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El somni de la ciutat
A la Barcelona convulsa de 1914, en Dimas Navarro, fill d’immigrants, es nega a acceptar el seu destí com a mecànic a les cotxeres del tramvia. En la seva aspiració per escalar socialment, en Dimas aconsegueix guanyar-se la confiança d’en Ferran Jufresa, l’ambiciós hereu d’una de les famílies de joiers més importants de la Ciutat Comtal. Tot i així, no té en compte un seriós obstacle: l’atracció que sent per la Laura, la germana petita d’en Ferran i una noia avançada al seu temps, que compagina la feina a l’obrador amb la col·laboració al taller de la Sagrada Família de Gaudí.
Traïció, lleialtat, amor i odi, passió i venjança, conflueixen en El somni de la ciutat, una novel·la trepidant que es desenvolupa amb la construcció del símbol més representatiu de la ciutat de Barcelona com a teló de fons
Traïció, lleialtat, amor i odi, passió i venjança, conflueixen en El somni de la ciutat, una novel·la trepidant que es desenvolupa amb la construcció del símbol més representatiu de la ciutat de Barcelona com a teló de fons
544 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 26, 2015
Why does historical fiction about Spain seem to be so lengthy? First, Winter in Madrid, now this one. Although with Dream of the City it isn't so much the page count itself, it just feels long. Possibly because unlike the aforementioned behemoth, this book actually didn't need its bulk, it needed either a stronger story or a stronger editor. To be honest, I was hoping for more about Gaudi, whom I think to be a genius, but he was no more than a minor character. His opus magnum, Sagrada Familia, is featured much more permanently. Not sure if this is author's debut, it read like one, although it's difficult to tell with translations. The writing was perfectly decent, with exception of the particularly awkward love scenes...the translation was also perfectly decent, with exception of a few snafus that read with all the peculiar (dis)grace of the google translator. The story was set primarily during the early years of WWI in Barcelona, political situation and Spain's neutrality mentioned, but not really explored at length. Instead the author focuses on a young man with a strong go getter mentality pursuing the Spanish equivalent of the American dream and falling in love with a girl above his social station. Again, perfectly decent, just overwritten and somnolently paced. Would have liked more history, less melodrama. The free copy from Netgalley had a really spectacular amount of typos, ranging from nonsensical to hilarious. Presumably this won't be the case with the final product. Serviceable read, though none of the stunning beauty and striking originality of the building that inspired it and graced its cover. Nice title too.
July 27, 2013
Not the best plot, seemed to wander at times, but a great description of Barcelona at the time Antoni Gaudi worked on La Sagrada Familia. The book eventually grew on me, but I found the pacing to be slow. Still, it left me wanting to read more about Barcelona. Now if Carlos Ruiz Zafón would finally publish the last book in the The Cemetery of Lost Books series, I'd be a happy woman.
November 27, 2015
The Dream of the City
by Andrés Vidal
This novel is a monumental undertaking, attempting to blend aspects of art, history, love, and family against a backdrop of 20th century Barcelona, in which the city and the unfinished Sagrada Familia church join the list of main characters.
The plot joins the main characters, Laura Jufresa, daughter of a wealthy goldsmith and Dimas Navarros, son of a poor working family in an unlikely union.
Against the background of the design and building of the church, which at times seems as impossible to complete as the love story, Laura and Dimas struggle with a Romeo-and-Juliet type of romance, forbidden by their social stations.
The ‘dream’ that evolves against the already established and dynamic city takes the characters as well as the church off the drawing board and into the reality of everyday life. And here is where some of the literary problems arise: most of the characters seem over-written and ultra-dramatic and occasionally cartoons of themselves. The good are almost too good for words (Laura’s father, Dimas’ father), while the bad are beyond evil (Laura’s brother Ferran). The seven virtues and the seven sins depicted in the church’s artistry spring to life in startling black and white, with no shades of grey to temper them into reality. The reader is subconsciously encouraged to love or hate the characters.
The dialogue of Dimas’ younger brother is totally inappropriate for a young boy of his age - children simply don’t speak in that manner.
I read the pre-publication English version of the book, and felt the problems I encountered with repetition and poor dialogue as well as the many errors in grammar were more a fault of poor translation and editing. While the story’s premises could have been sound, the final performance was lacking.
Most of the elements in the story scream of predictability, following the plot line of a typical, well-worn bodice-ripping romance genre: boy meets girl, love happens, romance suffers interference, boy loses girl, boy confronts challenges, boy wins girl again. Unfortunately the canny reader is always a few steps ahead of the author.
What the author does capture well, is the tensions created by class disparity and how the lower working classes strive, mostly unsuccessfully, to better themselves in a world where the bourgeoisie hold the reins and the power. Not everyone is a Dimas who finds himself accepted by and marrying up, into a higher class family. We are too quick to forget that his original rise from poverty was a result of criminal activity. Is his marriage then, the only way he can ultimately improve himself?
