Llorenç Villalonga, born in Majorca’s capital, studied medicine and alternated literature with his psychiatric practice. He was an active member of the fascist side during the Civil War, although over the years he distanced himself from the victors and, through his personal relationships and his literary creation, he eventually reconciled with the heirs to the losing side, while establishing himself as one of the most important Majorcan writers of the century.
An independent and controversial author, initially Villalonga took an interest in the avant-garde and developed a prose style that savagely satirized Majorcan society. Later, deeply touched by the work of Marcel Proust, he moved toward an elegiacal vision of the past, and a rejection of industrial and consumer society. In literature he was able to conjure up the world of the past he yearned for.
«Written in masterly prose, elegant and layered, Bearn is without doubt one of the great European novels of the 20th century, yet to be discovered by many readers.»
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