English Hours - Ferran Soldevila Translation - Alan Yates

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 o’clock 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