There are times when the story of the church overpowers the main plot to such an extent, that it seems as if that is really what the author wanted to write about, and tacked on the sub-plots of Laura and Dimas as well as Dimas finding his family as after thoughts: were they really necessary? Would the book have been successful, or more so, if everything hadn’t been tied into one neat bundle at the end? It is, after all, Vidal’s story and attempting to impose changes is mere speculation by the reader.
As an artist, Laura’s character shows some depth of perception that somehow isn’t consistent with her choice of men. That isn’t to say brilliant women always chose perfect partners, but the disparity here seems to border the incongruous.
I like Spain and am intrigued by Barcelona, particularly its history, and enjoyed those facets of the novel: taking me to places I like and enjoy or introducing me to new places. However, there are some problems with the writing, grammar and spelling as well as context that made me feel the English version is ‘a rush job’ totally lacking in much-needed fine editing. It was rather frustrating to want to know more and be denied.
by Andrés Vidal
This novel is a monumental undertaking, attempting to blend aspects of art, history, love, and family against a backdrop of 20th century Barcelona, in which the city and the unfinished Sagrada Familia church join the list of main characters.
The plot joins the main characters, Laura Jufresa, daughter of a wealthy goldsmith and Dimas Navarros, son of a poor working family in an unlikely union.
Against the background of the design and building of the church, which at times seems as impossible to complete as the love story, Laura and Dimas struggle with a Romeo-and-Juliet type of romance, forbidden by their social stations.
The ‘dream’ that evolves against the already established and dynamic city takes the characters as well as the church off the drawing board and into the reality of everyday life. And here is where some of the literary problems arise: most of the characters seem over-written and ultra-dramatic and occasionally cartoons of themselves. The good are almost too good for words (Laura’s father, Dimas’ father), while the bad are beyond evil (Laura’s brother Ferran). The seven virtues and the seven sins depicted in the church’s artistry spring to life in startling black and white, with no shades of grey to temper them into reality. The reader is subconsciously encouraged to love or hate the characters.
The dialogue of Dimas’ younger brother is totally inappropriate for a young boy of his age - children simply don’t speak in that manner.
I read the pre-publication English version of the book, and felt the problems I encountered with repetition and poor dialogue as well as the many errors in grammar were more a fault of poor translation and editing. While the story’s premises could have been sound, the final performance was lacking.
Most of the elements in the story scream of predictability, following the plot line of a typical, well-worn bodice-ripping romance genre: boy meets girl, love happens, romance suffers interference, boy loses girl, boy confronts challenges, boy wins girl again. Unfortunately the canny reader is always a few steps ahead of the author.
What the author does capture well, is the tensions created by class disparity and how the lower working classes strive, mostly unsuccessfully, to better themselves in a world where the bourgeoisie hold the reins and the power. Not everyone is a Dimas who finds himself accepted by and marrying up, into a higher class family. We are too quick to forget that his original rise from poverty was a result of criminal activity. Is his marriage then, the only way he can ultimately improve himself?
There are times when the story of the church overpowers the main plot to such an extent, that it seems as if that is really what the author wanted to write about, and tacked on the sub-plots of Laura and Dimas as well as Dimas finding his family as after thoughts: were they really necessary? Would the book have been successful, or more so, if everything hadn’t been tied into one neat bundle at the end? It is, after all, Vidal’s story and attempting to impose changes is mere speculation by the reader.
As an artist, Laura’s character shows some depth of perception that somehow isn’t consistent with her choice of men. That isn’t to say brilliant women always chose perfect partners, but the disparity here seems to border the incongruous.
I like Spain and am intrigued by Barcelona, particularly its history, and enjoyed those facets of the novel: taking me to places I like and enjoy or introducing me to new places. However, there are some problems with the writing, grammar and spelling as well as context that made me feel the English version is ‘a rush job’ totally lacking in much-needed fine editing. It was rather frustrating to want to know more and be denied.
March 11, 2017
More 3.5 than 3
I was keen to read this book as I love Barcelona and the architecture of Gaudi. However beware that this is less about Gaudi who really appears as a bit player, and more about how the Sagrada Familia represents the hopes and dreams of Barcelona's inhabitants in an increasing changing society at the early part of the 20th Century.
The story centres around Laura Jufresa and Dimas Navarro, two young people from differing ends of the social spectrum, and focuses on their individual struggles within their societal confines to achieve their destiny. Dimas is the son of a train driver, who was injured in a crash, leaving him unemployed and struggling to raise not only Dimas, but also his orphaned nephew. Dimas is determined to escape the hand to mouth existence that his father appears to accept, and fights against the injustice and inequalities that he feels is above. Meanwhile Laura leads a more privileged lifestyle as the daughter of a well established goldsmith. She works within the family business but still struggles to be accepted as an equal because of her gender. Though she is also working as a sculptress on the Sagrada Familia where her gender becomes incidental to her skill. Her future is still seen as ultimately securing an advantageous marriage match rather than achieving her dream of creating and selling her own designs. I think it is clear from the outset, that ultimately the two will meet, but how they meet or how their story plays out is not one that I'm prepared to give away here.
