“The Enigma of the Mediterranean” is a young adult novel, set in the city of Benidorm.
Óscar Cortina, a teacher at the Lope de Vega International School, has just published his second novel, "The Enigma of the Mediterranean," which was presented yesterday in the school's auditorium. Cortina was joined by about a hundred people, including students, parents, and teachers, who were interested in learning about the author's background and the many references in the book, which features numerous characters from his hometown of Benidorm.
This is a young adult novel with a crime plot set in the province of Alicante, and with clear autobiographical references. The event was presented by Professor Juanjo Romero and Ángela Baldó, a 3th-grade student, who offered the following review of the book: “It’s a novel that grabs you from the very first page. I think it’s very suitable for a high school student, but adults of any age can also read it, as there are so many different references. It has everything: hidden mysteries, a love story, geeky stuff, football themes… I think it will appeal to both boys and girls. I loved it!” she commented.
The synopsis that we can read on the back cover is as follows:
“That night my best friend was murdered. I wasn’t prepared for what happened, nor for the chain of events that followed his death. And looking back, I doubt anyone could have been. All those steps have led me to where I am now: on a doorstep, soaked by the spring storm, facing a door I hesitate to open because I fear what I might find behind it. But before I go any further, I think about that March night when it all began, a few hours before my life changed completely. I hadn’t even met her when I left home.”
Julio, a 17-year-old boy, will find himself caught up in an ancient enigma, submerged for many centuries in the depths of the Mediterranean, which he must decipher in order to try to solve the death of his friend and avoid his own.”
The novel, which costs 15 euros, can be purchased in bookstores in Benidorm, at the Lope de Vega bookstore itself, and on the publisher's website, bubok.es. It is the second work by Óscar Cortina, who previously published "Alfil negro" with Bubok a few years ago, as well as the recently released "El enigma del Mediterráneo," which has already begun to garner excellent reviews from those who have had the opportunity to read it.
