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Remember Me
Amid the shadows of war, one family faces an impossible choice that will change their lives forever. From bestseller Mario Escobar comes a 20th-century historical novel of sacrifice and resilience inspired by Spain’s famed Children of Morelia and the true events that shaped their lives.
Madrid, 1934. Though the Spanish Civil War has not yet begun, the streets of Madrid have become dangerous for thirteen-year-old Marco Alcalde and his two younger sisters. Marco’s parents align themselves against the new fascist regime, unaware that their choice will endanger the entire family—nor do they predict the violence that is to come.
In a desperate bid for safety, the Alcaldes join many other Spanish families in making an impossible choice to send their unaccompanied children across the ocean to the city of Morelia, Mexico—a place they’ve never seen or imagined, but whose government promises their children protection. Young Marco promises to look after his sisters in Mexico until their family can be reunited in Spain, but a harrowing journey ensues.
As the growing children work to care for themselves and each other, they feel their sense of home, family, and identity slipping further and further away. As their memories of Spain fade, they begin to wonder if they will ever see their parents again or the glittering streets of the home they once loved.
Based upon the true stories of the Children of Morelia, Mario Escobar’s Remember Me—now available for the first time in English—paints a poignant portrait of an immigrant family’s sacrificial love and endurance, detailing just how far we go for those we love.
Madrid, 1934. Though the Spanish Civil War has not yet begun, the streets of Madrid have become dangerous for thirteen-year-old Marco Alcalde and his two younger sisters. Marco’s parents align themselves against the new fascist regime, unaware that their choice will endanger the entire family—nor do they predict the violence that is to come.
In a desperate bid for safety, the Alcaldes join many other Spanish families in making an impossible choice to send their unaccompanied children across the ocean to the city of Morelia, Mexico—a place they’ve never seen or imagined, but whose government promises their children protection. Young Marco promises to look after his sisters in Mexico until their family can be reunited in Spain, but a harrowing journey ensues.
As the growing children work to care for themselves and each other, they feel their sense of home, family, and identity slipping further and further away. As their memories of Spain fade, they begin to wonder if they will ever see their parents again or the glittering streets of the home they once loved.
Based upon the true stories of the Children of Morelia, Mario Escobar’s Remember Me—now available for the first time in English—paints a poignant portrait of an immigrant family’s sacrificial love and endurance, detailing just how far we go for those we love.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2019
638 people are currently reading
5855 people want to read
About the author
Mario Escobar
294 books1,313 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 337 reviews
June 6, 2024
This is a Historical Fiction that is about the Spanish Civil War. I found this book very hard to get into. It took me the first 25% to really get into the book, but after that I really enjoyed the characters. There was parts of the book that I really enjoyed reading about, but there where parts that I found very boring. I think that the pace of the book was off. I like my historical fiction books to be hard-hitting, and this book I do not think was that. I felt some events was not really explain that much, but there where some that was. I have to say that there is some hard to read events in this book, so if things bothers you when you read them please look into the events in this book before reading this book. Overall, I felt this book was good, and I liked it. I do think some people will love it. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Thomas Nelson) or author (Mario Escobar) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
October 20, 2020
In 1937, the Mexican government offered 500 Spanish children a chance to leave their homeland and live in Mexico and they were called the children of Morelia. Can you imagine having to make the decision to send your children to another country, desperately hoping they will be safe and you can’t go with them! The Alcalde family did this because it was far too dangerous for Marco, Isabel and Ana to live in Madrid due to their parents not supporting the fascist regime and their father being noticed by the authorities. The Spanish Civil War lasted from 1936 to 1939 it was one of the most violent wars of the twentieth century and it ended only a few months before WW II started.
Marco Alcalde was thirteen when he left Madrid with his younger sisters Isabel and Ana, after a difficult journey by ship the three children arrive in Mexico and they receive a warm welcome. The children send their parents a letter to say they had arrived safely and they had to wait months for a reply. The Alcalde family plan on eventually being reunited and as time goes on the chances of them being together seems rather unlikely.
Marco promised his parents he would look after his sisters; this was a large burden for a teenage boy to carry and especially as his pretty sister’s start to grow up. As time goes on the children’s links to Spain lessen, the girls struggle to remember their parents, the news from Spain is grim and will the children ever see their mother and father again? What the Alcalde children missed the most from their parents was affection, a kiss goodnight, a hug, and the love and security only they could give.
Based on true facts about the children of Morelia, Mario Escobar writes a story that’s very emotional to read and it pays a lasting tribute to the brave children and their families. Thanks to NetGalley and Edelweiss for my copy of Remember Me, I gave it four stars and I’m a huge fan of Mario’s book Auschwitz Lullaby and I encourage everyone to read it.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Marco Alcalde was thirteen when he left Madrid with his younger sisters Isabel and Ana, after a difficult journey by ship the three children arrive in Mexico and they receive a warm welcome. The children send their parents a letter to say they had arrived safely and they had to wait months for a reply. The Alcalde family plan on eventually being reunited and as time goes on the chances of them being together seems rather unlikely.