On the whole I enjoyed this book. Particularly because the author made frequent reference to the historical context of the way Barcelona was changing and developing. I suspect this might not appeal to everyone, but it made the story more real for me. It put into context the class struggle that was evident in the period and also brought to life the way that Barcelona was changing and developing, politically, economically and architecturally. I liked the characters of Laura and Dimas, who we were clearly intended to view as "good" while other characters where most definitely portrayed as bad in an almost pantomime villain type way.
What let the book down for me, and stopped it being a 4 star read was the poor editing, grammar and spelling. On the whole the translation was good, if sometimes a little wordy, but basic errors throughout the book, really began to get in the way of the story. Admittedly I received an advance review copy, so hopefully these errors may have been eliminated in the final publication.
If you enjoy a good story, that combines history and drama, then this book fits the bill. if you also have a predilection for all things Spanish or Catalonian then even better.
I received an advanced copy via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I was keen to read this book as I love Barcelona and the architecture of Gaudi. However beware that this is less about Gaudi who really appears as a bit player, and more about how the Sagrada Familia represents the hopes and dreams of Barcelona's inhabitants in an increasing changing society at the early part of the 20th Century.
The story centres around Laura Jufresa and Dimas Navarro, two young people from differing ends of the social spectrum, and focuses on their individual struggles within their societal confines to achieve their destiny. Dimas is the son of a train driver, who was injured in a crash, leaving him unemployed and struggling to raise not only Dimas, but also his orphaned nephew. Dimas is determined to escape the hand to mouth existence that his father appears to accept, and fights against the injustice and inequalities that he feels is above. Meanwhile Laura leads a more privileged lifestyle as the daughter of a well established goldsmith. She works within the family business but still struggles to be accepted as an equal because of her gender. Though she is also working as a sculptress on the Sagrada Familia where her gender becomes incidental to her skill. Her future is still seen as ultimately securing an advantageous marriage match rather than achieving her dream of creating and selling her own designs. I think it is clear from the outset, that ultimately the two will meet, but how they meet or how their story plays out is not one that I'm prepared to give away here.
On the whole I enjoyed this book. Particularly because the author made frequent reference to the historical context of the way Barcelona was changing and developing. I suspect this might not appeal to everyone, but it made the story more real for me. It put into context the class struggle that was evident in the period and also brought to life the way that Barcelona was changing and developing, politically, economically and architecturally. I liked the characters of Laura and Dimas, who we were clearly intended to view as "good" while other characters where most definitely portrayed as bad in an almost pantomime villain type way.
What let the book down for me, and stopped it being a 4 star read was the poor editing, grammar and spelling. On the whole the translation was good, if sometimes a little wordy, but basic errors throughout the book, really began to get in the way of the story. Admittedly I received an advance review copy, so hopefully these errors may have been eliminated in the final publication.
If you enjoy a good story, that combines history and drama, then this book fits the bill. if you also have a predilection for all things Spanish or Catalonian then even better.
I received an advanced copy via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
July 9, 2015
I read the soon-to-be-released English language version of DREAM OF THE CITY (courtesy of Netgalley)on an airplane as I left Barcelona.
This bustling, vibrant city is fed by pride in Gaudi's architecture and his phantasmagoric shapes. Vidal's book takes place in Barcelona in the early 20th Century as Gaudi's Sagrada Familia is in the early stages of development. His novel isn't about the building of the church, but he allows the church to serve as a character and moral guide for the story.
Dream of the City isn't so much about the development of Barcelona as it is about the dream, disappointments, and aspirations of the people living there. Vidal does a wonderful job illuminating both working class characters and the haute bourgeoise. His characters are not always sympathetic, often flawed, and that balances other aspects of the book that may be less believable.
This was an interesting historical novel and will be particularly interesting to anyone who has been to Barcelona or has an interest in Gaudi.
This bustling, vibrant city is fed by pride in Gaudi's architecture and his phantasmagoric shapes. Vidal's book takes place in Barcelona in the early 20th Century as Gaudi's Sagrada Familia is in the early stages of development. His novel isn't about the building of the church, but he allows the church to serve as a character and moral guide for the story.
Dream of the City isn't so much about the development of Barcelona as it is about the dream, disappointments, and aspirations of the people living there. Vidal does a wonderful job illuminating both working class characters and the haute bourgeoise. His characters are not always sympathetic, often flawed, and that balances other aspects of the book that may be less believable.
This was an interesting historical novel and will be particularly interesting to anyone who has been to Barcelona or has an interest in Gaudi.
August 1, 2013
Mucho, muchísimo me ha gustado este libro. Ha sido una sorpresa muy agradable descubrir a Andrés Vidal con este libro.
Ambientado en la Barcelona de principios del siglo pasado, me encanta como describe la ciudad, de manera muy breve y concisa pero aportando la suficiente información para sumergirte de lleno en la trama y en la ambientación. Sus descripciones no son extensas en demasía, algo que me ha gustado mucho, muchísimo.
