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A Bookseller in Madrid
Books will always be a refuge.
Madrid, 1934. The winds of change are blowing in the Spain of the Second Republic when Bárbara, a young German woman who has managed to flee Berlin after the victory of the Nazi party in the elections, opens a small bookstore.
This becomes a place to dream of a free and hopeful future, but the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War threatens to destroy everything Barbara has built. It will be her love for letters and for a young Republican that keeps her clinging to a country that faces a spiral of hatred and terror that she knows all too well and that will force her to fight for her life once again.
An exciting and rigorously documented novel by one of the most translated and read Spanish authors in the world. This hopeful and inspiring story in the face of the horror of intolerance is, above all, an indisputable tribute to literature.
Madrid, 1934. The winds of change are blowing in the Spain of the Second Republic when Bárbara, a young German woman who has managed to flee Berlin after the victory of the Nazi party in the elections, opens a small bookstore.
This becomes a place to dream of a free and hopeful future, but the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War threatens to destroy everything Barbara has built. It will be her love for letters and for a young Republican that keeps her clinging to a country that faces a spiral of hatred and terror that she knows all too well and that will force her to fight for her life once again.
An exciting and rigorously documented novel by one of the most translated and read Spanish authors in the world. This hopeful and inspiring story in the face of the horror of intolerance is, above all, an indisputable tribute to literature.
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2025
110 people are currently reading
11595 people want to read
About the author
Mario Escobar
299 books1,331 followersMario Escobar Golderos has a degree in History, with an advanced studies diploma in Modern History. He has written numerous books and articles about the Inquisition, the Protestant Reformation, and religious sects. He is the executive director of an NGO and directs the magazine Nueva historia para el debate, in addition to being a contributing columnist in various publications. Passionate about history and its mysteries, Escobar has delved into the depths of church history, the different sectarian groups that have struggled therein, and the discovery and colonization of the Americas. He specializes in the lives of unorthodox Spaniards and Americans. Books
Autor Betseller con miles de libros vendidos en todo el mundo. Sus obras han sido traducidas al chino, japonés, inglés, ruso, portugués, danés, francés, italiano, checo, polaco, serbio, entre otros idiomas. Novelista, ensayista y conferenciante. Licenciado en Historia y Diplomado en Estudios Avanzados en la especialidad de Historia Moderna, ha escrito numerosos artículos y libros sobre la Inquisición, la Reforma Protestante y las sectas religiosas.
Publica asiduamente en las revistas Más Allá y National Geographic Historia
Apasionado por la historia y sus enigmas ha estudiado en produndidad la Historia de la Iglesia, los distintos grupos sectarios que han luchado en su seno, el descubrimiento y colonizacíón de América; especializándose en la vida de personajes heterodoxos españoles y americanos.
Su primera obra, Conspiración Maine 2006, fue un éxito. Le siguieron El mesías Ario (2007), El secreto de los Assassini (2008) y la Profecía de Aztlán (2009). Todas ellas parte de la saga protagonizada por Hércules Guzmán Fox, George Lincoln y Alicia Mantorella.
Su libro Francisco. El primer papa latinoamericano ha sido traducido a 12 idiomas, entre ellos el chino, inglés, francés, italiano, portugues, japonés, danés, etc.
Sol rojo sobre Hiroshima (2009) y El País de las lágrimas (2010) son sus obras más intimistas. También ha publicado ensayos como Martín Luther King (2006) e Historia de la Masonería en Estados Unidos (2009). Los doce legados de Steve Jobs (2012). La biografía del papa Francisco. El primer papa latinoamericano (2013). La Saga Ione (2013) o la Serie Apocalipsis (2012).Saga Misión Verne (2013)
www.marioescobar.es
http://www.amazon.com/Mario-Escobar/e...
http://www.sagamisionverne.es/
Autor Betseller con miles de libros vendidos en todo el mundo. Sus obras han sido traducidas al chino, japonés, inglés, ruso, portugués, danés, francés, italiano, checo, polaco, serbio, entre otros idiomas. Novelista, ensayista y conferenciante. Licenciado en Historia y Diplomado en Estudios Avanzados en la especialidad de Historia Moderna, ha escrito numerosos artículos y libros sobre la Inquisición, la Reforma Protestante y las sectas religiosas.
Publica asiduamente en las revistas Más Allá y National Geographic Historia
Apasionado por la historia y sus enigmas ha estudiado en produndidad la Historia de la Iglesia, los distintos grupos sectarios que han luchado en su seno, el descubrimiento y colonizacíón de América; especializándose en la vida de personajes heterodoxos españoles y americanos.
Su primera obra, Conspiración Maine 2006, fue un éxito. Le siguieron El mesías Ario (2007), El secreto de los Assassini (2008) y la Profecía de Aztlán (2009). Todas ellas parte de la saga protagonizada por Hércules Guzmán Fox, George Lincoln y Alicia Mantorella.
Su libro Francisco. El primer papa latinoamericano ha sido traducido a 12 idiomas, entre ellos el chino, inglés, francés, italiano, portugues, japonés, danés, etc.
Sol rojo sobre Hiroshima (2009) y El País de las lágrimas (2010) son sus obras más intimistas. También ha publicado ensayos como Martín Luther King (2006) e Historia de la Masonería en Estados Unidos (2009). Los doce legados de Steve Jobs (2012). La biografía del papa Francisco. El primer papa latinoamericano (2013). La Saga Ione (2013) o la Serie Apocalipsis (2012).Saga Misión Verne (2013)
www.marioescobar.es
http://www.amazon.com/Mario-Escobar/e...
http://www.sagamisionverne.es/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
July 15, 2025
Bárbara Spiel has a degree in French Philology and she visits Francoise Frenkel in her French bookstore in Berlin and here she meets a young Spaniard.
Bárbara flees Germany when the Nazi's gain control, she moves to Spain, marries Juan Delgado and opens a bookshop called Libreria de Madrid and are expecting their first child. When unrest and fighting breaks out in the streets, between the Republican government and the Nationalist rebels, Bárbara is vulnerable due to her husband and father political ties and both the Germans and British put pressure on her to become a spy and she doesn’t want to be a double agent.
The Spanish Civil War ends, Bárbara and Juan want to leave with their son, their lives are in grave danger, and the second half of the narrative is about what they go through to flee, where they go and who helps them along the way.
I received a complimentary copy of A Bookseller in Madrid from HarperCollins Focus and all opinions expressed in this review are my own. I must admit I don’t know a lot about the conflict in Spain, and at times it was tricky for me to put it all together and it’s a lot to process.
The main character is a bookseller and so was her friend Francoise Frenkel and many novels were destroyed both in Germany and Spain and Bárbara wanted to protect the classics and literature.
Mario Escobar is one of my favourite historical fiction authors, he writes about topics such as war, political unrest, violence, imprisonment, fighting to survive and intolerance. Bárbara was a strong and inspirational woman and four stars from me.
