Reviewed on Richard & Judy on Wednesday 20 May 2009.
A literary page-turner, an epic story of love and war straddling the dreadful bombing during the Spanish Civil War and an involved family saga. This is Captain Corelli territory for Spain, a terrific novel, big in every sense – its emotions, its canvas, its message, its writing and the experiences.
In 1935, Miguel Navarro finds himself in conflict with the Spanish Civil Guard and flees the Basque fishing village of Lekeitio to make a new start in Guernica, the centre of Basque culture and tradition. In the midst of this isolated bastion of democratic values, Miguel finds more than a new life – he finds someone to live for. Miren Ansotegui is the charismatic and graceful dancer he meets there, and the two discover a love that war and tragedy cannot destroy.
History and fiction merge seamlessly in this beautiful novel about the resilience of family, love, and tradition in the face of hardship. The bombing of Guernica was a devastating experiment in total warfare by the German Luftwaffe in the run-up to the Second World War. For the Basques, it was an attack on the soul of their ancient nation; for the world, it was an unprecedented crime against humanity. Dave Boling reintroduces the event and paints his own picture of a people so strong, vibrant, and proud that they are willing to do whatever it takes to protect their values, their country, and their loved ones.
