The novel The Wounds of Ambition, by Jesús Sánchez Graullera, published by Editorial Sargantana, places Valencia at the epicenter of a plot involving art heists and greed. The Valencian author aimed to combine his passions for thriller and art, creating a story that connects the Valencian capital with Florence through the disappearance of works by masters such as Velázquez and Caravaggio.
The book, which will be presented this Thursday at the Ámbito Cultural hall of El Corte Inglés de Colón, explores the importance of highlighting the value of artworks. Sánchez Graullera previously addressed this theme in his earlier work, It Should Be Our Secret, where the Holy Grail from Valencia Cathedral was the subject of a theft. Now, this new artistic adventure serves as a starting point for a narrative that spans from Istanbul to Dubai.
“"I wanted to highlight the value of some artworks, and I believe that heists are a very interesting way to do that."
The plot of The Wounds of Ambition, spanning 350 pages, features a cast of police figures led by Inspector Marta Sena, accompanied by collaborators such as the Italian restorer Carlo Bartoli. The criminal counterpoint is provided by Dardan, a character who embodies causeless evil and drives the story's complications and evolution. The author emphasizes that ambition, if its consequences are not considered, can lead to committing atrocities.
One of the novel's most distinctive features is the prominent role played by Valencia. Enclaves such as the Central Market, the Viveros Garden, La Marina, and neighborhoods like Nazaret, as well as peripheral areas like Port Saplaya, are key settings for the investigation. Sánchez Graullera highlights the city's historical and cultural richness, making it a "fascinating" place to set his stories, despite a local tendency not to value it enough.
