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Wandering Skies #2
Under the Spanish Stars
Charlotte Kavanagh’s beloved grandma Katarina Sanchez is gravely ill, so when she begs Charlotte to travel to her homeland in Andalucía to uncover the truth behind a mysterious painting, Charlotte agrees. Taking leave from her soul-destroying job and stalled life in Australia, Charlotte embarks on a quest through Granada’s ancient cobble-stoned streets and vibrant neighbourhoods. There she meets Mateo Vives, a flamenco guitarist with a dark past, and through him she quickly becomes entangled in the world of flamenco and gypsies that ignites a passion she had thought lost.
But the mystery surrounding the painting deepens, reaching back in time to the war-torn Spain of the 1940s and Charlotte discovers her grandmother’s connection to the Spanish underground. Who is her grandmother, really? What is Mateo’s connection to her family history? And why is finding answers to a family mystery turning into a journey of self-discovery for Charlotte?
Weighed down by secrets, betrayals and shattered relationships, Charlotte finds herself questioning the true meaning of heritage, family and love.
But the mystery surrounding the painting deepens, reaching back in time to the war-torn Spain of the 1940s and Charlotte discovers her grandmother’s connection to the Spanish underground. Who is her grandmother, really? What is Mateo’s connection to her family history? And why is finding answers to a family mystery turning into a journey of self-discovery for Charlotte?
Weighed down by secrets, betrayals and shattered relationships, Charlotte finds herself questioning the true meaning of heritage, family and love.
352 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2016
9 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Alli Sinclair
10 books221 followersAlli Sinclair is an Australian multi-award winning author published who has lived in Argentina, Peru, and Canada. She’s climbed some of the world’s highest mountains and worked as a tour guide in South and Central America. Australia has always been close to Alli’s heart as she loves the diverse landscapes and the rich multicultural heritage of this wonderful land.
Alli’s books explore history, culture, love and grief, and relationships between family, friends and lovers. She captures the romance and thrill of discovering old and new worlds and loves taking readers on a journey of discovery. When not writing novels, Alli works as a producer and screenwriter for TV and cinema.
Alli’s books explore history, culture, love and grief, and relationships between family, friends and lovers. She captures the romance and thrill of discovering old and new worlds and loves taking readers on a journey of discovery. When not writing novels, Alli works as a producer and screenwriter for TV and cinema.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 1, 2019
I just loved this novel! It has everything you want in a book, mystery, enchanting setting, handsome stranger!
We have workaholic Charlotte travelling to Spain for her ailing grandmother to look into a painting that was given to her by her father. The painting was unsigned and her gran really wants to solve the mystery of it before she passes. In Spain Charlotte receives help from dashing guitarist Mateo, who introduces to the world of gypsies and flamenco. As the search for the answers to the mystery painting are revealed, Charlotte starts to uncover secrets from her grandmothers past, and ends up finding much more than she bargained for!
This book had me hooked from the start, staying up late into the night to finish it. Charlotte is a refreshing heroine, it was lovely to see the transformation as she realises her life could be so much richer, and I have a bit of a crush on Mateo. Though not my usual genre I'll definitely be reading more of Alli Sinclair's books. Highly recommended.
We have workaholic Charlotte travelling to Spain for her ailing grandmother to look into a painting that was given to her by her father. The painting was unsigned and her gran really wants to solve the mystery of it before she passes. In Spain Charlotte receives help from dashing guitarist Mateo, who introduces to the world of gypsies and flamenco. As the search for the answers to the mystery painting are revealed, Charlotte starts to uncover secrets from her grandmothers past, and ends up finding much more than she bargained for!
This book had me hooked from the start, staying up late into the night to finish it. Charlotte is a refreshing heroine, it was lovely to see the transformation as she realises her life could be so much richer, and I have a bit of a crush on Mateo. Though not my usual genre I'll definitely be reading more of Alli Sinclair's books. Highly recommended.