Bárbara flees Germany when the Nazi's gain control, she moves to Spain, marries Juan Delgado and opens a bookshop called Libreria de Madrid and are expecting their first child. When unrest and fighting breaks out in the streets, between the Republican government and the Nationalist rebels, Bárbara is vulnerable due to her husband and father political ties and both the Germans and British put pressure on her to become a spy and she doesn’t want to be a double agent.
The Spanish Civil War ends, Bárbara and Juan want to leave with their son, their lives are in grave danger, and the second half of the narrative is about what they go through to flee, where they go and who helps them along the way.
I received a complimentary copy of A Bookseller in Madrid from HarperCollins Focus and all opinions expressed in this review are my own. I must admit I don’t know a lot about the conflict in Spain, and at times it was tricky for me to put it all together and it’s a lot to process.
The main character is a bookseller and so was her friend Francoise Frenkel and many novels were destroyed both in Germany and Spain and Bárbara wanted to protect the classics and literature.
Mario Escobar is one of my favourite historical fiction authors, he writes about topics such as war, political unrest, violence, imprisonment, fighting to survive and intolerance. Bárbara was a strong and inspirational woman and four stars from me.
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July 3, 2025
The Best New Historical Fiction Books Out in July:
After the Nazi party wins the election in Germany, Bárbara flees to Spain and opens up the small bookstore she's always dreamed of running. But the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War threatens to upend Bárbara's life once again. Violence and terror, as it turns out, aren't as far from her new home as she once thought. Bárbara's done running, though. This time, she plans to stay and fight for the new life she's been building for herself. —Rachel Brittain
After the Nazi party wins the election in Germany, Bárbara flees to Spain and opens up the small bookstore she's always dreamed of running. But the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War threatens to upend Bárbara's life once again. Violence and terror, as it turns out, aren't as far from her new home as she once thought. Bárbara's done running, though. This time, she plans to stay and fight for the new life she's been building for herself. —Rachel Brittain
November 3, 2025
I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.
Real history, real bookstores, real booksellers; used to support a fictional main character and her mostly plausible story.
A BOOKSELLER IN MADRID is a different approach to Historical Fiction. I believe it’s a genre known as “METAFICTION”
It begins with a young editor finding an old copy of the book in a trash can along the street in NYC. She flips a few pages, is completely enthralled and the rest, as they say, is history. Readers are thrown headfirst into the story of Barbara Spiel, a German Bookseller.
The story begins in 1933 Berlin, with Barbara visiting Francoise Frenkel in her famous French bookstore, La Maison du Livre. Frenkel is a Polish Jew and already experiencing trouble from the Germans. They begin what becomes a life long friendship and she meets who becomes her future husband, Juan, a member of the Spanish Socialist Workers Party.
Author, Mario Escobar, was kind enough to include a timeline for the major events of the Spanish Civil War. It’s at the back of the book and readers will be well served to make use of it prior to reading the story. The first half is replete with historical information, much of which is political in nature. It was not familiar to me and I was often confused with things happening quickly. It was easier for me to focus on the characters rather than the political aspects.
The second half of the book is more character driven and focused on Barbara and her family trying to escape from Madrid. Her life and contacts as a bookseller come into play in wide ranging ways. Even more interesting are the ways her life as a German Christian facilitate safety for her entire family throughout this entire wartime period when so many of her friends and associates are not so fortunate.
In all honesty, I expected more from the bookstore angle but as I learned from the story, Spain was not a large reading population at this time nor were there many bookstores for regular people. Barbara’s dream to open a foreign language bookstore in Madrid and “to help people get access to books from other regions” was a gargantuan task. She goes on to say that “Books are the only companions that will never betray you.”
Besides a good amount of political information, there is also a fair amount of violence. It’s not written gratuitously or overly descriptive but does include sexual assaults, murder and beatings. There isn’t any romantic sexual content or foul language.
Kudos to Gretchen Abernathy. The translation is seamless!
A very good read for fans of political fiction, historical fiction, early WW2, Spanish history, bookstore culture📚
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks
Real history, real bookstores, real booksellers; used to support a fictional main character and her mostly plausible story.
A BOOKSELLER IN MADRID is a different approach to Historical Fiction. I believe it’s a genre known as “METAFICTION”
It begins with a young editor finding an old copy of the book in a trash can along the street in NYC. She flips a few pages, is completely enthralled and the rest, as they say, is history. Readers are thrown headfirst into the story of Barbara Spiel, a German Bookseller.
The story begins in 1933 Berlin, with Barbara visiting Francoise Frenkel in her famous French bookstore, La Maison du Livre. Frenkel is a Polish Jew and already experiencing trouble from the Germans. They begin what becomes a life long friendship and she meets who becomes her future husband, Juan, a member of the Spanish Socialist Workers Party.
Author, Mario Escobar, was kind enough to include a timeline for the major events of the Spanish Civil War. It’s at the back of the book and readers will be well served to make use of it prior to reading the story. The first half is replete with historical information, much of which is political in nature. It was not familiar to me and I was often confused with things happening quickly. It was easier for me to focus on the characters rather than the political aspects.
The second half of the book is more character driven and focused on Barbara and her family trying to escape from Madrid. Her life and contacts as a bookseller come into play in wide ranging ways. Even more interesting are the ways her life as a German Christian facilitate safety for her entire family throughout this entire wartime period when so many of her friends and associates are not so fortunate.
In all honesty, I expected more from the bookstore angle but as I learned from the story, Spain was not a large reading population at this time nor were there many bookstores for regular people. Barbara’s dream to open a foreign language bookstore in Madrid and “to help people get access to books from other regions” was a gargantuan task. She goes on to say that “Books are the only companions that will never betray you.”
Besides a good amount of political information, there is also a fair amount of violence. It’s not written gratuitously or overly descriptive but does include sexual assaults, murder and beatings. There isn’t any romantic sexual content or foul language.
Kudos to Gretchen Abernathy. The translation is seamless!
A very good read for fans of political fiction, historical fiction, early WW2, Spanish history, bookstore culture📚
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks
August 14, 2025
I love nearly everything about this powerful and tragic story and I can’t describe this book because I am afraid I will give away major spoilers. However, I reached Chapter 50 and I can’t continue reading this book due to something I am currently going through irl. My thanks to my friend Michelle for this wonderful, heartbreaking and emotional book.
June 30, 2025
Mario Escobar highlights the importance of embracing the power of resilience. His main character digs deep within herself to give wings to her dream, not knowing that it’ll involve resilience and perseverance that she’s yet to develop. Despite relocating, the world around her is in chaos and limitations surround her; it’s in this environment that she needs to learn to trust.
Not only did I deepen my understanding of the Spanish Civil War, I was also reminded about the power of words and the value of a dream.
I was gifted this book by Harper Collins Focus/Harper Muse and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Not only did I deepen my understanding of the Spanish Civil War, I was also reminded about the power of words and the value of a dream.
