Soldevila, Ferran / Escritor
Written in the form of a diary that runs from 1926 to 1928, English Hours is a delightful account of
a Catalan in the UK during the inter-war period. In it, Soldevila writes endearingly of the country
and people that he meets while providing us with an invaluable foreign look at this critical period in 20th
century Great Britain.
English Hours is not only an insight into British society during this period, but also provides a detailed look
at the way two cultures can clash and yet how, ultimately, it is the people and individuals who make up our
countries.
As choice as a 5 oclock cup of tea.
El País
A book that has contributed greatly to Catalan memoir writing, normalising it while at the same time elevating
it to its highest climbs.
Lluís Bonada, El Temps
Soldevila shows a great mind, an interesting life and a fascinating story. An excellent book.
Carles Ribera, Presència
Read at the beginning of the 21st century, English Hours represents not only the rediscovering of a piece of
writing once lost to culture, but also the necessity to connect this uncertain present with a brighter past.
Francesc Foguet i Boreu, Llengua & Literatura
