In an increasingly connected—and fast-paced—world, finding moments to stop and look outside (or inside) has become a luxury. And in this context, books remain one of the best ways to travel. No need to pack your bags or buy plane tickets: reading takes us far away, transforms us and changes us.

We propose a literary journey through travel —both historical and internal— via Catalan literature. A selection of works that take us around the world without leaving home: 

• Journey to Russia, Josep Pla.
  Published in 1925, this book recounts Pla’s journey to post-revolutionary Russia. He arrived a year after Lenin’s death and met figures such as Andreu Nin. His sharp, ironic and lucid gaze transforms the journalistic account into a literary document of the highest order.
•  The Last Muleteer, Josep Maria Espinàs.
  A journey on foot through the Aran Valley and Pallars in 1956. Espinàs, with his friendly and observant tone, takes us into a rural world that today seems almost mythical. The landscape, the people, and the details make this work an emotional and cultural journey through the Pyrenees of yesteryear.
• The Great Book of Catalan Explorers, Joan de Déu Prats.
  With illustrations by Maria Padilla, this book recovers fascinating stories of Catalans who travelled the world: from the court of the Great Khan to Africa and India. A carefully documented and visually delightful work, published in 2021.
• Sensual and fanatical Morocco, Aurora Bertrana.
  Published in 1936, it recounts the author’s journey to Morocco. A courageous book by a woman ahead of her time, it analyses the relationships between men and women in a different culture. A critical and passionate view, full of humanity and respect.
• Stories of Japan, Xavier Moret.
  A direct immersion in Japanese culture through the author’s travels in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and the islands of Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Moret guides us with good humour and curiosity through this country of contrasts. An ideal read for broadening horizons.
• The Fire bird, Emili Teixidor
• Seemingly juvenile, but with layers that can be enjoyed by any reader. Set in the 13th century, it follows in the footsteps of a young troubadour who enters the world of the Cathars, monasteries, and minstrels. A great literary adventure set in medieval Catalonia.
• Border Days, Vicenç Pagès Jordà.
  A different take on the concept of travel: the border. This novel is set between Figueres, La Jonquera and Perpignan, where geography merges with the emotional tensions of a couple. A delicate and profound book that speaks to us of physical spaces and personal boundaries.
• All My Mothers, Victoria Szpunberg.
  A story of migration, identity, and roots. From Barcelona to Argentina and back, through exile and the reconstruction of family memory. A journey that is not made with the feet, but with the heart and memory. One of the most powerful contemporary female voices on the Catalan scene.

Books are true travelling companions. They help us grow, imagine and understand the world from unexpected angles. That is why, today more than ever, it is worth revisiting that quote from Joana Raspall: ‘With books as friends, you will never lack company. Each page can be a star that guides you.’ Have a good literary journey!

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