I was gifted this book by Harper Collins Focus/Harper Muse and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
July 1, 2025
I was looking forward to reading The Bookseller in Madrid as it explores a genre of historical fiction not often explored in mainstream historical fiction—the Spanish Civil War. Unfortunately, this book didn’t work for me. While the Spanish civil war was a bloody and tumultuous part of Spanish history, I felt that the book failed to capture any sort of emotion or imagery of this period of history. I felt that the story was more a historical listing of the names of political parties, leaders, dates and government with a few characters thrown in to try and tell a story. At times, it read like a poorly written fictional spy story as the protagonist was bombarded by multiple members of every faction of the war to spy for them within moments of one another. And yet, despite this seemingly important part of the story, it also just felt like another sub-story that felt very underdeveloped. Any parts where any “action” was about to happen ended quickly with a swift resolution and barely any tension. I actually paused at one point to see if this book was classified as a young adult novel, because it read like YA fiction multiple times throughout the story.
The story bounced around from event to event without creating connection to the characters and their lives. As a result, I didn’t feel invested in the characters or their lives. The story didn’t feel believable, despite being based on a tumultuous period of actual history, and it also didn’t evoke any sort of emotion or feelings in me as I read it, despite knowing that this was a tragic and violent period of Spanish history.
The narrator of the audio production was pleasant to listen to during the English narration of the story, however, her multiple shifts into accents or gender roles of the characters were unbelievable or inaccurate. I would like to listen to her narrate again, but not with so many ambitious accents to tackle throughout.
Despite being disappointed in this book, I did enjoy a reoccurring theme that was discussed—the fact that books can be and have been used as weapons in society. Books open doors to critical thinking and can be used as an ideological influence responsible for shaping thoughts of a society. Reading is often considered a method of resistance, and I appreciate that theme in this story.
Thank you to Harper Muse Audiobooks, HarperCollins Focus and NetGalley for these copies. I received these copies for free in exchange for an honest review.
The story bounced around from event to event without creating connection to the characters and their lives. As a result, I didn’t feel invested in the characters or their lives. The story didn’t feel believable, despite being based on a tumultuous period of actual history, and it also didn’t evoke any sort of emotion or feelings in me as I read it, despite knowing that this was a tragic and violent period of Spanish history.
The narrator of the audio production was pleasant to listen to during the English narration of the story, however, her multiple shifts into accents or gender roles of the characters were unbelievable or inaccurate. I would like to listen to her narrate again, but not with so many ambitious accents to tackle throughout.
Despite being disappointed in this book, I did enjoy a reoccurring theme that was discussed—the fact that books can be and have been used as weapons in society. Books open doors to critical thinking and can be used as an ideological influence responsible for shaping thoughts of a society. Reading is often considered a method of resistance, and I appreciate that theme in this story.
Thank you to Harper Muse Audiobooks, HarperCollins Focus and NetGalley for these copies. I received these copies for free in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2025
A Bookseller in Madrid is the compelling and suspenseful story of a bookseller in the 1930s.
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.
Putting the history into histfic. 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 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.
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
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.
Thanks #NetGalley @HarperMuseBooks for a complimentary eARC of #ABooksellerInMadrid upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published .
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.
Putting the history into histfic. 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 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.
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
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.
Thanks #NetGalley @HarperMuseBooks for a complimentary eARC of #ABooksellerInMadrid upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published .
July 3, 2025
In an era where historical fiction often struggles to balance authenticity with accessibility, Mario Escobar delivers a masterwork that transforms the tragic landscape of 1930s Europe into an intimate meditation on love, loss, and the transformative power of literature. A Bookseller in Madrid stands as both a gripping wartime narrative and a profound tribute to the enduring sanctuary that books provide in humanity's darkest hours.
A Journey Through Literary Exile
The novel opens with Bárbara Spiel, a young German philology student whose dreams of academic pursuits are shattered by Hitler's rise to power. Her flight from Berlin to Madrid in 1933 carries the weight of personal loss—the dissolution of her father's political career, the destruction of Jewish-owned bookstores, and the systematic erosion of intellectual freedom that would later consume all of Europe. Escobar's portrayal of Bárbara's transition from refugee to hopeful entrepreneur captures the resilience of those who refuse to let tyranny extinguish their fundamental humanity.
What distinguishes this novel from other World War II fiction is its focus on the often-overlooked Spanish Civil War and its connection to the broader European catastrophe. Bárbara's establishment of the Librería de Madrid near Ciudad Universitaria becomes more than a business venture—it evolves into a beacon of cultural resistance, a space where French and German literature can flourish despite mounting political tensions. The bookstore serves as both literal and metaphorical shelter, protecting not just books but the ideals they represent.
The Architecture of Love and War
Escobar demonstrates remarkable skill in weaving personal relationships through the fabric of historical upheaval. The romance between Bárbara and Juan Delgado, a Socialist parliamentarian, never feels forced or convenient despite their whirlwind courtship. Their relationship develops against the backdrop of increasing violence, with each political crisis testing their commitment not just to each other but to their shared vision of a democratic Spain.
The author's portrayal of Juan deserves particular recognition. Rather than creating a cardboard revolutionary hero, Escobar presents a man genuinely committed to peaceful reform, someone who represents the moderate voices drowned out by extremist rhetoric on both sides. Juan's political disillusionment mirrors Spain's broader tragedy—the impossibility of reasonable discourse when hatred becomes the dominant political language.
Their marriage ceremony, conducted amid the chaos of political uncertainty, symbolizes hope's persistence even as storm clouds gather. The presence of friends from across the political spectrum at their wedding reflects the Spain that might have been, where differences could be bridged through mutual respect rather than resolved through violence.
The Brutality of Ideological Warfare
Where A Bookseller in Madrid truly excels is in its unflinching examination of how civil war corrupts the soul of a nation. Escobar doesn't romanticize either side of the Spanish conflict. The checas—extralegal prisons operated by various Republican factions—receive the same condemnation as Francoist repression. The author's balanced approach reflects deep historical research and moral courage, refusing to sacrifice truth for political correctness.
The character of Ana Ortiz, the militiawoman who becomes Bárbara's nemesis, represents the personal vendettas that civil wars enable. Her pursuit of Bárbara stems not from ideological conviction but from wounded pride and sexual jealousy. This personal dimension prevents the novel from becoming merely a chronicle of historical events, grounding abstract political conflicts in recognizable human emotions.
The scene where Jaime is kidnapped by Auxilio Social—Franco's social welfare organization that systematically separated children from "red" families—ranks among the most heartbreaking passages in recent historical fiction. Escobar's description of Dr. Vallejo-Nájera's research into the supposed "red gene" illuminates the pseudoscientific racism that justified such cruelty, drawing clear parallels to Nazi racial theories.
Literary Sanctuary and Cultural Resistance
Throughout the novel, books function as both refuge and resistance. The Palacio de la Novela, with its contrast between popular fiction and literary classics, serves as a metaphor for literature's dual nature—its capacity to both enlighten and manipulate. Luis Fernández-Vior's commentary on mass literature as "opium of the people" provides philosophical depth without slowing the narrative's momentum.
