Summary

"La Noche en que Frankenstein Leyó el Quijote" is a captivating journey through the annals of literary history, penned by Santiago Posteguillo, renowned historical novelist and unconventional literature professor. This book delves into the hidden corners behind well-known books, exploring the lives, quirks, genius, and sometimes, the misfortunes of their authors. It examines the intriguing stories behind the books themselves: the mysteries of anonymous authorship, the dangerous texts that drew the ire of secret services, and the rejected manuscripts that later became literary gold.

Posteguillo embarks on a quest to uncover the secret inventor of the alphabetical order, navigates the Viking contributions to literature, and questions whether Shakespeare truly penned his attributed masterpieces. The reader is invited to contemplate the imprisonment that sparked Cervantes's creativity and to understand the historical context that shaped Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein."

The book further investigates the complex relationship between Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet, the truth behind the reasons for the delay in José Zorrilla's admission to the Royal Spanish Academy, and the fascinating story of how a child's enthusiasm influenced the publication of "Harry Potter." The author sheds light on Charles Dickens's innovative approach to public readings and the piracy challenges he faced, contrasting them with the stark realities of authors persecuted for their works, like Solzhenitsyn and the dangers surrounding "The Gulag Archipelago."

"La Noche en que Frankenstein Leyó el Quijote" explores the power of literature, its impact on individuals and societies, and the eternal struggle between creative expression and oppressive forces. The book is an ode to the written word and its enduring legacy, offering an intimate glimpse into the world behind the stories we cherish and demonstrating how literature continues to resonate through the ages, shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Ultimately, Posteguillo celebrates the indomitable spirit of authors and their creations, paying tribute to the transformative power of storytelling. By revealing the narratives behind the narratives, he invites readers to appreciate the profound depth and enduring magic of literature.