February 26, 2019
Charlotte Kavanagh’s Abuela, her grandmother, Katarina Sanchez was desperately ill after a heart attack. Safely tucked away in a hospital in Melbourne, with her brother Steve, and parents keeping an eye on her, Charlotte had travelled to Granada, Spain in search of answers for Abuela. Katarina had been a flamenco dancer in Spain, one of the very best in the 1940s. She had been given a painting by her father before he died, and Abuela was finally in need of answers to all she’d held inside over the years.
Charlotte’s quest took her to a bar in an old part of Granada, where the streets were cobbled and the people full of life. Here she met Mateo Vives who was a flamenco guitarist and connected to the gitana clan whom she sought. As Charlotte learned about Abuela’s past; her life in war torn Spain when Franco ruled; she also discovered connections to the underground. And it seemed Mateo was also tied in to the mystery in some way.
Would Charlotte find what Abuela needed to know? Her discoveries about her grandmother were astounding to her. But it also pointed to Charlotte’s unhappiness with the way her life in Australia was heading…
Under the Spanish Stars by Aussie author Alli Sinclair was astounding, fascinating and wonderful! I was thoroughly involved in the story; both aspects – in the 1940s and the current day – were perfectly executed. The flamenco dancing, the flamenco guitar, achieving duende, the Spanish countryside – all captured my interested and kept me enthralled until the final words. Highly recommended.
Charlotte’s quest took her to a bar in an old part of Granada, where the streets were cobbled and the people full of life. Here she met Mateo Vives who was a flamenco guitarist and connected to the gitana clan whom she sought. As Charlotte learned about Abuela’s past; her life in war torn Spain when Franco ruled; she also discovered connections to the underground. And it seemed Mateo was also tied in to the mystery in some way.
Would Charlotte find what Abuela needed to know? Her discoveries about her grandmother were astounding to her. But it also pointed to Charlotte’s unhappiness with the way her life in Australia was heading…
Under the Spanish Stars by Aussie author Alli Sinclair was astounding, fascinating and wonderful! I was thoroughly involved in the story; both aspects – in the 1940s and the current day – were perfectly executed. The flamenco dancing, the flamenco guitar, achieving duende, the Spanish countryside – all captured my interested and kept me enthralled until the final words. Highly recommended.
January 10, 2019
I am a bit conflicted by this book. The first half first felt a little like Strictly Ballroom with all of the flamenco references and Spanish sprinkled in. I think it would have benefited from more exposition about the dancing, but I managed to get along. The second half sadly, fell into the usual romance tropes and felt a little stilted at times, moving things along for the sake of plot. The resolution was a little short for my taste.
July 26, 2017
This was a lovely story although at times the characters and situations seemed a bit one dimensional.
February 23, 2016
I love Australian Authors. I love romance novels. I love all kinds of dancing. I love sexy guys with sexy accents. If you love these too, then grab yourself one of Alli's novels and swoon along with me.
I've devoured everything Alli has written, including her short stories. I adored them all, but this is my favorite so far. I found the story emotionally engaging, bringing both smiles and tears to my eyes. Blending contemporary romance with historical tragedy and throwing in a bit of mystery, Alli had me turning pages to the bittersweet end.
There is a free prequel available. It is not vital to read the short story, but it sets the scene beautifully and adds another layer to the story. I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've devoured everything Alli has written, including her short stories. I adored them all, but this is my favorite so far. I found the story emotionally engaging, bringing both smiles and tears to my eyes. Blending contemporary romance with historical tragedy and throwing in a bit of mystery, Alli had me turning pages to the bittersweet end.
There is a free prequel available. It is not vital to read the short story, but it sets the scene beautifully and adds another layer to the story. I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2016
Alli Sinclair is a well traveled Australian author whose international adventures and love of dance inspire her story-telling, which is something that shines through in Under The Spanish Stars.
Katarina Sanchez has recently had a heart attack which causes her to take stock of her life and she decides the time is right to track down the origins of a mysterious painting given to her by her father. She is not well enough to undertake the journey herself so tasks her grand-daughter Charlotte with the mission. Sitting back now and pondering the story I wonder if there was more to it right from the beginning. Katarina and Charlotte are described by the family as being two peas in a pod, it has always been Charlotte who understands her Abuela Katarina the best.