Escobar's treatment of book burning—both literal and figurative—connects Spanish censorship to the broader European assault on intellectual freedom. The destruction of the Librería de Madrid's windows by Falangist students parallels the attacks on Jewish bookstores in Germany, reinforcing the novel's central argument that tyranny's first target is always independent thought.
The Protestant school El Porvenir and its library represent another form of cultural resistance. The Fliedner family's commitment to education and their protection of both Spanish and foreign refugees demonstrate how institutions can maintain moral authority even under authoritarian pressure.
Technical Mastery and Historical Accuracy
Escobar's prose demonstrates remarkable maturity, avoiding both the purple excess that mars some historical fiction and the dry academicism that can drain emotional impact from serious subjects. His descriptions of Madrid during the siege capture both the city's physical destruction and its residents' psychological trauma without resorting to gratuitous violence.
The author's research shines through authentic period details—from the rationing cards that barely sustained life to the specific locations where executions occurred. The integration of real historical figures like Indalecio Prieto and Juan Negrín alongside fictional characters never feels forced, suggesting deep familiarity with the period's political complexities.
Translation by Gretchen Abernathy preserves the novel's Spanish rhythms while making the text accessible to English readers. Her handling of dialogue maintains distinct voices for characters from different social backgrounds and political affiliations.
Areas for Critical Consideration
Despite its considerable strengths, A Bookseller in Madrid occasionally suffers from episodic pacing, particularly in the middle sections where political events overshadow character development. Some readers may find the detailed descriptions of Republican factional fighting overwhelming, though these sections serve the important purpose of explaining why the Republic ultimately failed.
The novel's length—over 400 pages—demands patience from readers expecting a simple romance or adventure story. Escobar's commitment to historical accuracy sometimes requires extended exposition that slows narrative momentum, though the payoff in authentic atmosphere generally justifies these slower passages.
Bárbara's transformation from naive academic to hardened survivor could have been explored more deeply. While her resilience is admirable, some crucial emotional transitions feel rushed, particularly her adaptation to life as a double agent and her psychological recovery from imprisonment.
Essential Reading for Historical Fiction Enthusiasts
A Bookseller in Madrid succeeds brilliantly as both entertainment and education, offering readers an accessible entry point into one of the twentieth century's most tragic conflicts while celebrating the enduring power of books to provide comfort, wisdom, and hope. Escobar has created a worthy addition to the canon of World War II literature, one that honors both the victims of fascism and the cultural traditions they died defending.
A Journey Through Literary Exile
The novel opens with Bárbara Spiel, a young German philology student whose dreams of academic pursuits are shattered by Hitler's rise to power. Her flight from Berlin to Madrid in 1933 carries the weight of personal loss—the dissolution of her father's political career, the destruction of Jewish-owned bookstores, and the systematic erosion of intellectual freedom that would later consume all of Europe. Escobar's portrayal of Bárbara's transition from refugee to hopeful entrepreneur captures the resilience of those who refuse to let tyranny extinguish their fundamental humanity.
What distinguishes this novel from other World War II fiction is its focus on the often-overlooked Spanish Civil War and its connection to the broader European catastrophe. Bárbara's establishment of the Librería de Madrid near Ciudad Universitaria becomes more than a business venture—it evolves into a beacon of cultural resistance, a space where French and German literature can flourish despite mounting political tensions. The bookstore serves as both literal and metaphorical shelter, protecting not just books but the ideals they represent.
The Architecture of Love and War
Escobar demonstrates remarkable skill in weaving personal relationships through the fabric of historical upheaval. The romance between Bárbara and Juan Delgado, a Socialist parliamentarian, never feels forced or convenient despite their whirlwind courtship. Their relationship develops against the backdrop of increasing violence, with each political crisis testing their commitment not just to each other but to their shared vision of a democratic Spain.
The author's portrayal of Juan deserves particular recognition. Rather than creating a cardboard revolutionary hero, Escobar presents a man genuinely committed to peaceful reform, someone who represents the moderate voices drowned out by extremist rhetoric on both sides. Juan's political disillusionment mirrors Spain's broader tragedy—the impossibility of reasonable discourse when hatred becomes the dominant political language.
Their marriage ceremony, conducted amid the chaos of political uncertainty, symbolizes hope's persistence even as storm clouds gather. The presence of friends from across the political spectrum at their wedding reflects the Spain that might have been, where differences could be bridged through mutual respect rather than resolved through violence.
The Brutality of Ideological Warfare
Where A Bookseller in Madrid truly excels is in its unflinching examination of how civil war corrupts the soul of a nation. Escobar doesn't romanticize either side of the Spanish conflict. The checas—extralegal prisons operated by various Republican factions—receive the same condemnation as Francoist repression. The author's balanced approach reflects deep historical research and moral courage, refusing to sacrifice truth for political correctness.
The character of Ana Ortiz, the militiawoman who becomes Bárbara's nemesis, represents the personal vendettas that civil wars enable. Her pursuit of Bárbara stems not from ideological conviction but from wounded pride and sexual jealousy. This personal dimension prevents the novel from becoming merely a chronicle of historical events, grounding abstract political conflicts in recognizable human emotions.
The scene where Jaime is kidnapped by Auxilio Social—Franco's social welfare organization that systematically separated children from "red" families—ranks among the most heartbreaking passages in recent historical fiction. Escobar's description of Dr. Vallejo-Nájera's research into the supposed "red gene" illuminates the pseudoscientific racism that justified such cruelty, drawing clear parallels to Nazi racial theories.
Literary Sanctuary and Cultural Resistance
Throughout the novel, books function as both refuge and resistance. The Palacio de la Novela, with its contrast between popular fiction and literary classics, serves as a metaphor for literature's dual nature—its capacity to both enlighten and manipulate. Luis Fernández-Vior's commentary on mass literature as "opium of the people" provides philosophical depth without slowing the narrative's momentum.
Escobar's treatment of book burning—both literal and figurative—connects Spanish censorship to the broader European assault on intellectual freedom. The destruction of the Librería de Madrid's windows by Falangist students parallels the attacks on Jewish bookstores in Germany, reinforcing the novel's central argument that tyranny's first target is always independent thought.
The Protestant school El Porvenir and its library represent another form of cultural resistance. The Fliedner family's commitment to education and their protection of both Spanish and foreign refugees demonstrate how institutions can maintain moral authority even under authoritarian pressure.
Technical Mastery and Historical Accuracy
Escobar's prose demonstrates remarkable maturity, avoiding both the purple excess that mars some historical fiction and the dry academicism that can drain emotional impact from serious subjects. His descriptions of Madrid during the siege capture both the city's physical destruction and its residents' psychological trauma without resorting to gratuitous violence.
The author's research shines through authentic period details—from the rationing cards that barely sustained life to the specific locations where executions occurred. The integration of real historical figures like Indalecio Prieto and Juan Negrín alongside fictional characters never feels forced, suggesting deep familiarity with the period's political complexities.
Translation by Gretchen Abernathy preserves the novel's Spanish rhythms while making the text accessible to English readers. Her handling of dialogue maintains distinct voices for characters from different social backgrounds and political affiliations.