La trama del libro me ha encantado, con el personaje principal, Dimas Navarro, a quien odias por momentos.
Sin duda voy a comprar el resto de libros de Andrés Vidal, estoy seguro que también serán gratas sorpresas.
Ambientado en la Barcelona de principios del siglo pasado, me encanta como describe la ciudad, de manera muy breve y concisa pero aportando la suficiente información para sumergirte de lleno en la trama y en la ambientación. Sus descripciones no son extensas en demasía, algo que me ha gustado mucho, muchísimo.
La trama del libro me ha encantado, con el personaje principal, Dimas Navarro, a quien odias por momentos.
Sin duda voy a comprar el resto de libros de Andrés Vidal, estoy seguro que también serán gratas sorpresas.
November 19, 2012
Un libro maravilloso. Una historia perfecta con sus claros y oscuros de una ciudad emergente, donde marca los tiempos La Sagrada Familia de Gaudí. Me hizo enamorarme de una ciudad que nunca podre conocerla tal como me la retratan, pero de seguro iré viendo sus guiños cuando vuelva.
May 31, 2020
Una historia sencilla que nos leva a la Barcelona de los principios del siglo XX. Lo que me gustó más del libro fue descubrir la ciudad de esta época porque luego, la historia no tiene nada original.
March 31, 2024
El sueño de la ciudad, escrita por Andrés Vidal, es una novela ambientada en la Barcelona convulsa de 1914. A través de una prosa magistral, Vidal nos sumerge en un mundo de intrigas, pasiones y cambios sociales, todo ello mientras la majestuosa Sagrada Familia se alza en el horizonte.
En un contexto donde las diferencias de clase son abismales, seguimos la vida de Dimas Navarro, hijo de inmigrantes, quien se niega a aceptar su destino como mecánico en las cocheras del tranvía. Su anhelo de ascender socialmente lo lleva a ganarse la confianza de Ferran Jufresa, el ambicioso heredero de una influyente familia de joyeros. Sin embargo, un obstáculo se interpone en su camino: su atracción hacia Laura, la hermana menor de Ferran. Laura, una mujer avanzada a su tiempo, trabaja tanto en el obrador familiar como en el taller de la Sagrada Familia diseñada por Gaudí.
La trama se teje con traiciones, lealtades, amores imposibles y venganzas, todo mientras la ciudad de Barcelona se transforma y la majestuosidad de la Sagrada Familia se alza como símbolo representativo. Los personajes están hábilmente construidos, y la narrativa fluye con elegancia, atrapando al lector en cada página.
El sueño de la ciudad es una novela apasionante que combina historia, romance y una visión vívida de una época en constante cambio. Vidal logra capturar la esencia de una Barcelona vibrante y nos invita a soñar junto a sus personajes. Me ha sorprendido gratamente, pues está a la altura (y ocasiones la supera) de La sombra del viento, de Carlos Ruiz Zafón.
Recomiendo esta obra a todos los amantes de la literatura histórica y a quienes buscan una lectura apasionante y bien documentada.
En un contexto donde las diferencias de clase son abismales, seguimos la vida de Dimas Navarro, hijo de inmigrantes, quien se niega a aceptar su destino como mecánico en las cocheras del tranvía. Su anhelo de ascender socialmente lo lleva a ganarse la confianza de Ferran Jufresa, el ambicioso heredero de una influyente familia de joyeros. Sin embargo, un obstáculo se interpone en su camino: su atracción hacia Laura, la hermana menor de Ferran. Laura, una mujer avanzada a su tiempo, trabaja tanto en el obrador familiar como en el taller de la Sagrada Familia diseñada por Gaudí.
La trama se teje con traiciones, lealtades, amores imposibles y venganzas, todo mientras la ciudad de Barcelona se transforma y la majestuosidad de la Sagrada Familia se alza como símbolo representativo. Los personajes están hábilmente construidos, y la narrativa fluye con elegancia, atrapando al lector en cada página.
El sueño de la ciudad es una novela apasionante que combina historia, romance y una visión vívida de una época en constante cambio. Vidal logra capturar la esencia de una Barcelona vibrante y nos invita a soñar junto a sus personajes. Me ha sorprendido gratamente, pues está a la altura (y ocasiones la supera) de La sombra del viento, de Carlos Ruiz Zafón.
Recomiendo esta obra a todos los amantes de la literatura histórica y a quienes buscan una lectura apasionante y bien documentada.
July 3, 2017
This was an interesting historical novel set in the city of Barcelona during the early days of the 20th century, when Gaudí was in the early days of building La Sagrada Familia. The story is not about the church per sé, but it lingers in the background of the story of two families trying to get ahead through the WWI period in Spain. Spain was neutral, but people there sometimes took advantage of the situation to try to make money selling war materiél to the Germans or the French. The two families in this story come from two different milieu, one runs a jewelry making studio, while the other comes from the labor sector, but they cross paths, allowing for the daughter from the jewelry family to fall in love with the son of the other, who has been struggling to improve his (and his family's) life by becoming a "problem solver" for wealthier people. Written in Spanish, this story gives us a good feel for the mindset of the people of Spain (or at least Catalunya) during that period. The translation was for the most part pretty decent, but there were a few places where it felt to me that the wrong sense of a word had been selected in English. The book also included photographs of Barcelona from that period. In summary, it made me want to go back to Barcelona, so that makes it a successful historical novel in my book.
