Following Five Books

The following 5 books are listed for Espagne under this site's newly presented 'Books to read before you go'. I think that this feature is a great idea, but I also know that you lot doubtlessly can add/improve on the list. Please might you have a look and perhaps add a fave? We love to read. THX, I am done. The End.

1) Ghosts of Spain
2) Between Hope and Memories
3) Tuning Up at Dawn
4) Spanish Steps
5) Manana, Manana

I'd add Sombra Del Viento (Shadows of the Wind) available in either Spanish or English.

Walking Drum, by Louis Lamore.

He's famous for stories about the Sakett family. American pioneers and mountain men.

But he also wrote great swashbucklers. He was a merchant seaman for many years. And a research freak.

Walking Drum is used to keep the pace up, of commercial caravans, that supplied medieval markets around Europe. It tells of Moorish days in Cadiz. 1100's a.d.

These are two books i have thoroughly enjoyed

Its not about the Tapas by Polly Evans
No going Back by Martin Kirby

A Brit In Spain

Agree with no 1
Carlos Ruiz Zafón La sombra del viento (L'ombre du vent) and El juego del ángel (Le jeu de l'ange).

Another thought....although you need to start this one early: La Catedral del mar / The Cathedral of the Sea (Grijalbo Novela Historica) (Spanish Edition) [Hardcover]. It is also available in English.

Sorry, the last book is written by Ildefonso Falcones.

Ghosts of Spain by Giles Tremlett. I´ve just read it for the third time and still find it as utterly gripping as the first time I read it. A must for anyone interested in the Civil War and its aftermath.

There are a huge amount of brilliant books on Spain, here are some great novels set in or about Andalucia.

My personal favourite is Spanish Recognitions by Mary Lee Settle.

Tell me your favourite, please.

The new Spaniards - John Hooper
Guerra ! - Jason Webster

Both are about the similar topics as ghosts of Spain, but really, really great books.

Soldiers of Salamis by Javier Cercas: another one dealing with the Civil War.

So I read a number of the aforementioned books and would have to give top prize to 'Ghosts of Spain'. Extremely well-written and thought-out. I'm in the midst of writing my own book just now and Tremlett's work reminds us that the bar has been set high, so high. Martin Kirby's book could've been yet-another 're-invent oneself in a foreign land' yawner, but his honesty makes the reader overlook that. Polly Evans' book was perhaps the single most egregious example of ageism that these eyes have read. Her comments about folks of an advanced age led one to wonder if she'd been molested by seniors as a child. Give it up Polly. Its just ugly--and you are a better writer than that.

Jason Webster - Sacred Sierra, and the first book of Chris Steward, Driving over Lemons, are great books to read if you want to know what it is like to settle in a rural village in Andalucia as well.

But fully agree about ghosts of Spain - it is extremely good. Yet again, as i mentioned before, Guerra ! is best for the history of the Spanish war all over Spain. Very well researched, well written as well.

Oh yes, for those living/going to Barcelona - Homage to Barcelona from Colm Toibin is very good to learn about the history, spirit and different barrios of the city.

I really loved this topic by the way zebec !

Polly Evans also had one particularly original bit, right near the start. In it, she perfectly describes the adrenalized thrill that travelers feel immediately upon arrival at the first hotel-lodging of one's trip, fresh off the plane. Some folks want to freshen up a bit before heading out to do whatever, others can't wait and are 'besides themselves with anticipation.' Well put.