On April 23rd we celebrate Sant Jordi, one of the most beautiful and emblematic festivities in Catalonia. The streets are filled with books, roses and a unique atmosphere that combines culture and love. For you to enjoy this special day even more, we recommend five books worth discovering.
What is Sant Jordi?
Sant Jordi, patron saint of Catalonia, is celebrated every year with the tradition of giving books and roses, a custom deeply rooted in Catalan culture. According to legend, a ferocious dragon terrorized the inhabitants, who were forced to sacrifice a person every day to appease his fury. One day, fate chose the princess, and it was then that Sant Jordi appeared, armed with his spear and unwavering determination. Finally, after defeating the dragon in an epic battle, a rosebush of red flowers was born from the blood spilled.
Since then, every April 23, the streets of Catalonia are filled with book and rose stands, celebrating love, culture and bravery. Roses symbolize affection and admiration, while books represent knowledge and passion for reading. A unique celebration that unites heart and mind in a single day.
At Jean Leon, we believe that a good book is like a good wine: an experience that is enjoyed slowly, that awakens emotions and leaves a mark in the memory. That’s why we have selected five essential titles to read this year or to give as gifts on this special date.
5 book recommendations
1. “The infinite in a reed” – Irene Vallejo.
This book is a fascinating journey through the history of books and reading. Irene Vallejo takes us from ancient Greece and Rome to the present day, telling us how humans have struggled to preserve knowledge throughout time. With a mixture of history, personal anecdotes and love for books, it is a tribute to the written word and to all those who have made it possible for us to continue reading today.
2. “The years” – Annie Ernaux
Annie Ernaux not only tells her life story, but intertwines it with the history of France and the world. It is not a traditional autobiography, but rather a kind of collage of records, images and reflections on how society changes and, with it, ourselves. It is a nostalgic book, but also profound, that makes us rethink how we live and remember our own history.
3. “Man’s search for meaning” – Viktor E. Frankl
This book is the testimony of Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist who survived the Nazi concentration camps. Beyond narrating the horror he lived through, he leaves a very valuable lesson: even in the worst circumstances, we can find a purpose that helps us to go on. Through his experience, Frankl develops logotherapy, a way of understanding life based on the search for meaning. It is a hard book, but full of hope.
4. “Sapiens: From animals to Gods” – Yuval Noah Harari
In this book, Harari tells us, in an entertaining and clear way, how we went from being simple primates to dominating the world. From the invention of fire to social networks, he explains how ideas, culture and technology have transformed our species. It’s like a great chat with a wise friend that makes you see the history of humanity with different eyes.
5.“The crooked lines of God” – Torcuato Luca de Tena
This is an intriguing story full of mystery. Alice Gould enters a psychiatric hospital supposedly as a detective to investigate a crime. But as the story progresses, the big question is: is she really there of her own free will or is she really suffering from a mental illness? It’s a psychological thriller that plays with the perception of reality and keeps you guessing until the very end.
At Jean Leon we believe in the power of books and wine to enrich our lives. This Sant Jordi, celebrate literature and culture with an unforgettable story and a glass of wine to go with it.
Happy Sant Jordi’s Day!