January 9, 2019
No había leído nada de este autor pero por la sinopsis me esperaba algo diferente.
Este autor escribe bastante bien ha sabido escenificar muy bien la Barcelona de principios de siglo XX. Ese aspecto de la novela es el que más me ha gustado.
La historia en si, no me terminado de convencer, demasiado pastelosa para mi gusto
Este autor escribe bastante bien ha sabido escenificar muy bien la Barcelona de principios de siglo XX. Ese aspecto de la novela es el que más me ha gustado.
La historia en si, no me terminado de convencer, demasiado pastelosa para mi gusto
April 7, 2023
Entretingut
September 10, 2025
Un bon relat d'una època que va marcar Barcelona.
December 3, 2015
Set at the beginning of the XX Century, the emerging city of Barcelona is the background for the story. It is difficult to imagine this thriving city—and one of the most important commercial harbors of Europe—was once covered by dusty roads, a few cobblestone avenues, and afraid of electricity, “the source of the devil.”
The magnificent temple of La Sagrada Familia (still under construction!) is featured in the storyline. As the construction of the cathedral progresses, the themes of story and characters intertwine with Gaudi’s wisdom, and his vision of art and beauty. After reading the book I went straight to my albums and revisited my own pictures of La Sagrada Familia and looked at them under a different light.
Even though there are many stories of this period in history based in England, France, or Germany, I have not come across very often with stories from Spain; once a reigning empire, after its fall in the XIX century, things looked quite different for Spaniards during the early XX century. Social classes were marked, extreme wealth and poverty visible.
The book is divided in seven parts, using the seven capital sins and their counterparts. We become aware of the struggle of Juan, Dimas and Guillermo Navarro trying to overcome tragedy, poverty, and social injustice. We also meet the Jufresa’s, a wealthy and renowned family with a thriving jewelry business and enjoying the luxuries and privileges money has to offer.
Even though Dimas and Laura come from different ends of social means, they are looking for similar things in life. They both wish to be valued as individuals and refuse to conform to their respective expected roles in society. This will not be easy for either, and they will face their own struggles, frustrations, and despair.
As all the characters play their roles, Barcelona expands and integrates automobiles, streetcars, and electricity. The reader is taken through its different neighborhoods and landmarks. Catalonia’s traditional food is present (pa amb tomaquet!), the beauty of the Ramblas is described, and I was transported back to all the colors, flavors, and stunning views of this Mediterranean city. I saw myself looking back at the ocean at the Barceloneta, I could feel the breeze at top of the Tibidabo mountain.
Vidal writes with absolutely beautiful narrative and descriptions without overwhelming details. The characters are multidimensional and explored under different lights. Just as each part of the book is divided in good and evil, the people in the story make good and poor choices in order to move forward. I experienced so many emotions as I went through its pages! It’s a lengthy volume, but well worth the time spent in it.
Interestingly enough, even though many things have changed in a 100 years (from 1915, the year when the story is set), others have not changed. Barcelona still is divided by wealth and poverty. Social status, prominent family bloodlines, fashion, and appearances are still relevant as described in the book. Catalonia is still politically divided, struggling to separate itself from Spain, and struggling to overcome the challenges presented by an increase in population by illegal immigrants.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction, but I will admit it will be more enjoyable to those who have visited Barcelona, or are familiar with its culture (which is absolutely different from the rest of Spain).
*I received an advance copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The magnificent temple of La Sagrada Familia (still under construction!) is featured in the storyline. As the construction of the cathedral progresses, the themes of story and characters intertwine with Gaudi’s wisdom, and his vision of art and beauty. After reading the book I went straight to my albums and revisited my own pictures of La Sagrada Familia and looked at them under a different light.
Even though there are many stories of this period in history based in England, France, or Germany, I have not come across very often with stories from Spain; once a reigning empire, after its fall in the XIX century, things looked quite different for Spaniards during the early XX century. Social classes were marked, extreme wealth and poverty visible.
The book is divided in seven parts, using the seven capital sins and their counterparts. We become aware of the struggle of Juan, Dimas and Guillermo Navarro trying to overcome tragedy, poverty, and social injustice. We also meet the Jufresa’s, a wealthy and renowned family with a thriving jewelry business and enjoying the luxuries and privileges money has to offer.
Even though Dimas and Laura come from different ends of social means, they are looking for similar things in life. They both wish to be valued as individuals and refuse to conform to their respective expected roles in society. This will not be easy for either, and they will face their own struggles, frustrations, and despair.