Charlotte takes leave from her position in the family business, which she has little love for, and sets off for Granada – the homeland Abuela refuses to speak of. There were a few unexpected twists in this one that I don’t want to ruin for anyone, and a few that were fairly predictable; and one which has left me still with questions.
Katarina has been gone from Spain for decades and refuses to talk of her time there so none of her family are quite sure what happened to bring her to Australia which means this fact gathering mission could be quite the eye opener for the whole family.
The narrative is written in alternating chapters with Charlotte’s travels in the present and Katarina’s life in 1944. Both timelines are written in the third person which makes it very easy to follow. Sinclair has a poetic way with words that brings the landscape to life and evokes the artistic passion felt by the characters in the story.
We learn, through Charlotte’s travels, of her early artistic dreams to be a painter which were quashed by self-doubt and a less than resounding first exhibition. She gave up the dream to pursue a career in the family business as a risk assessor which has taken over every aspect of her life. Granada ignites the passion in her once more but she is determined to stick with the safe path.
Read more: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
Katarina Sanchez has recently had a heart attack which causes her to take stock of her life and she decides the time is right to track down the origins of a mysterious painting given to her by her father. She is not well enough to undertake the journey herself so tasks her grand-daughter Charlotte with the mission. Sitting back now and pondering the story I wonder if there was more to it right from the beginning. Katarina and Charlotte are described by the family as being two peas in a pod, it has always been Charlotte who understands her Abuela Katarina the best.
Charlotte takes leave from her position in the family business, which she has little love for, and sets off for Granada – the homeland Abuela refuses to speak of. There were a few unexpected twists in this one that I don’t want to ruin for anyone, and a few that were fairly predictable; and one which has left me still with questions.
Katarina has been gone from Spain for decades and refuses to talk of her time there so none of her family are quite sure what happened to bring her to Australia which means this fact gathering mission could be quite the eye opener for the whole family.
The narrative is written in alternating chapters with Charlotte’s travels in the present and Katarina’s life in 1944. Both timelines are written in the third person which makes it very easy to follow. Sinclair has a poetic way with words that brings the landscape to life and evokes the artistic passion felt by the characters in the story.
We learn, through Charlotte’s travels, of her early artistic dreams to be a painter which were quashed by self-doubt and a less than resounding first exhibition. She gave up the dream to pursue a career in the family business as a risk assessor which has taken over every aspect of her life. Granada ignites the passion in her once more but she is determined to stick with the safe path.
Read more: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
February 12, 2021
I was having a very cranky day so I decided to turn to a much loved author. A romantic historical fiction featuring dance?! YES, please! Soon as hubby got the kids up for their bedtime routine, I sat & read and didn't stop 'til way past midnight. I feel so much better...
The protagonist, Charlotte Kavanagh, was charged by her abuela (grandmother) to uncover the mystery of a painting she had inherited from her father. Despite all Charlotte's misgivings, she left her abuela recovering at the hospital and went to Spain. What she discovers, however, was not just family secrets but also her true self which she had buried deep a long time ago.
Under The Spanish Stars is a time-slip novel where readers mostly hear of Charlotte's journey in the present and also given snippets of the past, of Katarina's (Charlotte's abuela) journey that led her to Australia. A beautiful warm-hearted comfort-read tale which was a balm.
The protagonist, Charlotte Kavanagh, was charged by her abuela (grandmother) to uncover the mystery of a painting she had inherited from her father. Despite all Charlotte's misgivings, she left her abuela recovering at the hospital and went to Spain. What she discovers, however, was not just family secrets but also her true self which she had buried deep a long time ago.
Under The Spanish Stars is a time-slip novel where readers mostly hear of Charlotte's journey in the present and also given snippets of the past, of Katarina's (Charlotte's abuela) journey that led her to Australia. A beautiful warm-hearted comfort-read tale which was a balm.
September 14, 2020
The first time I’ve read a book from this author.
This book was a good easy read with a great storyline incorporating history.
It kept me wanting to read the next chapter so quite engaging.
