Welcome to issue 90. We begin with a story by English writer Lara Williams titled Treats, which shows the beauty and wonder of a bountiful heart, even when so little is returned. The joy is infectious and will touch your heart—in the best of ways. Our quiz this issue is Hip Hop & Literature. Test your knowledge of rappers and their sources and you’re in the running to win a 30-euro gift certificate from Amazon. For answers to last issue’s quiz, Transgender Fiction, click here. Our winner is Priyanka Dey, congrats! Our book review this issue is Homesick for Another World by Ottessa Moshfegh, a short story collection that comes highly recommended. Local News: Our local news has gone international so you’ve undoubtedly read about it. But perhaps you’re a bit confused? That is because nothing about the events here is simple. Catalonia wanted a vote for independence and the central government said no. Catalonia held a referendum anyway, but it was not a legally authorized one (43% of the population voted yes while most no voters abstained due to its illegality). Negotiation between the two sides proved impossible. Nearly a month after the vote, Catalonia's parliament, on Oct. 27th, went ahead and declared independence (70 MPs voted 'yes,' 10 'no,' 2 blank, and 35 walked out in boycott of the vote). So Madrid followed through on its threat and implemented article 155 of the constitution which it claims gives it power to take some autonomy away from Catalonia for going 'rogue,' as they claim. President Carles Puigdemont and his cabinet have been fired and regional elections have been called for Dec. 21st. On Oct. 30th Puigdemont fled Catalonia for Belgium. From there, he has said he will honor the snap elections in Dec. Meantime, several of his ministers have been taken into custody following their appearance before a High Court judge who is investigating them for sedition, rebellion and misuse of public funds, while prosecutors began legal proceedings to issue an international arrest warrant for Puigdemont The arrests have incensed not only the pro-independents as no one wants to see this. We are now accustomed to helicopters buzzing overhead and spontaneous street demonstrations, from both pro-independence supporters and those who wish to stay in Spain. There is tension in the air for locals, but tourists needn't worry for now. Just don't be surprised if a main thoroughfare is teeming with people and flags. Our next issue is due out in January. To be notified when new issues are available, just ‘LIKE’ The Barcelona Review on Facebook (for the Spanish, LIKE Barcelona Review without the THE); or email us to subscribe (gratis, of course), though often our bulk email is blocked from servers so we cannot guarantee a notification.
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