As all the characters play their roles, Barcelona expands and integrates automobiles, streetcars, and electricity. The reader is taken through its different neighborhoods and landmarks. Catalonia’s traditional food is present (pa amb tomaquet!), the beauty of the Ramblas is described, and I was transported back to all the colors, flavors, and stunning views of this Mediterranean city. I saw myself looking back at the ocean at the Barceloneta, I could feel the breeze at top of the Tibidabo mountain.
Vidal writes with absolutely beautiful narrative and descriptions without overwhelming details. The characters are multidimensional and explored under different lights. Just as each part of the book is divided in good and evil, the people in the story make good and poor choices in order to move forward. I experienced so many emotions as I went through its pages! It’s a lengthy volume, but well worth the time spent in it.
Interestingly enough, even though many things have changed in a 100 years (from 1915, the year when the story is set), others have not changed. Barcelona still is divided by wealth and poverty. Social status, prominent family bloodlines, fashion, and appearances are still relevant as described in the book. Catalonia is still politically divided, struggling to separate itself from Spain, and struggling to overcome the challenges presented by an increase in population by illegal immigrants.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction, but I will admit it will be more enjoyable to those who have visited Barcelona, or are familiar with its culture (which is absolutely different from the rest of Spain).
*I received an advance copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2015
I read through the description for The Dream of the City by Andrés Vidal and immediately wanted to preview this book. Originally published in Spanish in 2012, next week it will be released in English. The description paints a picture of contrasts—the beginning of World War I in Europe with the destruction that entailed juxtaposed against the construction of Gaudí’s Temple of the Sagrada Familia, the struggle of the working class against the bourgeoisie as workers pushed for better conditions, the seven virtues against the seven deadly sins. While elements of these are all present in the resulting novel, the fabric they weave is loose and porous.
Following an accident at work that leaves his father disabled, Dimas Navarro’s outlook is cynical and he is determined to make a way for himself that will provide for both his father and adopted younger brother—while he understands his fellow workers’ plight, he thinks their hopes for accomplishing any meaningful changes are unrealistic and when an opportunity to demonstrate his own ingenuity and problem-solving presents itself, he grabs it to pull himself out of a life of bare existence. He works his way up to become the right-hand man of the oldest son and heir for a local jeweler. Still resentful of the bourgeoisie, he can’t help but covet what they actually have and strives to prove himself equal to them—but his employer’s younger sister, Laura Jufresa, forces Dimas to confront these aspirations in unusual and unexpected ways. Though she grew up in bourgeois society, Laura developed an artist’s understanding of the world from her father and studied in Rome to develop her talents. Working as a designer in the family’s business, her idealism and respect for artistic form above profitability clashes with her brother—and Dimas’ employer—Ferran. In addition to her work in the family business, Laura spends time volunteering with the construction of her idol, Antoni Gaudí’s la Sagrada Familia temple.
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Following an accident at work that leaves his father disabled, Dimas Navarro’s outlook is cynical and he is determined to make a way for himself that will provide for both his father and adopted younger brother—while he understands his fellow workers’ plight, he thinks their hopes for accomplishing any meaningful changes are unrealistic and when an opportunity to demonstrate his own ingenuity and problem-solving presents itself, he grabs it to pull himself out of a life of bare existence. He works his way up to become the right-hand man of the oldest son and heir for a local jeweler. Still resentful of the bourgeoisie, he can’t help but covet what they actually have and strives to prove himself equal to them—but his employer’s younger sister, Laura Jufresa, forces Dimas to confront these aspirations in unusual and unexpected ways. Though she grew up in bourgeois society, Laura developed an artist’s understanding of the world from her father and studied in Rome to develop her talents. Working as a designer in the family’s business, her idealism and respect for artistic form above profitability clashes with her brother—and Dimas’ employer—Ferran. In addition to her work in the family business, Laura spends time volunteering with the construction of her idol, Antoni Gaudí’s la Sagrada Familia temple.
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February 7, 2021
I have mixed thoughts about this book. One of the strengths is the character development and the variety of the people featured in the book. The author makes you want to learn more about and care about many of the main characters, especially Dimas and Laura. The author also does a good job of incorporating the events that were going on in Barcelona, Spain, and the world at the time, including the impact of the Great War, tension between Madrid and Barcelona, and labor tensions and social movements (anarchists, socialists). I also liked the building of the cathedral and the meaning the architect was bringing to his work for the benefit of the city.
However, the presence of Laura, who becomes one of the main characters, is just sprung on the reader. You are reading about Dimas Navarro and his family and their struggles in Barcelona and then suddenly there is a chapter featuring a woman (Laura) in Rome and there is no indication how this connects to Dimas and the story so far. Eventually the connection is made known to the reader, but her sudden unexplained appearance is somewhat jarring.
Another gripe is that chapter after chapter builds up tension and mystery and then suddenly everything is resolved too quickly. It feels as if the author realized that his manuscript was getting long and he felt a need to wrap it up. I would have preferred a better developed ending.
