Spaniards are reputed to be amongst Europe's most forthright people. So why have they kept silent about the terrors of their Civil War and the rule of General Franco? This apparent 'pact of forgetting' inspired writer Giles Tremlett to embark on a journey around Spain and its history. He found the ghosts of Spain everywhere, almost always arguing. Who caused the Civil War? Why do Basque terrorists kill? Why do Catalans hate Madrid? Did the Islamist bombers who killed 190 people in 2004 dream of a return to Spain's Moorish past? Tremlett's curiosity led him down some strange and colourful byroads, and brought him unexpected insights into the Spanish character.
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Publisher:
London : Faber and Faber, 2006.
ISBN:
9780571221677
057122167X
057122167X
Branch Call Number:
946.08 T789
Characteristics:
xxiv, 433 p. ; 23 cm.
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Add a CommentA truly informative, revealing book by someone who knows and loves the country and its very different regions. Beyond stereotypes, not your popular tale of the foreigner struggling with peculiar natives. Tremlett elucidates some of the big issues affecting the country in recent years, such as the 'historical memory' of the Civil War (the 'ghosts' of the title), cultural and perhaps political independence in Catalunya and the Basque Country, dramatic changes in the roles of and attitudes to women, the place of the church, and so on. He provides a nuanced picture of a complex and rapidly changing society. A joy to read.