Marco promised his parents he would look after his sisters; this was a large burden for a teenage boy to carry and especially as his pretty sister’s start to grow up. As time goes on the children’s links to Spain lessen, the girls struggle to remember their parents, the news from Spain is grim and will the children ever see their mother and father again? What the Alcalde children missed the most from their parents was affection, a kiss goodnight, a hug, and the love and security only they could give.
Based on true facts about the children of Morelia, Mario Escobar writes a story that’s very emotional to read and it pays a lasting tribute to the brave children and their families. Thanks to NetGalley and Edelweiss for my copy of Remember Me, I gave it four stars and I’m a huge fan of Mario’s book Auschwitz Lullaby and I encourage everyone to read it.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
September 2, 2020
SUPER INTERESTING SUBJECT THAT CARRIED THE BOOK THROUGH
For me, the best part of this book was definitely the subject. It is a subject I am less than familiar with and I always love learning new things, so that was a major plus for me. Sadly, there were some writing issues for me, that I couldn't completely look past. But it didn't change the fact that I overall actually enjoyed this book.
👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍
Subject: The Spanish Civil War is a subject I have not explored too much, so the Niños de Morelia was an entirely new thing for me. I had never heard of these refugee children, that lived in Mexico during the worst of the war. It was very interesting to get a look into those fates through the eyes of the Alcalde children.
Philosophy: Especially the first part of this book had a wonderful, philosophical quality that I really enjoyed. There were many thoughts and musings about socialism, fascism, utopia and fighting for what's right. I wished that quality had been carried on throughout the entire book, but that was sadly not the case.
👎 WHAT I DISLIKED 👎
Characters: Our three main characters, the Alcalde children, and their parents were sadly lacking in character, so to speak. They didn't feel like real people, they weren't fleshed out enough. I couldn't tell you about their personalities, because I just couldn't feel them while reading.
Story: For me, the story was interesting - but only because of the subject. While reading this book I had a clear feeling that the author was more interesting in his subject - the Niños de Morelia - than in the story he had chosen to enlighten that subject through. The story, to me, felt shallow and sadly emotionless, even though so many horrible, upsetting things happen. I couldn't feel the emotions behind those events.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Blog Post: 49 Relatable, Bookish Quotes
For me, the best part of this book was definitely the subject. It is a subject I am less than familiar with and I always love learning new things, so that was a major plus for me. Sadly, there were some writing issues for me, that I couldn't completely look past. But it didn't change the fact that I overall actually enjoyed this book.
"We move a few steps, and utopia retreats as if hoping to escape our small, selfish desires. The moment we make utopia fir our plans and schemes, it disappears. It never serves individualistic interests because there's always something to improve, something else to fight for."
👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍
Subject: The Spanish Civil War is a subject I have not explored too much, so the Niños de Morelia was an entirely new thing for me. I had never heard of these refugee children, that lived in Mexico during the worst of the war. It was very interesting to get a look into those fates through the eyes of the Alcalde children.
Philosophy: Especially the first part of this book had a wonderful, philosophical quality that I really enjoyed. There were many thoughts and musings about socialism, fascism, utopia and fighting for what's right. I wished that quality had been carried on throughout the entire book, but that was sadly not the case.
"True, we'll never reach it [utopia], but that's exactly what it's good for - to push us forward so we don't lose hope."
👎 WHAT I DISLIKED 👎
Characters: Our three main characters, the Alcalde children, and their parents were sadly lacking in character, so to speak. They didn't feel like real people, they weren't fleshed out enough. I couldn't tell you about their personalities, because I just couldn't feel them while reading.
Story: For me, the story was interesting - but only because of the subject. While reading this book I had a clear feeling that the author was more interesting in his subject - the Niños de Morelia - than in the story he had chosen to enlighten that subject through. The story, to me, felt shallow and sadly emotionless, even though so many horrible, upsetting things happen. I couldn't feel the emotions behind those events.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Follow me for more book loving content!
Blog ✨ Facebook ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter
Blog Post: 49 Relatable, Bookish Quotes
November 30, 2023
A Spanish Tragedy
🇪🇸 It is not just the Civil War that I and so many others call a tragedy. This novel, fiction that is based on actual events and rendered in the format of a memoir, is itself a tragedy 🎭 It begins quietly and softly, despite bringing in the scattered attacks around Madrid, but soon it becomes far more painful to read. Why would people be so brutal to one another and especially to children? Why would people who say they believe in the Prince of Peace do such things? Why do people, religious or not, who talk on and on about love for the family of man and humanity, do such things? That is the riddle of the ages and the riddle carries on into the present day.
