6 Books to Read about Spain

The Ghosts of Spain

Guardian’s Madrid Correspondent Giles Tremlett has written a book that goes far beyond the typical journalistic account. ‘The Ghosts of Spain’ touches many aspects of Spain’s history, through the perceptive eye of a British journalist. With many anecdotes from his travels, personal stories are the heart of this book.

The Spanish Civil War

Renowned historian Antony Beevor brings the harsh realities of the Spanish Civil War to life with his account of this historical period. Known for remaining readable while providing detailed insights into the causes and consequences of war, Beevor will make sure anyone with interest learns a great deal on the subject.

The Sun Also Rises

Hemingway’s classic bullfighting novel, The Sun Also Rises, could be read upon every trip to Spain. I’ve read it often on trains or buses, sitting in a café listening to the lively banter of Spanish families around me. The story of Jake and his friends at the San Fermin festival in Pamplona has inspired many to make the journey to this annual event.

Poems of Federico Garcia Lorca

Murdered at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War, Federico Garcia Lorca is hailed as the poet of Spain. Also a dramatist, Lorca’s beautiful sonnets and poems were banned during the Franco era.

For Whom the Bell Tolls

Hemingway’s detailed account of the Spanish Civil War follows Robert Jordan through his mission to blow up a bridge. While helping a group of Spanish guerrillas living in the mountains, the young American encounters a Spanish girl who he quickly falls for. One of Hemingway’s classics, it is inspired by his own experiences in the war.

Homage to Catalonia

George Orwell offers an autobiographical account of his involvement in the Spanish Civil War in ‘Homage to Catalonia’. Fighting the fascists on the front line, Orwell survived to tell the tale through this book.