Here’s the translation into American English:
The new and much-anticipated novel by Ramón de la Vega, titled “Losing the Life You Dream Of,” has been released. It explores the complexities of family history and the emotional wounds that shape people’s lives. With refined and introspective prose, the work stands out for its authenticity and powerful testimonies.
The story begins with what may seem like a trivial moment: a couple’s argument in a café. This incident serves as a catalyst for the narrator, a university professor in the midst of a midlife crisis, to embark on an introspective journey into his own family history. From there, “Losing the Life You Dream Of” evolves into a profound meditation on memory, identity, family bonds, and the emotional fragility that often accompanies family life.
The core of the work centers on the complicated relationship between the narrator and his brother Alberto, a charismatic character full of contradictions. Alberto’s beauty and magnetism are overshadowed by a search for freedom that tends to be self-destructive. Through family anecdotes, painful memories, and unexpected encounters—including a romance in Russia and an unwanted fatherhood—the narrator weaves together the story of a family facing disintegration caused by selfishness, miscommunication, and a lack of understanding.
Straddling autofiction and intimate essay, De la Vega invites the reader to reflect on the passage of time and the urgent need to reconcile with our past in order to move forward. The figure of the father plays a fundamental role in this narrative, acting as a symbol that deepens the tension between who we truly are and who we believe we are.
“Losing the Life You Dream Of” not only recounts the lives of its characters but also serves as an emotional analysis of a generation seeking authenticity amidst family disorder. The depth and sincerity of the work evoke contemporary authors like Emmanuel Carrère and Annie Ernaux.
Ramón de la Vega, a recognized university professor, essayist, and storyteller, brings to this novel his solid background in aesthetics and art. This work marks his most ambitious foray into narrative, crowning him as one of the most sensitive and intelligent voices in contemporary Spanish literature. With a total of 160 pages, “Losing the Life You Dream Of” will be published in 2025 and will be available on platforms like Amazon and La Casa del Libro, as well as in over 320 bookstores.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