My final gripe is that when I offered to review the book, I was supplied with an advance uncorrected copy. Unfortunately, it was replete with spelling and some grammar errors, which is a pet peeve of mine. I can only hope that those who did the final editing caught the many errors and corrected them.
However, the presence of Laura, who becomes one of the main characters, is just sprung on the reader. You are reading about Dimas Navarro and his family and their struggles in Barcelona and then suddenly there is a chapter featuring a woman (Laura) in Rome and there is no indication how this connects to Dimas and the story so far. Eventually the connection is made known to the reader, but her sudden unexplained appearance is somewhat jarring.
Another gripe is that chapter after chapter builds up tension and mystery and then suddenly everything is resolved too quickly. It feels as if the author realized that his manuscript was getting long and he felt a need to wrap it up. I would have preferred a better developed ending.
My final gripe is that when I offered to review the book, I was supplied with an advance uncorrected copy. Unfortunately, it was replete with spelling and some grammar errors, which is a pet peeve of mine. I can only hope that those who did the final editing caught the many errors and corrected them.
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December 21, 2015As soon as I heard about this book I really wanted to read it. I have been to Barcelona and visited the Sagrada Familia, it is stunning and words are hard to come by that would adequately describe it.
I was hoping for more about the Sagrade Familia in this book but the story inside was still interesting. It showed a side of Barcelona in the early 20th century, a city growing and two families involvement in that. The characters were likable, Laura (a woman of privilege) with her desire for independence and going after what she wants. Dimas, growing up poor doesn't want to live like that forever and takes whatever steps to prevent that from happening. The author clearly depicted an authentic picture of the time period, focusing on the dreams of it's citizens as well as disappointments and working for a better life. It is obvious that a fair amount of research went into writing this book.
What prevented me from giving this book more stars is the spelling/grammatical errors throughout. I am taking into account that maybe I received an unedited version, but things like there/their, here/hear, ate/eight just got out of hand as well as words missing letters made me pause in my reading and interrupted the flow.
I am not sure if this is the authors debut, I would definitely read more by Andres Vidal provided it was edited properly.
I was hoping for more about the Sagrade Familia in this book but the story inside was still interesting. It showed a side of Barcelona in the early 20th century, a city growing and two families involvement in that. The characters were likable, Laura (a woman of privilege) with her desire for independence and going after what she wants. Dimas, growing up poor doesn't want to live like that forever and takes whatever steps to prevent that from happening. The author clearly depicted an authentic picture of the time period, focusing on the dreams of it's citizens as well as disappointments and working for a better life. It is obvious that a fair amount of research went into writing this book.
What prevented me from giving this book more stars is the spelling/grammatical errors throughout. I am taking into account that maybe I received an unedited version, but things like there/their, here/hear, ate/eight just got out of hand as well as words missing letters made me pause in my reading and interrupted the flow.
I am not sure if this is the authors debut, I would definitely read more by Andres Vidal provided it was edited properly.
December 28, 2015
This isn’t a great work of literature, but it is a very readable and enjoyable story set in a changing and modernising Barcelona at the beginning of the 20th century, with a backdrop of the building of the Sagrada Familia and with Gaudi himself as one of the characters. We follow the fortunes of two families, the wealthy Jufresas and the poor Navarros as they navigate their way along their respective paths, which gradually become inextricably linked. The love affair between the wealthy Laura Jufresa and the poor Dimas Navarro is perhaps the weakest part of the story, being straight out of Mills & Boon, but it’s a necessary part to show aspects of Barcelona business life and the ambition of both families. There’s a lot packed into the book, not just the personal stories of the protagonists, but much about labour relations, politics, social mobility and the impact of the First World War on neutral Spain. And the building of Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia. I very much enjoyed it on the whole, and appreciated the historical details and sense of time and place.
March 12, 2013
Me gustó,se lee muy fácil y rápido (me lo leí en menos de dos días), pero no es nada del otro mundo, poco original, muy simple y poco detallada la aventura amorosa y los conflictos entre la pareja,con muy pocos diálogos directos y unos personajes que no llegamos a conocerlos tan profundamente como para llegar a emocionarnos. Incluso el desenlace final es muy previsible y ya lo había imaginado anteriormente. Novela olvidable, aunque entretenida, que parecía prometer en us desarrollo inicial, pero que por falta de riesgo, y cree que poca capacidad del autor, cuya falta de originalidad y descripciones me parecen alarmantes para poder ser considerado un buen escritor, pero que con el marketing y una acertada sinopsis te animan a leer su novela. Lo más interesante del libro es la descripción de la construcción de la Sagrada Familia de Gaudí y datos interesantes sobre ella y la ciudad de Barcelona y su desarrollo.
July 13, 2015
I received a copy of this e-book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to read this novel because I have been to Barcelona and am intrigued by Gaudi and his unique architectural works. The book was about so much more than that, in a very good way. There were many well-developed characters, beautiful descriptions, and a clear vision. The only thing preventing me from giving this book 5 stars is that at times it seemed a little wordy or draggy, where it could have been more to the point. I think lovers of historical fiction, particularly with an interest in Spain, will adore this book. Overall, it was a really great read.
