The best portrait of the millennial generation.
“I was born in the ’90s and grew up in the 2000s. I’ve survived a lot of horrible things: low-rise pants, Kate Winslet’s supposed chubbiness, ultra-thin eyebrows. I will survive this, too.”
Meryem, a Canarian from a Moroccan family, is 25 years old, drinks too much coffee, goes on dates with terrifying men and never says what she really thinks. She has just started working as an intern in the compliance department in the offices of Supersaurio, the most important supermarket chain on the island of Gran Canaria. She commutes daily by buses that are rarely on time and that are frustratingly irregular, just to arrive and meet her repulsive boss. The only thing they have in common is their mutual hate for each other.
In her spare time, Meryem hangs out with her two best friends, and writes fan-fictions starring her office mates and characters from Harry Potter and Twilight. Meryem vividly and wittily portrays the new working world she has just entered. Surrounded by insecure and inept individuals, she seeks to hold on to what little authenticity is left around her.
Birth, growth, reproduction (if you’re lucky), work, work, work, work, work, work, and death. The life cycle of every human being and the one in which Meryem currently finds herself. But she endures and resists, because she has faith that everything will turn out alright and that her efforts now will pay off in the long run.
RELEVANT DATA: A cross between Fleabag and The Office, Supersaurio is the groundbreaking debut of Meryem El Mehdati, a satirical novel about the generation born in the 90’s and where the author denounces labor exploitation, racism, low-cost tourism in the Canary Islands, and the precariousness of young people. The book reached its second edition in less than a month with a resounding success among critics and readers alike.
What the critics have said:
“Meryem El Mehdati has written a refreshing, witty and addictive debut.” El País
“An honest, intelligent and amusing look at the hyper-touristic spaces of the Canary Islands.” Andrea Abreu
“Meryem El Mehdati can rip shreds of laughter and pierce your chest in a single line.” Elisa Victoria
“One of the most dazzling debuts of the year in the form of a stunning Bildungsroman with a Canarian accent.” Rosa Martí, Esquire
“A millennial, feminist, Canarian and Muslim voice needed in the national scene. Funny, depressing and hopeful.”
Estela Ortiz, Catalunya Rádio
“The best portrait of the generation born in the 90’s that I have read. With phrases and references that bring a sour smile to your face and reflective moments that make you cry with impotence.” Goodreads
AUDIOVISUAL POTENTIAL: TV Series, Miniseries, Film, TV Movie.
LANGUAGES AVAILABLE: Spanish.