Areas for Critical Consideration
Despite its considerable strengths, A Bookseller in Madrid occasionally suffers from episodic pacing, particularly in the middle sections where political events overshadow character development. Some readers may find the detailed descriptions of Republican factional fighting overwhelming, though these sections serve the important purpose of explaining why the Republic ultimately failed.
The novel's length—over 400 pages—demands patience from readers expecting a simple romance or adventure story. Escobar's commitment to historical accuracy sometimes requires extended exposition that slows narrative momentum, though the payoff in authentic atmosphere generally justifies these slower passages.
Bárbara's transformation from naive academic to hardened survivor could have been explored more deeply. While her resilience is admirable, some crucial emotional transitions feel rushed, particularly her adaptation to life as a double agent and her psychological recovery from imprisonment.
Essential Reading for Historical Fiction Enthusiasts
A Bookseller in Madrid succeeds brilliantly as both entertainment and education, offering readers an accessible entry point into one of the twentieth century's most tragic conflicts while celebrating the enduring power of books to provide comfort, wisdom, and hope. Escobar has created a worthy addition to the canon of World War II literature, one that honors both the victims of fascism and the cultural traditions they died defending.
March 7, 2025
Deftly captured and eloquently told, Mario Escobar's A Bookseller in Madrid is an important, powerful tale bringing tragic circumstances and resilient characters together in an often-overlooked time in Spanish history. This story is an impressive testament to literature's ability to provide comfort, strength, and hope even in the darkest of times.
June 22, 2025
Late 1930’s Madrid
Mario Escobar knows how to pull us into moments in history and has a way to mesmerise us with his rich and active narrative. His favourite topics bring us to Spain usually when the world is upside down. His latest is factional but the story is woven against a background of real people, places and events.
“The Bookseller in Madrid” pulls us into the world of Barbara Spiel, a German woman who fled Nazi Germany after witnessing the chilling Nazi book burnings events. She ended up in Madrid smack in the middle of political chaos to open a bookshop, a haven for free thinkers. She soon gets caught up in the politics between Franco’s fascists, Stalinist, republicans, communists and others fighting to maintain or gain political control. She also married Juan, a mid-level government official in the Second Spanish Republic at the time.
Just as Germany seems to be leading Europe toward a Second World War, Spain appears to be headed toward a brutal Civil War.
This is her story…
This story grabbed me from the start although slow moving at first with lots of insights of political atmosphere at that time, all the information can be overwhelming but I urge you to be patient the time is worth it. The last half is a real page-turner. It provides the challenges those who flee their own countries to live in unfamiliar places had to face, it was even tougher when the environment is unsafe.
In his notes, the author state that he made every attempt to accurately portray the primary setting and the political reality of Madrid at the time, a Madrid controlled by the checas that terrorized a vast number of citizens. I think he achieved his goal…
Interesting and captivating at the same time. Excellent read: well said and well done.
I received this ARC from Harper Muse via Netgalley for my thoughts: this is the way I see it.
Mario Escobar knows how to pull us into moments in history and has a way to mesmerise us with his rich and active narrative. His favourite topics bring us to Spain usually when the world is upside down. His latest is factional but the story is woven against a background of real people, places and events.
“The Bookseller in Madrid” pulls us into the world of Barbara Spiel, a German woman who fled Nazi Germany after witnessing the chilling Nazi book burnings events. She ended up in Madrid smack in the middle of political chaos to open a bookshop, a haven for free thinkers. She soon gets caught up in the politics between Franco’s fascists, Stalinist, republicans, communists and others fighting to maintain or gain political control. She also married Juan, a mid-level government official in the Second Spanish Republic at the time.
Just as Germany seems to be leading Europe toward a Second World War, Spain appears to be headed toward a brutal Civil War.
This is her story…
This story grabbed me from the start although slow moving at first with lots of insights of political atmosphere at that time, all the information can be overwhelming but I urge you to be patient the time is worth it. The last half is a real page-turner. It provides the challenges those who flee their own countries to live in unfamiliar places had to face, it was even tougher when the environment is unsafe.
In his notes, the author state that he made every attempt to accurately portray the primary setting and the political reality of Madrid at the time, a Madrid controlled by the checas that terrorized a vast number of citizens. I think he achieved his goal…
Interesting and captivating at the same time. Excellent read: well said and well done.
I received this ARC from Harper Muse via Netgalley for my thoughts: this is the way I see it.
July 13, 2025
3.5⭐
While I have always been fascinated by the Spanish Civil War and its prescient role in global politics, I can't say that I truly understand all the parties and forces that contributed. This book is a fictional account of several actua thel women combined into one who emigrated to Spain and opened a bookstore. Bárbara Spiel, escaping Germany, goes to Spain to open a bookstore and eventually married a Spaniard elected to the legislature. Overall, I recommend the book with two caveats. The first is that I felt a step removed from connecting with the characters most likely caused by translating from Spanish. And the second is just the politics of that time are confusing to most readers and the book slows trying explain especially in the first third. Even so, there's a really good story there. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
While I have always been fascinated by the Spanish Civil War and its prescient role in global politics, I can't say that I truly understand all the parties and forces that contributed. This book is a fictional account of several actua thel women combined into one who emigrated to Spain and opened a bookstore. Bárbara Spiel, escaping Germany, goes to Spain to open a bookstore and eventually married a Spaniard elected to the legislature. Overall, I recommend the book with two caveats. The first is that I felt a step removed from connecting with the characters most likely caused by translating from Spanish. And the second is just the politics of that time are confusing to most readers and the book slows trying explain especially in the first third. Even so, there's a really good story there. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read
July 7, 2025This book packs an emotional punch as you follow the horrific tale of Barbara as she moves from Nazi Germany to Madrid in the years before the Spanish Civil War. The streets of Madrid come to life in this novel where the love of reading is what saves even amidst so much devastation. I was holding my breath as Barbara encountered brutality from all sides and tried to find her way to peace. It’s a must-read for anyone trying to understand the complex Spanish Civil War.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my review.
August 21, 2025
Let me warn you: this review is purely subjective and may not be taken as objective truth.
Have you ever seen videos about expectation and reality during online shopping? Apparently it can be the same with the books. My expectation and the reality turned out to be two entirely different concepts, and I think that is the main issue, all the other troubles with the book experience stem from. Given the title and the description (at least the way I've read it) I expected the bookshop to be the key point in the plot. To be the safe haven. To be crucially important. However, it didn't feel that way. I heard more about the church, school, and the other places.
Another issue is that it feels like a history textbook. If we take some dialogues and put them next to a history textbook text, one will find it hard to figure out which was what. I wanted to live the historical events through the lives of characters, not through dry info-dumping.
For the first time in a while, I also had the complaints about audiobook narration. I'm not sure all the accents and different voices were necessary, the change between them wasn't smooth and sometimes painful to hear. That is not to shame the narrator — I think she put in her best — but to point out the thing that probably was part of the requirements but came out messy and seems unnecessary.
