Andorra debuts in Lletres Compartides; mixed results for first exchange

The Lletres Compartides programme, which promotes Catalan-language literature across the Catalan-speaking territories, included Andorra for the first time this year. The initial exchange brought together Andorran writer Mariona Bessa and Mallorcan poet Miquel Àngel Adrover, producing a mix of strong educational engagement and disappointing public turnout.

Adrover, winner of the 2023 Miquel Bauçà Prize for Les cares de la cugula (AdiA Edicions, 2023), said attendance at his two events was lower than expected. A presentation-recital at a bookstore drew around five people, and a Saturday evening talk-recital in Sispony attracted roughly nine. He nonetheless described the encounters as qualitatively rewarding: the participatory format fostered deep conversation about his work and wider cultural and linguistic issues, and he defended the continuation of the programme.

During his visit, organised by the ministry, Adrover took part in guided visits to Romanesque sites such as Espai Columba and the Church of Santa Coloma. He praised Andorra’s heritage but voiced concern about what he called intrusive landscape developments, noting uneasy juxtapositions of historic buildings with modern commercial and residential constructions. He also said the exchange opened debates on the use and defence of Catalan and recounted moments of being misunderstood even at his hotel.

By contrast, Bessa — the first author from the Principality to participate in Lletres Compartides — reported a very positive reception in Menorca. She described the experience as an honour and took part in numerous educational activities: visits to primary and secondary schools, sessions with sixth-grade groups at CEIPs, a meeting with fourth-year ESO students, and a reading-club event at the Maó public library. Sessions focused on her novels La captura, Torno en set dies and L’ascens dels rebels and combined discussions of themes and the writing process with practical workshops on how to write a book and the structure of a novel.

Bessa highlighted the value of direct exchange with students, who shared opinions on topics such as climate change and personal experiences, thereby stimulating critical thinking. She noted age-related differences in response — younger pupils were more openly excited, while older students were more reserved but still engaged — and said that advance planning had enabled many schools to include her books in their curricula, which enriched the discussions. Mornings were typically devoted to educational activities, leaving afternoons for cultural visits around the island.

The visit also allowed Bessa to announce that she has two unpublished novels in the pipeline: Una qüestió d’orelles, inspired by her dog and addressing pet abandonment and owner responsibility, and Terra perit, also aimed at younger readers. She welcomed Andorra’s entry into Lletres Compartides, noting that the country’s status outside the European Union had previously complicated participation and that inclusion was important because Catalan is an official language there.

Officials also spoke positively about the collaboration. Joan‑Marc Joval, director of Cultural Promotion, described the programme as beneficial, designed to circulate authors — particularly newer voices — across territories and to foster mobility, literary networks and cultural activity in Catalan-speaking communities.

Both participating authors underlined the cultural importance of Lletres Compartides and expressed hope that future editions will build on this first participation by the Principality, broaden audience reach and continue to benefit creators and readers across Catalan-speaking territories.