This book was a good easy read with a great storyline incorporating history.
It kept me wanting to read the next chapter so quite engaging.
December 6, 2016
I really enjoyed this historical romance set in the glorious, colourful surroundings of Granada, Spain. The story is written in two time frames: the present day and travelling back to 1936 to a very turbulent time in Spain.
Charlotte Kavanagh and her family live in Australia. Charlotte is very close to her Grandmother, Katarina. Katarina is of Spanish origin and she lived there till the political climate in Spain proved too difficult for her and her friends. Katarina (Charlotte’s Abuela) is very ill in hospital, she has asked for the help of her granddaughter, Charlotte, to go on a mission to find the origins of the artist who painted the painting given to the young Katarina by her father. Charlotte is also hoping to discover more about her Abuela’s history in Spain which Katarina has kept secret all this time.
Charlotte sets out on the mystery tour across half the world to Granada with little more than the painting for clues. Charlotte doesn’t expect this journey to include experiences and discoveries for her own destiny.
The author, Alli Sinclair, takes us on two very well choreographed journeys: one with Charlotte discovering facts and unearthing secrets about her Abuela and her own heritage. The second journey starts back in 1936 with a young Katarina secretly taking flamenco lessons away from the watchful eye of her mother. As the years went by in Spain political unrest grew and some forms of flamenco dancing were frowned on by the tyrant Franco and his henchmen. Life took on a dangerous turn for Katarina which left her and her loved ones in fear of their lives.
This is the first book I’ve read by Alli Sinclair and her words drew me in to the love of flamenco and to a country so vivid with it’s colours, rhythmic sounds and glorious foods. I could feel the love the people felt for this dance and their own culture and heritage. The heat of the dance intensified with Alli’s descriptive words. Going back to the time of the unrest for young Katarina was exciting and dramatic. The young people of Spain were in fear of their lives and their beliefs were questioned.
Alli Sinclair took me on many journeys with this story: there was heat, drama, fear, love, family, culture. A beautiful love story that time and conflict could never erase. 5/5*
Charlotte Kavanagh and her family live in Australia. Charlotte is very close to her Grandmother, Katarina. Katarina is of Spanish origin and she lived there till the political climate in Spain proved too difficult for her and her friends. Katarina (Charlotte’s Abuela) is very ill in hospital, she has asked for the help of her granddaughter, Charlotte, to go on a mission to find the origins of the artist who painted the painting given to the young Katarina by her father. Charlotte is also hoping to discover more about her Abuela’s history in Spain which Katarina has kept secret all this time.
Charlotte sets out on the mystery tour across half the world to Granada with little more than the painting for clues. Charlotte doesn’t expect this journey to include experiences and discoveries for her own destiny.
The author, Alli Sinclair, takes us on two very well choreographed journeys: one with Charlotte discovering facts and unearthing secrets about her Abuela and her own heritage. The second journey starts back in 1936 with a young Katarina secretly taking flamenco lessons away from the watchful eye of her mother. As the years went by in Spain political unrest grew and some forms of flamenco dancing were frowned on by the tyrant Franco and his henchmen. Life took on a dangerous turn for Katarina which left her and her loved ones in fear of their lives.
This is the first book I’ve read by Alli Sinclair and her words drew me in to the love of flamenco and to a country so vivid with it’s colours, rhythmic sounds and glorious foods. I could feel the love the people felt for this dance and their own culture and heritage. The heat of the dance intensified with Alli’s descriptive words. Going back to the time of the unrest for young Katarina was exciting and dramatic. The young people of Spain were in fear of their lives and their beliefs were questioned.
Alli Sinclair took me on many journeys with this story: there was heat, drama, fear, love, family, culture. A beautiful love story that time and conflict could never erase. 5/5*
March 30, 2016
It must be said that Alli Sinclair is a story-teller. There is simply something truly engaging in Sinclair’s stories and most particularly in the way in which she delivers them.