Well-written and hopeful despite the tragic theme. Four stars. Maybe 4.5 🇪🇸
🇪🇸 It is not just the Civil War that I and so many others call a tragedy. This novel, fiction that is based on actual events and rendered in the format of a memoir, is itself a tragedy 🎭 It begins quietly and softly, despite bringing in the scattered attacks around Madrid, but soon it becomes far more painful to read. Why would people be so brutal to one another and especially to children? Why would people who say they believe in the Prince of Peace do such things? Why do people, religious or not, who talk on and on about love for the family of man and humanity, do such things? That is the riddle of the ages and the riddle carries on into the present day.
Well-written and hopeful despite the tragic theme. Four stars. Maybe 4.5 🇪🇸
October 27, 2021
[3.5] I found Remember Me to be an involving and educational novel about the Spanish Civil War. At times my credulity was stretched and I found the characters were fairly thin - but it kept my interest to the end. (And for my attention span these days that deserves 4 stars!)
October 6, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
That day I understood that people can be right and still lose; that courage is not enough to defeat evil; and that the strength of weapons destroys the soul of humanity.
He would remain an idealist who longed for the triumph of the proletariat revolution, but something broke apart in his soul that hot July day. He could not have named the sadness any more than I could have right then, but it was without a doubt the grief of a broken heart that discovers there is no ideology on earth worth killing for.
I saw her get into the car and wave, I tried to lock that moment away in my brain forever. I didn’t want the memory to disappear into some corner of my heart. I was terrified. Fear is the worst feeling in the world. It rules like a tyrant, takes advantage of us, and turns us into wretched beings.
It’s impossible to ignore the pain of an open wound, and loneliness is one of the deepest gashes in the soul.
People stared at us with a mixture of compassion and relief. Humans are always happy when misfortune passes by their door and knocks at the neighbor’s house instead.
Feeling lonely showed us that, without our family, we were little more than cut flowers whose beauty and fragrance fades.
Life is like a flash of light between nostalgias.
My Review:
I struggled with this emotive and heartrending story. While it was informative and well written the emotional tone was intense and heavy with anguish and tragedy. Combine that with the described abuse, neglect, senseless brutality, and unfathomable atrocities the powerless children and citizens suffered; and it is easily understood why I frequently needed to put my Kindle down and seek out something more pleasant before my heart ruptured.
I confess to being completely ignorant of this period of history as well as of the history of Spain in general. Although I do have a keen memory of seeing a picture of the ruthless dictator Franco while dressed in his resplendent uniform in my 5th grade elementary school textbook and wondering if he was part owner of the canned pasta company that made my Spaghettios. Apparently, history has never been my forte!
Amongst the heinous scenarios of corruption and unobstructed abuse at the hands of the religious figures and institutions set up for their care were gripping storylines that led to profoundly deep and insightful observations, inner musings, and revelations as experienced through the eyes of a young adolescent in untenable circumstances. These passages were written with thoughtful prose that was so poignant it was almost lyrical and caused me to read them several times while stealing my breath and burning my eyes and throat. Mario Escobar broke my heart - he has mad skills.
That day I understood that people can be right and still lose; that courage is not enough to defeat evil; and that the strength of weapons destroys the soul of humanity.
He would remain an idealist who longed for the triumph of the proletariat revolution, but something broke apart in his soul that hot July day. He could not have named the sadness any more than I could have right then, but it was without a doubt the grief of a broken heart that discovers there is no ideology on earth worth killing for.
I saw her get into the car and wave, I tried to lock that moment away in my brain forever. I didn’t want the memory to disappear into some corner of my heart. I was terrified. Fear is the worst feeling in the world. It rules like a tyrant, takes advantage of us, and turns us into wretched beings.
It’s impossible to ignore the pain of an open wound, and loneliness is one of the deepest gashes in the soul.
People stared at us with a mixture of compassion and relief. Humans are always happy when misfortune passes by their door and knocks at the neighbor’s house instead.
Feeling lonely showed us that, without our family, we were little more than cut flowers whose beauty and fragrance fades.
Life is like a flash of light between nostalgias.
My Review:
I struggled with this emotive and heartrending story. While it was informative and well written the emotional tone was intense and heavy with anguish and tragedy. Combine that with the described abuse, neglect, senseless brutality, and unfathomable atrocities the powerless children and citizens suffered; and it is easily understood why I frequently needed to put my Kindle down and seek out something more pleasant before my heart ruptured.
I confess to being completely ignorant of this period of history as well as of the history of Spain in general. Although I do have a keen memory of seeing a picture of the ruthless dictator Franco while dressed in his resplendent uniform in my 5th grade elementary school textbook and wondering if he was part owner of the canned pasta company that made my Spaghettios. Apparently, history has never been my forte!
