Books matching: spanish civil war narrative
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- #1
Save:After suffering through the worst of the Spanish Civil War, young doctor Victor Dalmau is offered the chance to emigrate to Chile on a ship chartered by Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Taking with him the mother of his dead brother's child Victor and his new family survive further upset over the next forty years. In a work of fiction that is populated by real characters such as Neruda, Isabel Allende has crafted a love story to Chile and also explored the stories of the Spanish diaspora. The scenes at the start of the book are some of the best writing I have read about the Spanish Civil War and after that, the story continues to weave the lives of the people into the events of the world.
In 1939, the poet Pablo Neruda organized a ship to transport 2200 Spanish refugees to Chile, to start a new life. In A Long Petal of the Sea Isabel Allende placed two fictional characters, Victor and Roser, into this setting and imagines their lives over the next 50 years. Or at least that's what I think she meant to do. Unfortunately, the book often reads like a Wikipedia entry on Chilean history, with the characters as convenient pawns in that narrative. There's a lot of good stuff for a novel here a multigenerational story arc involving war, romance, illegitimate children, lost loves, and lives well lived despite adversity. But the long explanations of history and the political climate snuff out any possibility of the reader's emotional engagement.
THE YOUNG SOLDIER WAS PART of the “Baby Bottle Conscription,” the boys called up when there were no more men, young or old, to fight the war. Victor Dalmau received him with the other wounded taken fr... - #2
Save:'The Return' by Victoria Hislop is a novel that intertwines the stories of two English women on a vacation in Spain with the harrowing tale of the Ramirez family during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. The narrative shifts between present-day England, where Sonia discovers the Ramirez family's history through old pictures, and the past in Spain, detailing the lives of the Ramirez family members - a teacher, a bullfighter, a musician, and a flamenco dancer - as they face the devastating consequences of the war. The writing style is engaging, providing a detailed account of the historical events while exploring the personal experiences and emotions of the characters involved.
Voluminous skirts trailing behind them, five raven-headed girls made their entrance.Tight to their bodies swirled dresses of flaming reds and oranges, acid greens and ochre yellows. These vibrant colo... - #3
Save:The Family of Pascual Duarte is narrated by Pascual himself, who tells his life story as he awaits execution for murder. Growing up in a violent, impoverished environment in early 20th century Spain, Pascual struggles with his difficult upbringing and the lack of parental love. His quick temper and tendency to blame fate for his wrongdoings drive him to commit increasingly violent acts. The novel’s plot unfolds in a way that explores themes of nature versus nurture, showcasing the tragic desperation of a man shaped by his brutal surroundings, ultimately leading to his fate.
- #4
Save: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.
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... - #5
Save:"The Horseman's Song" by Ben Pastor is set against the historical background of the Spanish Civil War and follows the experiences of Martin Bora, a German officer clandestinely supporting the fascist cause. Bora finds himself entangled in the complex political landscape of Spain as he investigates the murder of an iconic literary figure, Federico Garcia Lorca. The novel delves into Bora's journey of discovery, his philosophical musings on love, soldiering, and identity, all while vividly capturing the parched Spanish countryside and the impact of the environment on the characters.
Ben Pastor's writing style in "The Horseman's Song" is described as compelling, sophisticated, and engrossing. The author seamlessly weaves together elements of historical fiction, mystery, and literary exploration, focusing on Bora's education in philosophy, his struggles with identity, and his reactions to the tumultuous events of the Spanish Civil War. The presence of Garcia Lorca's poetry adds depth to the narrative, elevating the story beyond a typical WWII-era detective novel.
(Also, see 7 recommendations for the series Captain Martin Bora ) - #6
Save:"Soldiers of Salamis" by Javier Cercas is a multi-layered narrative that delves into the investigation of a key event during the Spanish Civil War, focusing on the escape of a Fascist leader from a firing squad. Through a mix of historical facts and fictional elements, the author weaves a complex story that explores themes of memory, heroism, and the blurred lines between fact and fiction. follows the journey of a journalist as he uncovers the truth behind this event, interweaving personal stories and historical accounts to create a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.
Cercas skillfully combines different perspectives and timelines to create a rich tapestry of storytelling, moving seamlessly between the past and present, blurring the boundaries between truth and fiction. not only offers a gripping account of wartime events but also delves into deeper questions surrounding history, memory, and the complexities of human nature, making it a captivating and insightful read for those interested in Spanish history and literature.
IT WAS THE SUMMER of 1994, more than six years ago now, when I first heard about Rafael Sánchez Mazas facing the firing squad. Three things had just happened: first my father had died; then my wife ha... - #7
Save:'The Wall' by Jean-Paul Sartre is a collection of short stories that delve into existential themes and human experiences. The title story, 'The Wall', portrays the thoughts of men facing imminent execution during the Spanish Civil War, while other stories explore topics such as intimacy, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. Sartre's writing style is described as bitingly visceral, with a focus on existentialism, anti-bourgeois sentiments, and sexually decadent portrayals of characters in Paris.
Sartre's stories are known for their depth and complexity, challenging readers to engage emotionally and thoughtfully with the characters and themes presented. The narratives are described as demanding in terms of engagement but ultimately rewarding for readers who are open to exploring existential questions and delving into the psyche of the characters. offers a mix of dark, introspective storytelling that prompts readers to think deeply about life, relationships, and the human condition.
