Bosphorus Dreams and Trappist Despair

Embarking on a quest for identity and belonging, this narrative traverses the globe, from the shadowy echoes of the Beat generation in New York’s backstreets to the poetic haunts of Arthur Rimbaud in Charleville. It captures the essence of cultural icons and historical landmarks, weaving through the storied landscapes of London, the serene monasteries of Belgium, the artistic fervor of Amsterdam, and the peaceful protests of Saint Petersburg and Moscow. Along the Danube’s flow, into the cultural melting pot of Istanbul, the journey is a tapestry of introspection and discovery. It’s a homage to those who illuminate the path through life’s maze, transforming a potentially dark voyage into one of enlightenment and shared love.

J.P. Canalias was born in 1973, Olot, Spain. He lives in Sitges and works as a teacher in Barcelona. From a very young age, writing has allowed his introverted character to connect his mind with the world. Inspired by US ’60–’70s music, American counterculture, Beat Generation, Rimbaud, Blake, Dostoevsky, Patti Smith… poetry has become his way to search for answers. J.P. Canalias is the author of the Spanish poetry book Vértigo. Other unpublished work to date: Silence and Solitude (2004); Where the sun never hides (2007); Sketches of alleys, of hope, of life (2009); Visions (2012). His most recent novel is Shadows of the Raval (2023).