I wanted to read this novel because I have been to Barcelona and am intrigued by Gaudi and his unique architectural works. The book was about so much more than that, in a very good way. There were many well-developed characters, beautiful descriptions, and a clear vision. The only thing preventing me from giving this book 5 stars is that at times it seemed a little wordy or draggy, where it could have been more to the point. I think lovers of historical fiction, particularly with an interest in Spain, will adore this book. Overall, it was a really great read.
October 23, 2015
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to love this book, as I had honeymooned in Barcelona and fell in love with the city, but I just liked it. I enjoyed the characters, but I never really fell in love with the whole story. Barcelona, Gaudi, and the Sagrada Familia are just backdrops to the human drama of the story and I didn't feel like this novel was distinctly Catalonian. It was nice, however, to be reminded of the city via place names, people, and locales.
I wanted to love this book, as I had honeymooned in Barcelona and fell in love with the city, but I just liked it. I enjoyed the characters, but I never really fell in love with the whole story. Barcelona, Gaudi, and the Sagrada Familia are just backdrops to the human drama of the story and I didn't feel like this novel was distinctly Catalonian. It was nice, however, to be reminded of the city via place names, people, and locales.
August 14, 2013
Con la construcción de la sagrada familia como tela de fondo, relata la historia de Dimas Navarro, un humilde trabajador que consigue subir escalones en la escalera social pero que se da cuenta que algunas cosas nunca cambian cuando se enamora de la hija de su jefe.Bien escrito y entretenido, pero supongo que ya me estoy cansando un poco de tantas historias de amor imposibles en tiempos revueltos.
October 19, 2014
Libro entretenido, se lee fácilmente, pero no es ninguna cosa del otro mundo.
Describe de forma superficial la sociedad de principios del siglo XX. La evolución que toma la clase obrera gracias a las huelgas y descontento de ésta; también habla de la otra parte de la sociedad, de la burguesía y la alta sociedad. Existe entre una clase social y la otra una relación amorosa imposible para la época.
Lo que más me ha gustado es el guiño a la construcción de la Sagrada Familia y a Antonio Gaudí.
Describe de forma superficial la sociedad de principios del siglo XX. La evolución que toma la clase obrera gracias a las huelgas y descontento de ésta; también habla de la otra parte de la sociedad, de la burguesía y la alta sociedad. Existe entre una clase social y la otra una relación amorosa imposible para la época.
Lo que más me ha gustado es el guiño a la construcción de la Sagrada Familia y a Antonio Gaudí.
July 9, 2013
¡¡¡¡Preciosa historia de Andrés Vidal!!!
Ambientada en la Ciudad Condal, en los primeros años del siglo XX:
Barcelona vive unos años convulsos; convulsión de los que sus personajes se contagian, debatiéndose en un torbellino de emociones.
Amor, ambición, odio,... bullen en esta novela. Y como telón de fondo, la construcción de la Sagrada Familia de Antoni Gaudí.
Puntuación: 4/5
Ambientada en la Ciudad Condal, en los primeros años del siglo XX:
Barcelona vive unos años convulsos; convulsión de los que sus personajes se contagian, debatiéndose en un torbellino de emociones.
Amor, ambición, odio,... bullen en esta novela. Y como telón de fondo, la construcción de la Sagrada Familia de Antoni Gaudí.
Puntuación: 4/5
November 25, 2015
Received from NetGalley for an honest review....
I sooooo wanted to like this story....Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia..I loved this idea...however, the plot was rather circuitous,and wandering. I had hoped for more "insight" into the building of this architectural icon...it DOES make me want to know more about both the creator of this marvel AND the city of Barcelona.
I sooooo wanted to like this story....Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia..I loved this idea...however, the plot was rather circuitous,and wandering. I had hoped for more "insight" into the building of this architectural icon...it DOES make me want to know more about both the creator of this marvel AND the city of Barcelona.
December 27, 2012
Acabo de terminar "El sueño de la ciudad" y me ha gustado aún más que "La herencia de la tierra" que me encantó.
Buena trama, buenos ingredientes y la novela no decae en ningún momento.
Otro autor a tener en cuenta. Gracias por darnos estás lecturas
Buena trama, buenos ingredientes y la novela no decae en ningún momento.
Otro autor a tener en cuenta. Gracias por darnos estás lecturas
August 31, 2014
Un libro en el que se descubren muchas cosas sobre la vida en Barcelona durante los tiempos de Gaudí.
November 10, 2014
Muy bonita historia y si conoces Barcelona se disfruta mucho más
July 1, 2015
I read the English translation of this book. There were many typos, and many mistakes in word choice [hear/here; the/she]. Difficult to follow.
August 25, 2015
My impressions here...
http://carmenyamigos.blogspot.com.es/...
http://carmenyamigos.blogspot.com.es/...
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