El Corte Inglés Málaga will host on Friday, 22 May, at 7:30 p.m., the presentation of the book “Bochornos. Cincuenta historias vergonzosas” by Luis David Álvarez.

“Bochornos. Cincuenta historias vergonzosas” is a collection of short stories built around the accusing gaze of others, whether imagined or real, spanning a wide range of ages, social backgrounds and tones. From this diversity emerges the idea that shame can also be a form of companionship: for the child who uncovers a friend’s dark secret, as well as for the elderly man humiliated by the mistakes of his youth.

These fifty stories also feature pitiful tormentors, infamous university students, mothers who live off childhood misery, teenagers who recognise themselves in others’ perversity, children who sacrifice themselves to preserve family unity, and frustrated actresses willing to mutilate themselves for a role.

For all of them, blushing becomes a signal —not always reliable— of who they are. And although in some cases it allows them to break patterns and change attitudes, it often condemns them to a kind of failure that may also be another form of company.

The event will be presented by Dr. Enrique Baena Peña, Professor of Literary Theory and Comparative Literature at the University of Málaga.