Así que pasen treinta años

This volume brings together the last seventy-five articles published by Javier Marías in the Sunday supplement El País Semanal between January 31, 2021, and September 11, 2022. Javier Marías began writing for El País Semanal in 2003 and for almost two decades shared his reflections on current events, as well as his memories and hobbies, his personal and cultural loyalties. "Some sorrows never go away and some people are never forgotten," he recalls at the beginning of the article that gives this book its title, in which he remembers his friend Juan Benet, and states that we prolong the lives of those who influenced us "by asking ourselves what they would have thought of what is happening today." Marías's readers are now wondering, just as he did, what he would have written about many of the events that have occurred in the world since his passing. Yes, we miss his perspective on the events of the present. A serious tone and humor coexist when he addresses topics such as the ineptitude of politicians, malicious gossip on social media, irresponsible attitudes during the pandemic, the decline in the use of the Spanish language, and smartphones as "instruments of surveillance and control." These pieces are complemented by others on more personal matters and his passions: football, film and television series, books, and music. And then there are the hilarious short stories he interspersed, featuring peculiar characters. Although his adventures remained unfinished, thanks to the author's masterful prose, they leave a lasting impression on the reader and are not forgotten.