Under The Spanish Stars is a novel shrouded in mystery and intrigue that tells the story of several generations of the Sanchez/Kavanagh family. Charlotte Kavanagh is on a fact-finding mission to uncover the truth of her grandmother, Katarina Sanchez’s past in Spain, a homeland that Katarina refuses to speak of. It is while searching for clues as to her grandmother’s past that Charlotte is faced with confronting her own past and the obstacles that she’s allowing to hold her back from the life she wants to live.
Sinclair’s writing has an almost rhythmic lilt that is both engaging (and from a practical perspective offers solid pacing for the story) and gives depth and character to what is already a culturally rich storyline. There are times where the prose itself serves as much purpose as the story, characters, and setting. That is something that I immensely enjoyed about this novel.
A story that will keep you hooked from the first page to the very last word, Under the Spanish Stars is a must-read for 2016.
Under The Spanish Stars is a novel shrouded in mystery and intrigue that tells the story of several generations of the Sanchez/Kavanagh family. Charlotte Kavanagh is on a fact-finding mission to uncover the truth of her grandmother, Katarina Sanchez’s past in Spain, a homeland that Katarina refuses to speak of. It is while searching for clues as to her grandmother’s past that Charlotte is faced with confronting her own past and the obstacles that she’s allowing to hold her back from the life she wants to live.
Sinclair’s writing has an almost rhythmic lilt that is both engaging (and from a practical perspective offers solid pacing for the story) and gives depth and character to what is already a culturally rich storyline. There are times where the prose itself serves as much purpose as the story, characters, and setting. That is something that I immensely enjoyed about this novel.
A story that will keep you hooked from the first page to the very last word, Under the Spanish Stars is a must-read for 2016.
January 11, 2016
Review to come....but it's safe to say I loved it!!
Read
March 3, 2020I listened to the Audiobook of ‘Under Spanish Stars’ by Alli Sinclair and narrated by Justine Eyre. This is a story that will span three generations as well as across the world from 1945 to the present time. A granddaughter will travel to the other side of the world to help her grandmother find out about a painting. As her Grandmother recovers from a broken hip and heart problems. I have never been to Spain but after listening to the wonderful words of Alli Sinclair I fell as I have as the author‘ description and the narrator's presentation made the story come to life.
Katarina Sanchez has kept her past life in Spain a secret for most of her life but now in her nineties and is hospital she wants a few answers to her past. Her past was full of passion, danger, loss, love, heartache and tragedy.
Charlotte Kavanagh travels to Granada where she starts her search and meets Mateo Vives, a flamenco guitarist who may just be able to help her find what she needs. Charlotte may find more than she ever planned to find as she seeks the answers for her beloved Grandmother from flamenco dancing, history of the Spanish Civil War 1939, the history of her Spanish gitano families, rediscovers her love of painting, love, a mystery, passion and family.
I very much enjoyed this audiobook as the story devolved and the characters set about their journey brought the world or Spain to me without leaving my safe little world. I had a bit of an issue with the Matões voice it sounded like an older male person, not a young sexy young man, so it was harder to connect with him for quite some time during the first half of the reading. Justine Eyre did a great job with the Australian and Spanish accents to give us the full effect of the author's story to us.
A drama full story of two women from the same family, one living her past and the other just starting her future, where they soon find they have many common traits in common with each other along the way.
Katarina Sanchez has kept her past life in Spain a secret for most of her life but now in her nineties and is hospital she wants a few answers to her past. Her past was full of passion, danger, loss, love, heartache and tragedy.
Charlotte Kavanagh travels to Granada where she starts her search and meets Mateo Vives, a flamenco guitarist who may just be able to help her find what she needs. Charlotte may find more than she ever planned to find as she seeks the answers for her beloved Grandmother from flamenco dancing, history of the Spanish Civil War 1939, the history of her Spanish gitano families, rediscovers her love of painting, love, a mystery, passion and family.
I very much enjoyed this audiobook as the story devolved and the characters set about their journey brought the world or Spain to me without leaving my safe little world. I had a bit of an issue with the Matões voice it sounded like an older male person, not a young sexy young man, so it was harder to connect with him for quite some time during the first half of the reading. Justine Eyre did a great job with the Australian and Spanish accents to give us the full effect of the author's story to us.
