Vedette

by Stephen Siciliano

Born to a Gothic social order, branded a haunter of men's dreams, Vedette is traumatized when her small town in the magical wetlands of southern Spain's Guadalquivir River is overrun by hashish-smoking anarchists promising free love and a life without sadness to those who would follow them. Entranced by their flamenco music, their philosophy of revenge, and the concrete ability to deliver political results, the young woman joins a movement destined to annihilation and becomes its sole survivor, burdened with the task of keeping its memory and project for a better world alive through conversations with their flamenco shadows.

Transcending political viewpoints, Mr. Siciliano opens a new chapter in the understanding of the Spanish Civil War, opting for a literary interpretation that looks beyond right and wrong to more universal lessons only the passage of decades and the healing effects of time can reveal.

ebook

First published April 4, 2004

About the author

Stephen Siciliano is a writer living in Los Angeles. He is a professional reporter of some 35 years experience. His novels include "Vedette or Conversations with the Flamenco Shadows," and "The Sidewalk Smokers Club." He blogs on politics, poetry and prose at highwayscribery.