Amongst the heinous scenarios of corruption and unobstructed abuse at the hands of the religious figures and institutions set up for their care were gripping storylines that led to profoundly deep and insightful observations, inner musings, and revelations as experienced through the eyes of a young adolescent in untenable circumstances. These passages were written with thoughtful prose that was so poignant it was almost lyrical and caused me to read them several times while stealing my breath and burning my eyes and throat. Mario Escobar broke my heart - he has mad skills.
October 24, 2020
Fue una lectura enriquecedora, me gustó el flujo de la trama, pues a pesar de que esta basada en hechos reales, no todo lo que se relata en esta obra es verídico, pues hay cosas que son cosecha de la imaginación del autor.
Soy mexicana y cuando leí sobre como fueron las situaciones ocurridas en México dije "no pues, si somos así" existimos en una dualidad de personalidades.
Por otro lado descubrí otra parte de la historia de España.
Soy mexicana y cuando leí sobre como fueron las situaciones ocurridas en México dije "no pues, si somos así" existimos en una dualidad de personalidades.
Por otro lado descubrí otra parte de la historia de España.
September 26, 2020
REMEMBER ME by Mario Escobar is a fantastic historical fiction read I thoroughly enjoyed! This was definitely a heartbreaking read for me but I really enjoyed the historical fiction background of the children of Morelia.
I learned so much about the time period during the Spanish Civil War. It was so heartbreaking whenever I read about children having to give up their childhood to survive, to take on so much responsibility for the family and hardships. Escobar's writing really immersed me into the story and that time period. The well researched story in a time period not so well known or well written about in the historical fiction books I happen to read lately. I could only imagine what the parents must be going through to send their children to another country. The displacement of children and families due to the fascist repression was such an atrocity to learn about. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to learn about this through this amazing book.
I highly recommend this to read more about the Spanish Civil War, the children of Morelia and the struggles of the refugees at that time. Fantastic read!!
I learned so much about the time period during the Spanish Civil War. It was so heartbreaking whenever I read about children having to give up their childhood to survive, to take on so much responsibility for the family and hardships. Escobar's writing really immersed me into the story and that time period. The well researched story in a time period not so well known or well written about in the historical fiction books I happen to read lately. I could only imagine what the parents must be going through to send their children to another country. The displacement of children and families due to the fascist repression was such an atrocity to learn about. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to learn about this through this amazing book.
I highly recommend this to read more about the Spanish Civil War, the children of Morelia and the struggles of the refugees at that time. Fantastic read!!
August 27, 2020
The Spanish Civil War often seems overlooked due to the fact that it happened during the years between two World Wars. I have to admit, I don’t remember learning much about it during my school years. In this novel, Mario Escobar tells the story of a fictitious family and what they endure during the years of the civil war.
It wasn’t only the families from World War II that sent their children away to safety. This was happening to the children in Spain also. Marco Alcalde and his two younger sisters were one such group of children that were sent out of harm’s way to Mexico to live in a children’s home.
The story focuses on the hardships the children endured, while also giving an account of what was happening in Spain during the time they were away. As the war comes to an end, the children get impatient and decide to go back to Spain and find their parents. It’s at this point that I felt like the story really grabbed my interest. It seems as if when a war ends, the time immediately following is very precarious, and Spain was certainly an example of that.
I felt like I learned much that I didn’t know about this time during Spanish history. I would recommend this to historical fiction and history readers. Readers should also be aware that there are some possible triggers, such as suicide, abuse and any other atrocities that commonly occur during war time.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction, First Editions for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review.
It wasn’t only the families from World War II that sent their children away to safety. This was happening to the children in Spain also. Marco Alcalde and his two younger sisters were one such group of children that were sent out of harm’s way to Mexico to live in a children’s home.
The story focuses on the hardships the children endured, while also giving an account of what was happening in Spain during the time they were away. As the war comes to an end, the children get impatient and decide to go back to Spain and find their parents. It’s at this point that I felt like the story really grabbed my interest. It seems as if when a war ends, the time immediately following is very precarious, and Spain was certainly an example of that.
I felt like I learned much that I didn’t know about this time during Spanish history. I would recommend this to historical fiction and history readers. Readers should also be aware that there are some possible triggers, such as suicide, abuse and any other atrocities that commonly occur during war time.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction, First Editions for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review.
February 16, 2021
I'll admit I don't know a whole lot about Spanish history. I have lived my life in the US and have not read many books on this subject.
Reading Remember Me, while it is fictional it is based on true historical events.
The read was very eye opening. This is an excellent author and I am always so glad to see any of his books translated to English. I eagerly await his next publication,
The Librarian of Saint-Malo which has been translated and releases in June.
Why are the children the ones who while the adults are trying to make things better the children are the ones suffering because they have no say, no control of their destiny.
They get sent away to another country, sometimes it's for the better but oftentimes it's not.