A drama full story of two women from the same family, one living her past and the other just starting her future, where they soon find they have many common traits in common with each other along the way.
December 7, 2016
Every now and again I find myself wanting to read a novel that allows me to escape from everything and immerse myself in a world of pure fiction. Under the Spanish Stars is such a novel.
When Charlotte Kavanagh finds herself in Granada, Spain, the last thing on her mind is handsome men. She has been sent to Granada on a mission by her dying Grandmother to discover her true heritage.
And then Mateo Vives turns up.
He is quite literally a Spanish dream come true, and Charlotte cannot resist falling for his many charms. Particularly when he so keen to help her.
But the time comes when she must leave again for Australia. Charlotte is torn, can she really leave Mateo behind? Because she really needs to see her Grandmother before her passing.
Charlotte's Grandmother has no intention of going anywhere though and is eager to know what Charlotte may have discovered...
Under the Spanish Stars is a wonderful novel that really showcases the passion of Flamenco, the beauty of Love and the fragility of family ties.
When Charlotte Kavanagh finds herself in Granada, Spain, the last thing on her mind is handsome men. She has been sent to Granada on a mission by her dying Grandmother to discover her true heritage.
And then Mateo Vives turns up.
He is quite literally a Spanish dream come true, and Charlotte cannot resist falling for his many charms. Particularly when he so keen to help her.
But the time comes when she must leave again for Australia. Charlotte is torn, can she really leave Mateo behind? Because she really needs to see her Grandmother before her passing.
Charlotte's Grandmother has no intention of going anywhere though and is eager to know what Charlotte may have discovered...
Under the Spanish Stars is a wonderful novel that really showcases the passion of Flamenco, the beauty of Love and the fragility of family ties.
June 8, 2017
'Under Spanish Stars' by Alli Sinclair had strong plot that lifts this one above the usual romance-in-a-foreign-country stories. It appears that Sinclair has adopted a specific genre (her previous novel 'Luna Tango' was set in Argentina and we learnt about the tango while uncovering a family mystery). This one travels the same route except it is set in Granada, Spain and we learn all about flamenco dancing while uncovering a family mystery. But the writing is beguiling and the mystery pulls you in. The romance seems realistic (if having a devastatingly handsome and charming Spaniard who is a magnificent guitarist fall for you is realistic). And the family mystery is bittersweet, adding to the book's charm. However, once again I have to complain about publishers putting photographs of characters on the cover. I would rather their image be in my imagination. I wonder if other people feel as I do?
February 1, 2018
Young Melbourne woman, Charlotte, returns to Granada, at the behest of her beloved grandmother who is secretive about her early life in Spain and has always refused to discuss it. Now that she is very ill, her grandmother asks Charlotte to discover the origins of a painting, one of the few links with her Spanish heritage that she has kept. In alternate chapters, the readers are transported back to Spain during the tyranny of Franco’s regime and into the world of flamenco dancing. In the present day, a whole new world opens up for Charlotte in Spain and she realises how unhappy she is with her corporate career. She also unearths many answers about her grandmother’s previous life. An enjoyable dual storyline; a very light romance with a big dose of the Mills and Boon. Perfect for holiday reading.
May 3, 2018
Another 'good read'much like Luna Tango'in theme...a mystery of family influenes fron Spain through lost time, love and flamenco roots, via Australianisation.
Lightly romantic, full of passion for the subject-matter and easily drawing in any reader with a mind to enjoy the national flavours laid out on the platter of this novel.
Bringing together an insight of the end of the Spanish Civil War 1939, and the long term mystery for a young woman who the matures a d lives a new and different life in Australia.
All to be uncovered by a thread which draws together her past into the future of her Grand-daughter, as she in turn begins a love affair with ancient arts in modern Spain
Perhaps even more deeply if any portion of the human interest or musical-dance aspects of flameno music of Spain holds allure.
Most enjoyable.
Lightly romantic, full of passion for the subject-matter and easily drawing in any reader with a mind to enjoy the national flavours laid out on the platter of this novel.
