On Wednesday, January 21, at 6:30 p.m., the Cultural Center of El Corte Inglés in Santiago de Compostela will host the second discussion about the finalist novels of the 19th Casino de Santiago European Novel Prize.

Helga Flatland's novel, "A Modern Family", will be the subject of the literary colloquium, moderated by Loli Sans. Published by Nórdica Libros, the novel is a profound exploration of contemporary family relationships, narrated with sensitivity, humor, and remarkable psychological insight.

About the novel

During a family trip to the outskirts of Rome to celebrate their father's 70th birthday, siblings Liv, Ellen, and Håkon, along with their partners and children, receive unexpected news: their parents have decided to separate after 40 years of marriage. This announcement triggers a "silent earthquake" that shakes not only the dynamic between the siblings but also the family structures each of them has built.

Through chapters narrated from each character's perspective, Flatland offers a multifaceted and rich view of how each family member copes with the breakup:

Liv, a mother and wife, is deeply affected, questioning her own beliefs and emotional stability.

Ellen, who longs for children, fears facing a loneliness similar to that of her parents.

Håkon, the youngest, advocates for open relationships, clashing with the traditional expectations of those around him.

The novel is not only about a separation, but also reflects on family models, social prejudices, and the need to reconstruct personal and collective narratives. Flatland achieves a social critique that, although set in Norway, resonates globally. Don't miss this interesting discussion at our center!