This book will get into your soul, it will be anchored there. You will not forget it!
Sad,tragic,so much wasted time,a life time of wasted time never to be retrieved.
A mother's love never forgets her children despite all separation. She will move heaven and earth for them!
Outstanding book!
Hope rises from the ashes!
Pub Date 15 Sep 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Reading Remember Me, while it is fictional it is based on true historical events.
The read was very eye opening. This is an excellent author and I am always so glad to see any of his books translated to English. I eagerly await his next publication,
The Librarian of Saint-Malo which has been translated and releases in June.
Why are the children the ones who while the adults are trying to make things better the children are the ones suffering because they have no say, no control of their destiny.
They get sent away to another country, sometimes it's for the better but oftentimes it's not.
This book will get into your soul, it will be anchored there. You will not forget it!
Sad,tragic,so much wasted time,a life time of wasted time never to be retrieved.
A mother's love never forgets her children despite all separation. She will move heaven and earth for them!
Outstanding book!
Hope rises from the ashes!
Pub Date 15 Sep 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
April 4, 2023
I was feeling a little ‘historical fiction depraved’ in the past few days, so I was glad I’d already downloaded Mario Escobar’s ‘Remember Me’ and could satisfy my inner history geek. I’ve read Escboar’s novels before and knew I’d get a top-notch education on the Spanish Civil War - something I know very little about. What made this a perfect choice for today is that we have just had two lovely days in Mexican ports and experienced the kindness of the Mexican people and ⅔ of this book is set in Mexico and spotlights the generosity of this nation at a difficult time in history.
“Men think they can change the world with bullets, but the only thing that can transform our planet is tenderness. If children were left with their mothers when they start to really discover life, we’d teach them that the only way to be brothers and sisters is to soak in tenderness. Hatred has never changed anything. The cemeteries are full of hatred and greed. Humanity’s real problem is in our hearts.”
Not willing to give in to support the Fascist regime, Francisco and Amparo Alcade decide that they’ll take the Mexican president’s offer to help refugee children from the Republic and so they send their 3 children along with over 400 others in hopes that it’s safer in the Americas than Madrid. The president and the Ibero-American Committee for Aid to the Spanish promised to home the children in boarding houses and provide schooling for them. These 460 children become known as the children on Morelia.
I can’t imagine the heavy burden that 13-year-old Marco bore in looking after his two younger sisters in a strange country so far from home. Furthermore, having experienced the war prior to leaving Spain, it would have been unsettling to leave their parents while their homeland was at war. Escobar explored the feelings of guilt and the endless worry of not ever reuniting with their parents again. What stood out to me the most was that these children lost their childhood in a no-win situation to keep them safe.
Escobar explores the brutal experience of the children of Morelia. His story is an emotional and well-written account and honours these children whose wartime experience has been lost in history.
This book is available now in ebook, audible and print versions.
“Men think they can change the world with bullets, but the only thing that can transform our planet is tenderness. If children were left with their mothers when they start to really discover life, we’d teach them that the only way to be brothers and sisters is to soak in tenderness. Hatred has never changed anything. The cemeteries are full of hatred and greed. Humanity’s real problem is in our hearts.”
Not willing to give in to support the Fascist regime, Francisco and Amparo Alcade decide that they’ll take the Mexican president’s offer to help refugee children from the Republic and so they send their 3 children along with over 400 others in hopes that it’s safer in the Americas than Madrid. The president and the Ibero-American Committee for Aid to the Spanish promised to home the children in boarding houses and provide schooling for them. These 460 children become known as the children on Morelia.
I can’t imagine the heavy burden that 13-year-old Marco bore in looking after his two younger sisters in a strange country so far from home. Furthermore, having experienced the war prior to leaving Spain, it would have been unsettling to leave their parents while their homeland was at war. Escobar explored the feelings of guilt and the endless worry of not ever reuniting with their parents again. What stood out to me the most was that these children lost their childhood in a no-win situation to keep them safe.
Escobar explores the brutal experience of the children of Morelia. His story is an emotional and well-written account and honours these children whose wartime experience has been lost in history.
This book is available now in ebook, audible and print versions.
January 9, 2021
This book tries to pull too many different experiences of Spanish Civil War victims and survivors into one story. It’s attempt to create suspense by making characters “cross paths” or arrive “just in the nick of time” comes across silly and unbelievable. It portrays religious people in such a poor light that I have to believe the author must be an atheist and intent on making readers feel guilty for their own beliefs. This is an overly dramatic piece designed to bring atrocities to light, but it packs so much into one novel that it makes the whole thing entirely unbelievable. I read most any historical novel written, but I’m sorry I wasted my time on this one.
September 19, 2020
“Everyone is shouting for liberty now, but if there’s no justice, liberty has failed.”