Bringing together an insight of the end of the Spanish Civil War 1939, and the long term mystery for a young woman who the matures a d lives a new and different life in Australia.
All to be uncovered by a thread which draws together her past into the future of her Grand-daughter, as she in turn begins a love affair with ancient arts in modern Spain
Perhaps even more deeply if any portion of the human interest or musical-dance aspects of flameno music of Spain holds allure.
Most enjoyable.
December 8, 2017
Having loved Beneath Parisian Skies, which I received courtesy of Beauty and Lace, I was interested in another Wandering Skies book and I definitely wasn't disappointed. Alli Sinclair's characters really come alive and you relate to them. I absolutely love the way she gives so much detail about the city, as in Paris and the country, in Spain. I also loved the way she wove something a little unusual into the stories - this time flamenco dancing. The free prequels are a brilliant way into the novels. The writing is wonderfully easy to read as it flows and engages the reader. Nothing is trivialised and altogether it's a brilliant read that I have no hesitation in giving my highest recommendation for.
June 27, 2022
„Die spanische Tänzerin“ ist ein Roman über 450
Seiten. Trotz Schule hab ich es geschafft das Buch in
einem Tag zu lesen was schon für sich spricht. Alli
Sinclair erzählt dabei die Geschichten von Katarina
(um 1944) und ihrer Enkelin Charlotte (2016).
Charlotte reist nach Spanien um dabei mehr über ein
Gemälde ihrer Großmutter zu erfahren. Dabei lernt sie
auch mehr über deren Geschichte, als diese dort unter
der Diktatur Francos gelebt hat.
Im Endeffekt geht es sowohl in der Geschichte von Charlotte als auch in der von Katarina darum, ob sie für ihre große Liebe kämpfen können auch wenn die Umstände es ihnen erschweren (Bei der Großmutter wäre dies die
Herrschaft Francos da sie und ihr Freund im
Widerstand sind - Bei der Enkelin allein schon die
Enfernung von Australien nach Spanien).
Die gesamteGeschichte ist auf jeden Fall sehr komplex. Spannung pur. Definitiv eines meiner neuen Lieblingsbücher.
Seiten. Trotz Schule hab ich es geschafft das Buch in
einem Tag zu lesen was schon für sich spricht. Alli
Sinclair erzählt dabei die Geschichten von Katarina
(um 1944) und ihrer Enkelin Charlotte (2016).
Charlotte reist nach Spanien um dabei mehr über ein
Gemälde ihrer Großmutter zu erfahren. Dabei lernt sie
auch mehr über deren Geschichte, als diese dort unter
der Diktatur Francos gelebt hat.
Im Endeffekt geht es sowohl in der Geschichte von Charlotte als auch in der von Katarina darum, ob sie für ihre große Liebe kämpfen können auch wenn die Umstände es ihnen erschweren (Bei der Großmutter wäre dies die
Herrschaft Francos da sie und ihr Freund im
Widerstand sind - Bei der Enkelin allein schon die
Enfernung von Australien nach Spanien).
Die gesamteGeschichte ist auf jeden Fall sehr komplex. Spannung pur. Definitiv eines meiner neuen Lieblingsbücher.
April 26, 2020
Once again, Ms Sinclair has written a story rich with evocative images and dashing foreign heroes. Australian heroine Charlotte is sent to her grandmother's homeland of Andalucia to uncover the truth behind a mysterious painting. On her journey to uncover her grandmother's past, she also learns more about herself and what she really wants out of life. Both the quest and her inner journey are helped along by sexy flamenco guitarist, Mateo. (*sigh*)
Filled with history, culture and food, this is a highly recommended read that both teaches and entertains.
Filled with history, culture and food, this is a highly recommended read that both teaches and entertains.
June 22, 2017
Follow your heart
A great story, following two timelines, grandma and granddaughter learn about passion, love and following their heart. As Charlotte searches for answers about her grandma's past, we also learn about this past side by side with Charlotte uncovering the secrets of the past and finding her own future. I loved learning about Spanish history and the flamenco dancing and music, I could imagine it all as if I were there and part of it.
