Pol Guasch’s New Novel, 'In the Hands, Paradise Burns': Generational Malaise in a Post-Apocalyptic World

Catalan poet and writer Pol Guasch, who was born in Tarragona in 1997, has unveiled his second significant work of prose: the novel titled *En las manos, el paraíso quema* (In the Hands, Paradise Burns). Published by Anagrama, the narrative unfolds against a stark, post-apocalyptic backdrop, delving into fundamental human experiences such as love, friendship, and malaise within a landscape defined by uncertain time and space. Guasch, who recently appeared as a featured guest at the International Literary Festival in Buenos Aires, confirmed that he is currently awaiting the release of the third installment of his ongoing literary cycle.

The story centers on the precarious journeys of four distinct characters—Liton, Rita, Félix, and René—as they attempt to navigate a deeply ambiguous paradise. This world has been ravaged by a sequence of catastrophes, epidemics, and tragedies that have impacted both Spain and the wider global community. The author expressed a profound fascination with liminal, border zones—spaces that are devoid of clear identity. He maintains that the most crucial human experiences and transformations occur within these undefined areas.

Guasch connected this preoccupation with liminality to the formative atmosphere of his medium-sized hometown. He noted that the boundary between the urban sprawl and the local cemetery was particularly palpable there, generating a strange, unsettling sensation. Furthermore, Guasch stressed that the setting in his books must be actively constructed through the very act of writing, rather than relying on external reality. This deliberate choice grants the reader considerable freedom in interpreting the location where the action takes place.

Addressing the emotional currents affecting his cohort, the writer acknowledged that, although he did not set out with this specific goal, he inadvertently tapped into the emotional state and sentimental landscape experienced by his peers and immediate circle. His primary objective was to capture this contemporary condition while consciously sidestepping modern-day clichés. For Guasch, literature serves as a vital instrument for engaging with the world and reality, moving beyond mere passive consumption and toward active understanding.

The novel also explores humanity’s complex relationship with nature and the extreme situations arising from resource scarcity. It meticulously analyzes the impact of climate catastrophes on communities, highlighting how eco-anxiety has become a dominant malaise for his generation. Guasch emphasized the urgent need to discover alternative modes of connection that make the current situation more bearable, viewing such crises not merely as threats but as opportunities for a fundamental reassessment of values.

Regarding his decision to write in Catalan, he explained that it allows him to explore a unique perspective on the world and the history embedded in his native tongue. He conceded the inherent strangeness of working in a language facing the threat of disappearance. Nevertheless, his ultimate goal is to expand the scope of universal issues affecting small linguistic communities, a commitment underscored by his active participation in international literary events, ensuring these voices resonate globally.