Thank you NetGalley, the author, the publisher, and the audio narrator for this book
Have you ever seen videos about expectation and reality during online shopping? Apparently it can be the same with the books. My expectation and the reality turned out to be two entirely different concepts, and I think that is the main issue, all the other troubles with the book experience stem from. Given the title and the description (at least the way I've read it) I expected the bookshop to be the key point in the plot. To be the safe haven. To be crucially important. However, it didn't feel that way. I heard more about the church, school, and the other places.
Another issue is that it feels like a history textbook. If we take some dialogues and put them next to a history textbook text, one will find it hard to figure out which was what. I wanted to live the historical events through the lives of characters, not through dry info-dumping.
For the first time in a while, I also had the complaints about audiobook narration. I'm not sure all the accents and different voices were necessary, the change between them wasn't smooth and sometimes painful to hear. That is not to shame the narrator — I think she put in her best — but to point out the thing that probably was part of the requirements but came out messy and seems unnecessary.
Thank you NetGalley, the author, the publisher, and the audio narrator for this book
January 20, 2026
Lots of factual information about the politics leading up to the Spanish Civil War, but characters not well developed and storyline choppy.
January 26, 2026
I fictional story that was pretty accurate with the events taken place. This I found interesting due to my love of Spain. However I would not recommend to the average reader. Didn’t have much feeling and character development. Events seemed to jump from situation to situation. It was lacking something writers can do and I cannot explain…
October 25, 2025
This book is set mostly in Spain, mostly in the 1930's, but also during WWII. Barbara has fled her home in Germany because of the rise of Hitler and fascism. Her father, who has been an outspoken opponent of Hitler's, had already been forced to leave Germany. She opens a bookstore in Madrid, and her love of books, as well as the power of books and stories, is a common theme throughout this novel. Barbara falls in love with a young man who is part of the resistance to the spread of fascism, and the dictatorship of Franco, as civil war erupts across Spain. The book banning, and then book burning, as well as increasing stories of torture and murder by Franco's forces, threaten Barbara's home and livelihood, as well as the lives of her husband and young son. This was an engaging story, and for me a look at fascism at a little different angle, being set in Spain. It is a sobering exploration of history, and of the human capacity for hatred and violence, as well as for love, compassion and resistance to evil.
June 29, 2025
****Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Muse for an advanced eArc in exchange for my honest opinion****
There is a MASSIVE difference between storytelling and relaying facts and this book was definitely the latter..
The average person does not know the intricacies of which parties ran Spain, the parliament or how lower class citizens lived their lives. There was ample material to create a story but it was written so cut and dry I had a difficult time getting through a page let alone the entire book. The story is supposedly about Barbara? I had a hard time believing that... she was a secondary character to move the story (facts) along to the next scene. I was not captured whatsoever in this story.
If you want an intriguing story line and characters you will ACTUALLY care about and how Spain was in WWII I would definitely recommend Librarians of Lisbon.
There is a MASSIVE difference between storytelling and relaying facts and this book was definitely the latter..
The average person does not know the intricacies of which parties ran Spain, the parliament or how lower class citizens lived their lives. There was ample material to create a story but it was written so cut and dry I had a difficult time getting through a page let alone the entire book. The story is supposedly about Barbara? I had a hard time believing that... she was a secondary character to move the story (facts) along to the next scene. I was not captured whatsoever in this story.
If you want an intriguing story line and characters you will ACTUALLY care about and how Spain was in WWII I would definitely recommend Librarians of Lisbon.
March 6, 2025
3.5 stars. 3 stars for the narrative and the writing, which were not as compelling as I had hoped. 4 stars for how much information was packed into the story. This story had tons of potential. It is about a German Protestant bookseller who leaves Germany to follow her love to Madrid (and simultaneously flee the growing Fascism in Germany), where she hopes to open a bookstore. She lands in Madrid in time to encounter the eruption of the Spanish Civil War. I learned a lot about the Spanish Civil War, and for that I appreciated this book. However, the plot felt contrived and some of the situations the hero found herself in did not ring true. Often, it felt like a rote recital of events, with a female lead who felt more cardboard. I did not feel the male author captured her psyche, which was a shame. I did appreciate that some of the characters were actual historical figures (though not the female lead). I just wish the writing had been better and that the portrait of the lead character felt more realistic. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2025
Thank you @librofm @harpermusebooks @bibliolifestyle #partner for the gifted copies of this book!
Lately I’ve been in such a historical fiction mood, and A Bookseller in Madrid by Mario Escobar felt like the perfect pick to scratch that itch. Like many WWII-era stories, this one shines a light on how difficult and dangerous life was, but through the lens of literature and resilience — which immediately hooked me.
We meet Barbara, who escapes Germany after witnessing a horrifying book burning (seriously...how rude). She makes her way to Spain after escaping that debacle and sets her sights on becoming a bookseller, which was not an easy dream back then. She meets her husband Juan once in Spain and he happens to be a member of the Spanish Republic’s government. Together they weather countless hardships and trials in a world that seems determined to make anything but easy for them.
I of course always love and mention that I love to learn when details are based on real people and events because not only am I entertained, I am educated! Yes! I especially appreciated the deep dive into the Spanish Civil War because honestly, it was a chapter of history I knew next to nothing about.
If I had one tiny wish? I would’ve loved even more detail about the bookstore itself. But even though I wanted a wee bit more on that I still felt this was a moving, powerful story about resilience, loyalty, and perseverance in the darkest of times.
Lately I’ve been in such a historical fiction mood, and A Bookseller in Madrid by Mario Escobar felt like the perfect pick to scratch that itch. Like many WWII-era stories, this one shines a light on how difficult and dangerous life was, but through the lens of literature and resilience — which immediately hooked me.
We meet Barbara, who escapes Germany after witnessing a horrifying book burning (seriously...how rude). She makes her way to Spain after escaping that debacle and sets her sights on becoming a bookseller, which was not an easy dream back then. She meets her husband Juan once in Spain and he happens to be a member of the Spanish Republic’s government. Together they weather countless hardships and trials in a world that seems determined to make anything but easy for them.
I of course always love and mention that I love to learn when details are based on real people and events because not only am I entertained, I am educated! Yes! I especially appreciated the deep dive into the Spanish Civil War because honestly, it was a chapter of history I knew next to nothing about.
If I had one tiny wish? I would’ve loved even more detail about the bookstore itself. But even though I wanted a wee bit more on that I still felt this was a moving, powerful story about resilience, loyalty, and perseverance in the darkest of times.
February 16, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC of this book. I devoured this is 2 days! It is a story of Barbara Spiers, a German woman who wants to open a bookstore. Due to all of the unrest in Germany in the 1930’s, she heads to Madrid. Barbara opens her shop, but encounters several dangerous encounters as the Spanish Revolution emerges.
This is a story of survival and the will to fight for your family. Although the main characters are fictional, many of the others are not. They are people who actually lived duress this time.
It is such an amazing story written by Mario Escobar. If you liked “The Women” by Kristen Hannah, you’ll love this book as well. I can’t recommend it enough!!
