Winter in Madrid by C.J. Sansom is a spy thriller set in post-Spanish Civil War Madrid, focusing on the intertwined lives of Harry Brett, Sandy Forsyth, and Barbara Clare. The plot unfolds with espionage, romance, and historical fiction elements, providing a glimpse into the harsh life in Spain during the early stages of World War II. The narrative captures the tension and brutality of the war, while the characters navigate personal relationships amidst political turmoil, ultimately leading to a dramatic climax in the mountains around Madrid.

The book's writing style is described as engrossing, thoughtful, and well-researched, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of post-civil war Spain. The author skillfully weaves together multiple plot threads against the backdrop of historical events, creating a compelling and informative read that sheds light on lesser-known aspects of Spanish history during a tumultuous period.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted and flawed, each reflecting the complex moral landscape of their time.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is utilitarian yet effective, lacking the flair that engages readers emotionally.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative intertwines espionage and personal history, set against a backdrop of the Spanish Civil War's aftermath and WWII.

Setting:

The story's setting in war-torn Madrid enhances its themes of despair and survival.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with a slower buildup that eventually leads to a more intense climax.

The British Battalion had been brought up to the front two days before, rattling across the bare Castilian plain in an ancient locomotive; they had marched by night to the front line. The Battalion ha...

Notes:

The novel is set during the winter of 1940 in Madrid, shortly after the Spanish Civil War and as World War II looms.

C.J. Sansom, the author, is more known for his Tudor crime novels than historical fiction set in Spain.

The story follows Harry Brett, a British spy sent to watch over former schoolmate Sandy Forsyth, who is suspected of aligning with Franco's fascist regime.

The book includes alternating viewpoints, featuring one British woman and two men who share a complex past.

The narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and the moral complexities of espionage during war.

Sansom's writing avoids glorifying any political faction, showing the flaws of both Franco's regime and the Republicans.

The book paints a bleak picture of life in fascist Spain, where both sides in the conflict committed atrocities.

The pacing is slow initially, but builds to a more action-oriented conclusion, reflecting a tension-filled atmosphere.

The novel emphasizes the chaos and devastation in Spain following the Civil War, highlighting poverty and despair.

Sansom was inspired by real historical events and his characters are flawed and morally ambiguous, reflecting the complexities of human nature during tumultuous times.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include depictions of war, trauma, loss, violence, and political oppression.

Has Romance?

While romance is present, it is not the primary focus; relationships are complicated and infused with themes of longing and sacrifice.

From The Publisher:

A #1 internationally bestselling novel set in post-Civil War Spain by the author of Dominion and the Matthew Shardlake Tudor Mystery seriesSeptember 1940: the Spanish Civil War is over, Madrid lies in ruin, while the Germans continue their march through Europe, and General Franco evades Hitler's request that he lead his broken country into yet another war. Into this uncertain world comes a reluctant spy for the British Secret Service, sent to gain the confidence of Sandy Forsyth, an old school friend turned shady Madrid businessman. Meanwhile, an ex-Red Cross nurse is engaged in a secret mission of her own. Through this dangerous game of intrigue, C. J. Sansom's riveting tale conjures a remarkable sense of history unfolding and the profound impact of impossible choices.

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About the Author:

C. J. SANSOM was educated at Birmingham University, where he took a BA and then a Ph.D. in history. After working in a variety of jobs, he retrained as a solicitor and practised in Sussex, until becoming a full-time writer….

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Winter in Madrid

C.J. Sansom