Ana Llorca, whose career has been shaped by words and lyricism, has cultivated a literary universe that is evident in the publications of the Cuadernos de Roldán collective. After a life dedicated to teaching, this retired educator has transitioned from poetry to prose with her first novel, Adelina a través de la Puerta Escondida, published by Renacimiento.
The work, which evokes Lewis Carroll in its title, is not exclusively intended for children but rather as a family read. Llorca emphasizes the importance of literary quality, value education, and fostering personal growth in literature aimed at young people, a philosophy she applied during her time as a teacher and librarian.
“"Adelina, the protagonist of the book, deserves truth and simplicity. And it is not a book for children but for the family; children can read some chapters alone and others accompanied. It is a book to be read aloud, just like telling a story."
For Llorca, writing is an act of pleasure and necessity, detached from the pursuit of remuneration. She compares this act to cultivating her garden, which she defines as a true gesture of resistance in today's society. The author describes the creative process as an incessant flow of emotions that materialize into words, a tattoo of ink and blood on paper.
Regarding the educational field, Ana Llorca expresses her concern about the direction the education system is taking, suggesting it is moving towards a “school of ignorance.” She criticizes the excessive responsibilities placed on teachers, who, in addition to teaching, must assume roles as social workers, psychologists, or mediators, thus reducing time for their primary task.
The writer continues her cultural work with the Cuadernos de Roldán association, touring various Spanish towns and even abroad. They recently visited Priego and plan a trip to Collioure to pay tribute to the poet Antonio Machado.