This is a story of survival and the will to fight for your family. Although the main characters are fictional, many of the others are not. They are people who actually lived duress this time.
It is such an amazing story written by Mario Escobar. If you liked “The Women” by Kristen Hannah, you’ll love this book as well. I can’t recommend it enough!!
July 9, 2025
Great historical fiction with a bit of nonfiction thrown in. May have to add to my book club for 2026
August 24, 2025
Oli selline naisteka moodi lugu põimitud reaalsetesse ajaloo sündmustesse ja isikutesse. Suht uus teadmine selle aja hispaaniast.
July 30, 2025
Can I smack Barbara? Pretty please.
July 21, 2025
Set in 1933, A Bookseller in Madrid follows Barbara Spiel, a German bibliophile who escapes the rise of Nazism to start a new life—and bookshop—in politically unstable Madrid. As the Spanish Civil War brews, she finds herself caught between clashing ideologies and dangerous factions, from Stalinists to the Gestapo, all while trying to protect the idea that books can change the world.
What Resonated:
• Immersive Setting – The depiction of pre–Civil War Spain is incredibly detailed, offering a crash course in the era’s political unrest. I knew little about the Spanish Civil War going in, so I appreciated the opportunity to learn more.
• A Passionate Protagonist – Barbara’s love of literature and her hope for a better world offer emotional grounding amidst the heavy history.
Where It Fell Flat (for Me):
• Lacking Plot Momentum – At 25%, then 50%, I still felt like I was waiting for the story to begin. While the historical context was rich, it often felt like reading a textbook more than a novel.
• Fact Over Fiction – The book is extremely fact-heavy, especially in the first 90%. That might work for readers seeking a history lesson—but I was expecting more narrative drive.
• Slow Payoff – The last 10% finally delivers emotional stakes and character tension, but by then, it felt a bit too late. I can understand why others may find it fascinating, but personally, I was mostly bored.
Overall Take:
This felt more like historical nonfiction with fictional elements sprinkled in than a true work of historical fiction. If you're deeply interested in Spanish Civil War politics and enjoy dense, fact-forward reading, you might love it. But if you’re looking for a gripping plot or character-driven journey, be prepared for a very slow burn.
Best For:
History buffs, readers curious about 1930s Europe, and those who don’t mind a plot-light, information-rich reading experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the advanced copy. These opinions are entirely my own.
What Resonated:
• Immersive Setting – The depiction of pre–Civil War Spain is incredibly detailed, offering a crash course in the era’s political unrest. I knew little about the Spanish Civil War going in, so I appreciated the opportunity to learn more.
• A Passionate Protagonist – Barbara’s love of literature and her hope for a better world offer emotional grounding amidst the heavy history.
Where It Fell Flat (for Me):
• Lacking Plot Momentum – At 25%, then 50%, I still felt like I was waiting for the story to begin. While the historical context was rich, it often felt like reading a textbook more than a novel.
• Fact Over Fiction – The book is extremely fact-heavy, especially in the first 90%. That might work for readers seeking a history lesson—but I was expecting more narrative drive.
• Slow Payoff – The last 10% finally delivers emotional stakes and character tension, but by then, it felt a bit too late. I can understand why others may find it fascinating, but personally, I was mostly bored.
Overall Take:
This felt more like historical nonfiction with fictional elements sprinkled in than a true work of historical fiction. If you're deeply interested in Spanish Civil War politics and enjoy dense, fact-forward reading, you might love it. But if you’re looking for a gripping plot or character-driven journey, be prepared for a very slow burn.
Best For:
History buffs, readers curious about 1930s Europe, and those who don’t mind a plot-light, information-rich reading experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the advanced copy. These opinions are entirely my own.
September 10, 2025
"A Bookseller in Madrid" is my second novel by Mario Escobar, and like his first, it has deeply resonated with me. The author's distinctive writing style beautifully captures historical context and complex emotions, crafting relatable and multi-dimensional characters.
The story explores the experiences of Jews in Germany and Spain during the Civil War, skillfully blending historical events with personal narratives. Escobar not only recounts facts but also highlights the resilience and courage required to stand up for friendship, justice, and human rights in difficult times.
What I appreciate about Mario Escobar is his ability to tackle significant themes like war, political unrest, and the struggle for survival, while introducing a sense of hope and tolerance. He is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical fiction authors, and I look forward to his future works.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this remarkable novel.
The story explores the experiences of Jews in Germany and Spain during the Civil War, skillfully blending historical events with personal narratives. Escobar not only recounts facts but also highlights the resilience and courage required to stand up for friendship, justice, and human rights in difficult times.
What I appreciate about Mario Escobar is his ability to tackle significant themes like war, political unrest, and the struggle for survival, while introducing a sense of hope and tolerance. He is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical fiction authors, and I look forward to his future works.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this remarkable novel.
June 27, 2025
This book was centered in the 1930's when the Hitler and the Nazi Regime was gaining speed. I usually love this type of book. But this one did not hold my interest very well. 3 stars
Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperMuse for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperMuse for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for an advance copy to review.
Mario Escobar is a respected scholar whose many works, non-fiction and fiction, deal with the major international crises of the 20th century, especially regarding his homeland, Spain. Although fictional, this book is richly steeped in historical fact. It is set in Spain as the Fascist forces led by Francisco Franco and backed by Germany and Italy clash with the ruling Republicans. While the Civil War engulfs the nation, and the many disparate government factions are pitted against each other as much as the fascist enemies, life in Madrid is fraught with tension and chaos. In many ways, Spain was a test case for the Second World War that followed as the 2nd Spanish Republic collapsed.
Much of what Escobar relates is historically-based, and many of the main characters were real people. The on-going suffering of the Spanish people, at the hands of both armies and their many splinters is also sadly true. Although the war is really the subject, the main character in a very large cast is the bookseller of the title, German-born Barbara Spiel. The daughter of a German Socialist leader, the university-educated Barbara dreams of opening a bookstore of the kind that served as an intellectual meeting place for writers and intellectuals as well as readers, open to ideas of all kinds. But the mid 1930s was a terrible time for those who ran this kind of ‘subversive’ bookstore, especially if they were Jews or socialists, or simply not Hitlerites. When she meets and instantly falls in love with a Spanish visitor, Juan Delgado, a young socialist government official, at Berlin’s most important French bookstore, she quickly decides to join him in Spain. Always impetuous, she is jumping out of the proverbial frying pan into the fire.
With family money and connections, especially her mother’s, she sets up her bookstore in the capital, where, along with the city’s writers and sellers, she strives to keep alive the dream of reading as a life-giving and spiritually enhancing force. Her early days in Spain introduce the history of the Protestant church, which has German roots, in the Catholic-dominated nation. Ironically, though a Protestant who is indifferent to religion, Barbara finds a certain sense of home there, for a while supporting herself by teaching English. Later, as Protestants are persecuted by the vehemently anti-Protestant Franco, as well as the Nazis, it is the church’s people who frequently come to her aid. Despite her very busy life, she soon weds Juan and their son is born not long after.
