THE MUSIC OF MIRRORS

 

She began writing while her family watched soccer matches on TV. She is very committed, a fan of Madrid's Atlético soccer team, and she loves long meals with friends who are willing to have a laugh (friends who have no doubt tasted her famous potato salad). And all the better if the meal in question is by the bay in Cádiz. Critics say her work is sincere, overwhelming, expressive, that it's engaging and poignant, that she has a great gift for narrative, impeccable prose... This formidable woman is almost six feet tall (wearing heels). She is a dark-eyed brunette who looks quite capable of bossing anyone around. She's got a strong character. You could say Almudena Grandes is a lot like flamenco itself.

Accompanying her today is a singer who is anything but common and couldn't possibly be common, given his background. The artists he most admired were all listed in his parents' address book. He grew up surrounded by musicians, and this taught him to respect the audience and love his profession above all else. Being the son of Juanito Valderrama and Dolores Abril is far from a burden. For Valderrama, it is a privilege. He is discreet, a faithful friend who has managed to forge his own, solid, uncompromising style. He is truly the worthy bearer of a legendary surname.