A great story, following two timelines, grandma and granddaughter learn about passion, love and following their heart. As Charlotte searches for answers about her grandma's past, we also learn about this past side by side with Charlotte uncovering the secrets of the past and finding her own future. I loved learning about Spanish history and the flamenco dancing and music, I could imagine it all as if I were there and part of it.
September 19, 2017
This was a lovely romantic story set in two storylines; the present day and the Spanish Civil War. The dual storylines worked well together and contained a good mix of history, romance, travel and mystery. I think this story was so enjoyable because I read Golden earrings by Belinda Alexander earlier in the year which covered the same topics and hence they and the Spanish terminiology were familiar.
August 19, 2021
I enjoyed most of the book. The clemency dancing music etc I found really interesting. What put me off a bit was the romance and all a little contrived trying to make something fit a story where perhaps the romance could've been pushed along. To arrive back In Australia then returning to Spain just far fetched. I did like the way the author dealt with family over what family want us to do to what you would like to do yourself.
November 6, 2024
DNF this book. I can't give you one single reason, but I just got bored everytime I started it. Maybe I just didn't care about the subject (flamenco dancing) or the back and forth timeline.
When I stopped for the third time, I just decided that I had better books to read that I was more interested in.
When I stopped for the third time, I just decided that I had better books to read that I was more interested in.
February 8, 2021
Spellbinding
Beautifully written. I was totally drawn into the beautiful storyline that flowed back and forth between the two generations of grandmother and granddaughter. Compelling reading.
Beautifully written. I was totally drawn into the beautiful storyline that flowed back and forth between the two generations of grandmother and granddaughter. Compelling reading.
November 30, 2018
I loved the story of Charlotte and her grandma. They have a great bond.
I also could help but get a little teary eyed at the end of the novel. Sad but beautiful.
I also could help but get a little teary eyed at the end of the novel. Sad but beautiful.
January 1, 2019
Looked this book, took me back to Spain and now I want to visit again!
June 13, 2022
Ok! Romantic novel. Nice enough story!
July 23, 2022
Just 3 stars. If I could have done 2.5 I would have. The book takes a while to get interesting and it had just enough to keep me reading until the end.
August 27, 2022
Enjoyed this enormously! I couldn't put it down!
January 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, and not just because I love Spain - Andalusia in particular - and because I'm a huge flamenco fan.
And sure, this book is a romance and yes, we're cheering for each of our heroines to find the courage to create a better life for themselves, but this book is more than all of this.
The earlier part of the story is set in Franco's Spain, and I loved the way the author has been so thorough with her research of the era and the threat it posed to her characters who take enormous risks to help others, and to survive.
I also loved all the information about flamenco music which Sinclair wove neatly and naturally through the story. It doesn't feel forced. I really enjoyed learning more about the styles and origins of various forms of flamenco music, each with their complicated rhythms. In particular I loved how we observe that it's the flamenco dancer who cues the guitarist, and not the other way round.
I've been to Granada and the Alhambra and absolutely loved it, so another large part of this novel's appeal is the author's descriptions of these places - Sacromonte in particular. It was such a happy opportunity to revisit these places, in the company of the Australian and Spanish characters Sinclair has created. Very nicely done and a highly recommended read.
And sure, this book is a romance and yes, we're cheering for each of our heroines to find the courage to create a better life for themselves, but this book is more than all of this.
The earlier part of the story is set in Franco's Spain, and I loved the way the author has been so thorough with her research of the era and the threat it posed to her characters who take enormous risks to help others, and to survive.
I also loved all the information about flamenco music which Sinclair wove neatly and naturally through the story. It doesn't feel forced. I really enjoyed learning more about the styles and origins of various forms of flamenco music, each with their complicated rhythms. In particular I loved how we observe that it's the flamenco dancer who cues the guitarist, and not the other way round.
I've been to Granada and the Alhambra and absolutely loved it, so another large part of this novel's appeal is the author's descriptions of these places - Sacromonte in particular. It was such a happy opportunity to revisit these places, in the company of the Australian and Spanish characters Sinclair has created. Very nicely done and a highly recommended read.
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