Wow. I finished up this historical fiction book last night and I learned so much. I found myself underlining half the pages and feeling like even though it was based on events from 70 years ago, so much of the conflict could apply to today. I love historical fiction for the ways it not only makes me feel but it educates. If you enjoy reading books based on real events or real people, you will enjoy this one!
“Men think they can change the world with bullets, but the only thing that can transform our planet is tenderness.”
Remember Me by Mario Escobar is set during the Spanish Civil War and based upon the true stories of the plight of the Children of Morelia, who before the full war broke out were shipped to other countries for their safety. Many never returned. This story follows three siblings who head out with a group of other refugee children sent to Mexico to avoid the war in Spain. Marco is the eldest brother tasked with protecting his young sisters, even though he is just a child himself.
Their journey describes the hardships of life in exile, living as refugees, and relying on strangers for their most basic human needs. This book explores the agony of war and paints a poignant portrait of one family’s sacrificial love and endurance. As the children grow they wonder if they will ever see their parents or their home again.
“The most important thing we do every day is fight to live, even though life may be unbearable.”
This book does an incredible job of showing both the awful hardships of war but also the moments of compassion and tenderness. It also does a great job of highlighting the tension of trying to do the right thing but not having good options. Nothing about war is good. I don't think I've read much about this time period and hope I can find more.
“People can be right and still lose; courage is not enough to defeat evil; the strength of weapons destroys the soul of humanity.”
Thank you to @tnzfiction and @tlcbooktours for the book to read and review.
#MarioEscobar #RememberMe #SpanishCivilWar #historicalfiction #Christianfiction #bookclub #tlcbooktours
Wow. I finished up this historical fiction book last night and I learned so much. I found myself underlining half the pages and feeling like even though it was based on events from 70 years ago, so much of the conflict could apply to today. I love historical fiction for the ways it not only makes me feel but it educates. If you enjoy reading books based on real events or real people, you will enjoy this one!
“Men think they can change the world with bullets, but the only thing that can transform our planet is tenderness.”
Remember Me by Mario Escobar is set during the Spanish Civil War and based upon the true stories of the plight of the Children of Morelia, who before the full war broke out were shipped to other countries for their safety. Many never returned. This story follows three siblings who head out with a group of other refugee children sent to Mexico to avoid the war in Spain. Marco is the eldest brother tasked with protecting his young sisters, even though he is just a child himself.
Their journey describes the hardships of life in exile, living as refugees, and relying on strangers for their most basic human needs. This book explores the agony of war and paints a poignant portrait of one family’s sacrificial love and endurance. As the children grow they wonder if they will ever see their parents or their home again.
“The most important thing we do every day is fight to live, even though life may be unbearable.”
This book does an incredible job of showing both the awful hardships of war but also the moments of compassion and tenderness. It also does a great job of highlighting the tension of trying to do the right thing but not having good options. Nothing about war is good. I don't think I've read much about this time period and hope I can find more.
“People can be right and still lose; courage is not enough to defeat evil; the strength of weapons destroys the soul of humanity.”
Thank you to @tnzfiction and @tlcbooktours for the book to read and review.
#MarioEscobar #RememberMe #SpanishCivilWar #historicalfiction #Christianfiction #bookclub #tlcbooktours
March 13, 2022
I wanted to learn more about how children and their families dealt with the Spanish Civil War.
Wow! A young teenage boy and his sisters really went through a lot in this book. Hatred is a strong motivator for war and that fiend showed its ugly face in this novel.
The story was based on true events.
Wow! A young teenage boy and his sisters really went through a lot in this book. Hatred is a strong motivator for war and that fiend showed its ugly face in this novel.
The story was based on true events.
July 16, 2020
When I first read the description of Remember Me by Mario Escobar, I thought it would be similar to stories of the British Home Children sent to Canada from 1869 to 1939. While those children did suffer, what happened to Morelia's children left me shaken, unable to sleep, and wishing the publisher had included a warning about its violent content.
The story focuses on three children, Marco, Isabel and Ana Alcalde. Their parents send them to Morelia, Mexico, believing they would be safer there than in Spain's war-torn country. Of course, as these things often go, the children would probably have been safer if they had stayed with their parents.
The author includes detailed accounts from actual survivors of Morelia. At times it reads not like a fictional novel, but more like someone recounting what happened to them. As if the author took the accounts and transcribed them into the mouths of his characters. It was so well done I had a hard time grasping the fact that this was a "fictional" book and not a memoir.
I also kept looking for some sign that it was a Christian book. Coming from Thomas Nelson Publishers, I expected to see at least some ounce of a redemption story, trust in God or faith in God in action. None of which was present in this story.
