Institut Ramon LLull

Much of human life is pure fiction, asserts the 103-year-old journalist who made a career of reporting on the highs and lows of Cugat’s celebrity. The journalist himself is a fictional device, the doppelganger narrator of this comprehensively documented novel, which walks that fine line as it recreates the implausible and extreme life of the great showman. On the first day of the 20th century, Cugie’s mother was convinced he was destined for greatness. And indeed, from Catalonia to Cuba and then to New York and Hollywood, the Rumba King did reach heights of wealth and fame most mortals can only dream of. His impressive capacity for starmaking began, of course, with Cugie himself.

Puntí captures multi-faceted Cugat in all his contradictions, showing readers the orchestras, the films, the chihuahuas, the magnetism and charm as well as Cugat’s more controlling, jealous side, especially as he aged and his wives became younger and younger. This captivating, dishy book divulges how Cugat created a persona that became a caricature, often playing himself in movies with his signature moustache and catchphrases, and living and dying by the words: It’s showtime, baby!