A Bookseller in Madrid is the compelling and suspenseful story of a bookseller in the 1930s.

A Bookseller in Madrid by Mario Escobar

Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical Fiction (1930s), Spanish Civil War, (early) WWII, Political Intrigue, Germany, Spain

***This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links

My Summary:

Thanks #NetGalley @HarperMuseBooks for a complimentary eARC of #ABooksellerInMadrid upon my request. All opinions are my own.

The story begins in Berlin as Barbara visits Francoise Frenkel in her famous French bookstore. They begin a lifelong friendship and Barbara meets her future husband who encourages her to flee to Berlin where she opens a small bookstore in 1934. The outbreak of the Spanish Civil War threatens to detail her dreams, but she’s done running and stays to support her husband and run her bookstore.

My Thoughts:

Putting the History into Historical Fiction

History fans will find a great deal to appreciate in this story as the author provides many historical and political details of life in Madrid during the 1930s. The latter half of the story is more character-driven.

Barbara

Barbara is an interesting and compelling main character. She dreams big and is determined, resilient, brave, and persistent. Despite setbacks, Barbara is dedicated to opening and operating a bookstore in Madrid, and she believes in the power of books. She is a survivor and flights for the safety of her husband and family. The first half of the story is packed with historical facts and political intrigue, but Barbara emerges fully in the latter half.

Spain and its History

History nerds and fans of Spanish history will find this well-written and well-researched story informative and suspenseful. Because I don’t have a great deal of background knowledge, much of the political intrigue was too complicated and nuanced for me to follow. I followed the gist, but I was more eager to follow the main characters.

Content Consideration: violence, imprisonment, murder, beatings

Recommending A Bookseller in Madrid:

A Bookseller in Madrid is recommended for fans of political and historical fiction, readers who are especially interested in the history of Spain (Spanish Civil War and early WWII), and for those who like sides of intrigue, suspense, and survival.

Related: You might enjoy The Forgotten Names by the same author.

My Rating: 4 Stars

More Information Here

Meet the Author of A Bookseller in Madrid, Mario Escobar

Mario Escobar has a master’s degree in modern history and has written numerous books and articles that delve into the depths of church history, the struggle of sectarian groups, and the discovery and colonization of the Americas. Escobar, who makes his home in Madrid, Spain, is passionate about history and its mysteries.

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QOTD:

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