There was, however, a strong family bond. A love for his parents and his sisters was Marco's driving force. His desire to be united with his parents and his promise to watch over his sisters and keep them safe and together was heart-wrenching and did endear the characters to you. But, it was clear the Alcalde family were atheists. From Marco's thoughts, it is apparent they didn't trust Christians (especially Catholics) at all. One is ultimately left with the impression that Christians don't really care about orphans or people in general. This is an unfortunate commentary since this book is published by a Christian publisher. I am always looking for that glimpse of faith, redemption or hope in a Christian book. And while the Alcalde family had the hope of being reunited, as far as I could tell, faith in Jesus or trust in him was not central to this story.
While I expected some sad stories to occur because of the subject matter, I did not anticipate how descriptive the accounts of torture would be. I also was not expecting to catch a glimpse of a child being sexually abused by a priest through the eyes of the main character. What Marco does to the priest in retaliation was so vivid that I literally couldn't sleep last night. I cannot unsee what the author wrote. Which is why I wish this book had come with a warning. I am especially concerned for those reading it, who have been sexually abused. I have no doubt this particular scene will be a trigger for them.
Between the depressing scenes of how horrible their lives were, the sudden "romance" Marco finds with Maria was totally lost on me. It just didn't register that I was reading about a budding romance.
Overall, this is a well-written book. The author is an expert at helping the reader see through his character's eyes. I felt everything Marco and his sisters experienced. Which is probably why this book shook me up so much. Escobar's research is impeccable, and from his notes in the back of the book, it is clear most of it are real accounts from the orphans who lived through it.
Before this book, I had never heard of the war in Spain. I had no idea this all happened before Hitler started WWII. I come away educated about a horrible atrocity and sickened by what happened to the children of Morelia. If anything, the author has shown what can happen when ideologies clash, what people will do to prove they are right and how far they will go to make their idea of justice come true. Even if it means civil war. A lesson to learn in a world where not agreeing with the majority opinion today could become a dangerous thing tomorrow.
I received this book courtesy of Thomas Nelson Publishers, through NetGalley, for my honest opinion.
The story focuses on three children, Marco, Isabel and Ana Alcalde. Their parents send them to Morelia, Mexico, believing they would be safer there than in Spain's war-torn country. Of course, as these things often go, the children would probably have been safer if they had stayed with their parents.
The author includes detailed accounts from actual survivors of Morelia. At times it reads not like a fictional novel, but more like someone recounting what happened to them. As if the author took the accounts and transcribed them into the mouths of his characters. It was so well done I had a hard time grasping the fact that this was a "fictional" book and not a memoir.
I also kept looking for some sign that it was a Christian book. Coming from Thomas Nelson Publishers, I expected to see at least some ounce of a redemption story, trust in God or faith in God in action. None of which was present in this story.
There was, however, a strong family bond. A love for his parents and his sisters was Marco's driving force. His desire to be united with his parents and his promise to watch over his sisters and keep them safe and together was heart-wrenching and did endear the characters to you. But, it was clear the Alcalde family were atheists. From Marco's thoughts, it is apparent they didn't trust Christians (especially Catholics) at all. One is ultimately left with the impression that Christians don't really care about orphans or people in general. This is an unfortunate commentary since this book is published by a Christian publisher. I am always looking for that glimpse of faith, redemption or hope in a Christian book. And while the Alcalde family had the hope of being reunited, as far as I could tell, faith in Jesus or trust in him was not central to this story.
While I expected some sad stories to occur because of the subject matter, I did not anticipate how descriptive the accounts of torture would be. I also was not expecting to catch a glimpse of a child being sexually abused by a priest through the eyes of the main character. What Marco does to the priest in retaliation was so vivid that I literally couldn't sleep last night. I cannot unsee what the author wrote. Which is why I wish this book had come with a warning. I am especially concerned for those reading it, who have been sexually abused. I have no doubt this particular scene will be a trigger for them.
Between the depressing scenes of how horrible their lives were, the sudden "romance" Marco finds with Maria was totally lost on me. It just didn't register that I was reading about a budding romance.
Overall, this is a well-written book. The author is an expert at helping the reader see through his character's eyes. I felt everything Marco and his sisters experienced. Which is probably why this book shook me up so much. Escobar's research is impeccable, and from his notes in the back of the book, it is clear most of it are real accounts from the orphans who lived through it.
Before this book, I had never heard of the war in Spain. I had no idea this all happened before Hitler started WWII. I come away educated about a horrible atrocity and sickened by what happened to the children of Morelia. If anything, the author has shown what can happen when ideologies clash, what people will do to prove they are right and how far they will go to make their idea of justice come true. Even if it means civil war. A lesson to learn in a world where not agreeing with the majority opinion today could become a dangerous thing tomorrow.
I received this book courtesy of Thomas Nelson Publishers, through NetGalley, for my honest opinion.
July 6, 2020
Special thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with Arc.
This is the first novel to me by Mario Escobar, but i really loved it and appreciate that he give me a chance to read such an amazing novel.
I never ever read about civil war in Spain before or know that it even happened but this novel had alot of great information about it.
