively, long conversation among friends. Regrettably, as yet none of López’s works has been translated into the German language, but I most warmly recommend this thrilling, multi-layered and highly topical novel for a translation.

PUBLISHED IN NEW SPANISH BOOKS DE

EDICIONES SM

Title ERIC’S VERSION LA VERSIÓN DE ERIC

Author Nando López Genre Children and Youth Pages 240

ISBN 978-84-13185-18-7 Year of publication 2020 Number of editions 1 Language Spanish Spanish retail price 11.95 €

Author’s biography: Nando López (Barcelona, 1977) is a doctor cum laude in Spanish Language and Literature, a novelist and playwright and has been teaching Spanish Language and Literature in secondary schools for years. He was attracted to the theatre from a young age. Over time, he has managed to bring together his passion for literature, theatre and teaching. As an author of short stories and several novels, he gained critical success with his work The age of fury (La edad de la ira), which was shortlisted for the 2010 Nadal Prize and which he later adapted for the stage and a tour around Spain. As an author of children’s literature, he has found a way of bringing the theatre to our youngest audiences with titles such as I like the photo of the 10,000 (La foto de los 10000 me gusta) in the El Barco de Vapor collection. In his novels for young adults, he deals with issues such as inclusion, homosexuality, bullying and the impact of new technologies, as can be seen in his work In the networks of fear (En las redes del miedo). www.nandolopez.es

Synopsis: Someone died today, and I’m responsible. But nothing ever happens just like that. Lots of other things happened first. Like the first time I found myself in front of a mirror. The summer I chose my real name. The year at secondary school when I decided I’d had enough of everything and everyone. The casting session where I got chosen. The success of my TV series. All my followers. The tattoo I discovered on someone’s wrist. The night of the murder. And I want you to know my truth. Why what happened, happened. This is my version of the story.

Publisher who has published: SM

Publisher: Ediciones SM Since 1978, Ediciones SM has broadened its mission to publish educational texts by creating Spain’s most prestigious and high-quality collections of literature for children and young adults: El Barco de Vapor and Gran Angular. These collections bring together books that never age or lose their relevance and freshness.

Publishing rights available from: Fundacion Santa Maria. - CIF G28534204 Impresores 2, PE Prado del Espino, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid www.es.literaturasm.com Contact: Maria Paz Serrano Arrogante [maria.paz.serrano@grupo-sm.com, ] [marta.gallas@grupo-sm.com] Phone: (+34) 914 228 800

Reviews and prizes: Gran Angular Prize 2020.