Overview
A más de diez años de su primera publicación, esta edición definitiva de Balón dividido se mantiene como un cruce perfecto entre literatura y deporte: «Villoro se ha ganado el brazalete de capitán», Los Angeles Review of Books.
Como ningún otro deporte, el futbol representa una peculiar manera de reunir a la gente. «La expresión “balón dividido” se refiere a un momento primordial del juego, cuando dos futbolistas tienen las mismas posibilidades de adueñarse de la pelota. Se trata, también, de una impecable definición de otra actividad: entre el autor y el lector hay un objeto mágico —un libro— que es de uno sin dejar de ser del otro».
Las crónicas de Balón dividido abarcan a excepcionales figuras del balompié —Piqué, Messi, Guardiola, Cristiano Ronaldo, Hugo Sánchez— y establecen conexiones con la literatura, la historia y la psicología. El tono general del libro es celebratorio, pero no faltan historias trágicas, como la de Robert Enke, portero de la selección alemana que se tiró a las vías del tren, o la de los hermanos Boateng, que reactivan la vieja rencilla entre Caín y Abel.
ENGLISH DESCRIPTION
More than ten years after its first publication, this definitive edition of Balón dividido remains a perfect intersection of literature and sport: “Villoro has earned the captain’s armband,” Los Angeles Review of Books.
Like no other sport, soccer represents a unique way of bringing people together. “The expression ‘balón dividido’ refers to a crucial moment in the game, when two players have the same chance to take possession of the ball. It is also an impeccable definition of another activity: between the author and the reader there is a magical object—a book—that belongs to one while still belonging to the other.”
The chronicles of Balón dividido cover exceptional figures of soccer —Piqué, Messi, Guardiola, Cristiano Ronaldo, Hugo Sánchez— and establish connections with literature, history, and psychology. The overall tone of the book is celebratory, but tragic stories are also present, such as that of Robert Enke, goalkeeper of the German national team who threw himself onto the train tracks, or that of the Boateng brothers, who reignite the old feud between Cain and Abel.
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