It’s impossible to summarize all the crises Barbara faces throughout these events, many of them putting her, Juan and their son at true risk, all of them undermining their health, family and work. They are often saved by unlikely allies, usually at the last minute. This makes for a very suspenseful plot, especially since friends quickly turn out to be enemies, and enemies sometimes offer sanctuary and salvation.
Barbara is admirable in her refusal to stop fighting for those she loves and respects, and we see how much she grows under adversity. Juan, at times, is impatient with her, preferring to wait, as politicians do, for the right moment—a particularly risky approach considering the circumstances. I found myself annoyed with his brand of socialism more than once, especially since he is often condescending toward her as a mere woman.
Despite the fascinating glimpses into European book culture, especially in Spain, much of the book is about the complicated politics and ideologies of the time. There are so many characters, German, Spanish, English, French, fascist, socialist, that it is a challenge to keep them straight. The last part of the story, the war years, flash by quickly, but that is not surprising since the focus is the Madrid years.
This is a didactic novel—if you knew little about the Spanish Civil War, you will be learn much. If you already have some knowledge, you will be amazed at how much you didn’t know. Lauren Ezzo is an excellent narrator, but I think this book might be easier to follow in written form.
Mario Escobar is a respected scholar whose many works, non-fiction and fiction, deal with the major international crises of the 20th century, especially regarding his homeland, Spain. Although fictional, this book is richly steeped in historical fact. It is set in Spain as the Fascist forces led by Francisco Franco and backed by Germany and Italy clash with the ruling Republicans. While the Civil War engulfs the nation, and the many disparate government factions are pitted against each other as much as the fascist enemies, life in Madrid is fraught with tension and chaos. In many ways, Spain was a test case for the Second World War that followed as the 2nd Spanish Republic collapsed.
Much of what Escobar relates is historically-based, and many of the main characters were real people. The on-going suffering of the Spanish people, at the hands of both armies and their many splinters is also sadly true. Although the war is really the subject, the main character in a very large cast is the bookseller of the title, German-born Barbara Spiel. The daughter of a German Socialist leader, the university-educated Barbara dreams of opening a bookstore of the kind that served as an intellectual meeting place for writers and intellectuals as well as readers, open to ideas of all kinds. But the mid 1930s was a terrible time for those who ran this kind of ‘subversive’ bookstore, especially if they were Jews or socialists, or simply not Hitlerites. When she meets and instantly falls in love with a Spanish visitor, Juan Delgado, a young socialist government official, at Berlin’s most important French bookstore, she quickly decides to join him in Spain. Always impetuous, she is jumping out of the proverbial frying pan into the fire.
With family money and connections, especially her mother’s, she sets up her bookstore in the capital, where, along with the city’s writers and sellers, she strives to keep alive the dream of reading as a life-giving and spiritually enhancing force. Her early days in Spain introduce the history of the Protestant church, which has German roots, in the Catholic-dominated nation. Ironically, though a Protestant who is indifferent to religion, Barbara finds a certain sense of home there, for a while supporting herself by teaching English. Later, as Protestants are persecuted by the vehemently anti-Protestant Franco, as well as the Nazis, it is the church’s people who frequently come to her aid. Despite her very busy life, she soon weds Juan and their son is born not long after.
It’s impossible to summarize all the crises Barbara faces throughout these events, many of them putting her, Juan and their son at true risk, all of them undermining their health, family and work. They are often saved by unlikely allies, usually at the last minute. This makes for a very suspenseful plot, especially since friends quickly turn out to be enemies, and enemies sometimes offer sanctuary and salvation.
Barbara is admirable in her refusal to stop fighting for those she loves and respects, and we see how much she grows under adversity. Juan, at times, is impatient with her, preferring to wait, as politicians do, for the right moment—a particularly risky approach considering the circumstances. I found myself annoyed with his brand of socialism more than once, especially since he is often condescending toward her as a mere woman.
Despite the fascinating glimpses into European book culture, especially in Spain, much of the book is about the complicated politics and ideologies of the time. There are so many characters, German, Spanish, English, French, fascist, socialist, that it is a challenge to keep them straight. The last part of the story, the war years, flash by quickly, but that is not surprising since the focus is the Madrid years.
This is a didactic novel—if you knew little about the Spanish Civil War, you will be learn much. If you already have some knowledge, you will be amazed at how much you didn’t know. Lauren Ezzo is an excellent narrator, but I think this book might be easier to follow in written form.
August 11, 2025
A Bookseller In Madrid by Mario Escobar
Story begins in November 2022 Brooklyn New York when Kerri Young a vibrant editor for a Publishing House in Manhattan, a hunter and gatherer of old books, finds an old book published in 1964 in a nearby trashcan.
This book reveals the life story of a young German Woman named Barbara Spiel who leaves Berlin in the 1930’s, marries her courageous Spaniard husband Juan Delgado and opens a book store in the turbulent city of Madrid.
The story commences in Berlin 1933, Barbara goes into a local French Bookstore ‘La Maison Du Livre’ and meets the owner Francoise Frankel. Francoise is Polish and Jewish. They become life long friends and this is where Barbara also meets Juan.
As hostility begins to grow in Berlin, with Nazi control of the population especially for bookstore owners not to mention the Jewish families in the community, tensions arises forcing many to be hurt, runaway, and shops begin closing.
Barbara leaves Berlin in the hope of returning one day. She travels to Spain to reunite with Juan, meet his family and marries her sweetheart. Things in Spain seem peaceful and easy.
Upon their return from their honeymoon Barbara opens her bookstore called ‘Liberia De Madrid’. Her father arrives in time for the opening ceremony of her book store. All goes to plan and the bookstore opening is a success.
As time passes, Juan who is a member of the Spanish Socialist Workers Party proudly supports his fellow comrades and loves his country. Barbara is concerned for his safety and that of their firstborn son. As tensions arise with Civil unrest, riots and fighting in the streets begin between Spain’s two main government bodies - The Republicans and The National Rebel Parties. Civil War is about to break out in Spain.
Barbara is scared of her future in Spain and for her bookstore. This is mainly because of her husband’s political beliefs as well as her Father’s interest in German affairs. She left one country - in mayhem, hoping for a better life in another and only to see the same difficulties. She has also been approached to become a spy and is reluctant to do so.
Barbara does want to flee another country but knows that if they stay her families lives are in danger. They are no longer safe in Spain…..but where do they go? She can’t go back to Germany, life is just as troublesome there. What will happen to their future? Will they survive and live to see the future?
This is a story about the Spanish Civil War that then lead Europe into World War II. It’s about politics in war, unrest, conflict, imprisonment, courage, strength and bravery. It tells a story of how both men and women are treated and affected in times of war and the will to survive is stronger than anything.
I appreciate receiving a copy of the book from NetGalley, the publishers Harper Muse and the Author Mario Escobar. This is my honest review of his book. It is also his first that I have read and certainly won’t be my last. 4 out of 5 stars.
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