The most wonderful thing in this novel that it described a lot of places in Madrid specially the museum's, i hope one day i can visit this lovely city.
War is very ugly, especially for young people, it leaves a very negative impact them and they cannot easily bypass this.
This story is full of many feelings that are difficult to describe, the feeling of being fathers and mothers are a great thing that cannot be valued at any cost, they always make many sacrifices that are difficult to return the favor to them.
I am feeling so sorry for Marco, he spent all his life fighting and continue alone without friends or family.
The Cover is amazing, i love everything that related to sea and it attracted me always.
This is the first novel to me by Mario Escobar, but i really loved it and appreciate that he give me a chance to read such an amazing novel.
I never ever read about civil war in Spain before or know that it even happened but this novel had alot of great information about it.
The most wonderful thing in this novel that it described a lot of places in Madrid specially the museum's, i hope one day i can visit this lovely city.
War is very ugly, especially for young people, it leaves a very negative impact them and they cannot easily bypass this.
This story is full of many feelings that are difficult to describe, the feeling of being fathers and mothers are a great thing that cannot be valued at any cost, they always make many sacrifices that are difficult to return the favor to them.
I am feeling so sorry for Marco, he spent all his life fighting and continue alone without friends or family.
The Cover is amazing, i love everything that related to sea and it attracted me always.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2021
While written about an intriguing and heartbreaking subject, I felt like I trudged through this book. It is quite long and holds many examples of the horrors of war, especially civil war, but even with the appalling stories it seemed hard to connect with the characters of the book.
April 14, 2021
Wow! What an amazing historical fiction set during a period in history I can honestly say I didn't know much if anything about really before starting this wonderful piece of work: Spanish Civil War.
In historical fiction author Mario Escobar's novel Remember Me: A Spanish Civil War Novel, we're introduced to Marco Alcalde, and his family who are unfortunately one of the many families who were displaced because of the horrors of the Spanish Civil War, which actually unofficially began in 1934, even though the fighting of the war took place during the years of 1936-1939.
Throughout the course of this novel, we're told the story of the Spanish Civil War through the eyes of Marco Alcalde, and how the war affected him individually, but also his family and citizens of Spain. This novel is wonderfully easy to follow due to being split into first multiple parts (5 of them), but also each chapter is sort of like a timeline as each chapter references a specific place but also a date for example (Madrid - November 10, 1935).
I cannot even begin to imagine what living in a country who's at war with each other is like, but this novel which is very well written and researched brings the reader pretty close.
Speaking of civil war, I present to you this quote, which I believe to be one of many very profound statements in this novel:
"At the end of the day, the same blood has been spilled on both sides of the front; two Spains at each other's throats because of their damned ideals. Do we really have to do so much damage in order to live in peace? Each human life is more important than any ideology. We thought we could build a new world, an ideal country where injustice and inequality would be no more; but evil is inside the heart of every human being. Long before the war was over, we'd already lost by committing the same inhuman atrocities as our enemies. The innocent ones are always the ones who suffer most in the war, while the cowards who didn't go to the front kill from the rearguard in the name of God, of the Republic, of Franco . . . What difference does it make? Whatever name they use to justify themselves - their killing disgusts me".
This novel not only introduces readers to the Spanish Civil War, but also to another lesser known piece of history (maybe even lesser known than the war itself), called "Children of Morelia".
In 1937, the Mexican government offered to "sponsor" hundreds of Spanish children to Mexico in order to escape the horrors of what was happening in their home country and to escape to a country that wasn't affected by the war, but the thing is though - these children were "exiled" to a foreign country not knowing whether they'd be exiled forever or if there was a chance, however small a chance it may be that they might be reunited with their family in Spain after the war was over.
What is heartbreaking about this is that the parents of the children are faced with a hard decision as to whether or not to send their child to a foreign country to perhaps give them a chance at a better future than they had, but this novel not only presents the story from the parents' viewpoints but also as I mentioned above, from the viewpoint of a child smack in the middle of all this.
This novel was originally written in Spanish, as the author is from Madrid, Spain and has been wonderfully translated to English so we can all enjoy this historical fiction treasure.
If you're at all interested in Spanish history or learning more about the Spanish Civil War, I urge you to check out this novel as you won't be disappointed.
Finally, to end this review, I leave you with this spurring quote:
"Remember, but don't hate. Remember, so the memory of what you are doesn't fade, so the nation you'll always belong to stays stuck to the bottom of your feet. They've stolen our future and our beloved country, but they'll never be able to steal our memories".
Viva Spain!
In historical fiction author Mario Escobar's novel Remember Me: A Spanish Civil War Novel, we're introduced to Marco Alcalde, and his family who are unfortunately one of the many families who were displaced because of the horrors of the Spanish Civil War, which actually unofficially began in 1934, even though the fighting of the war took place during the years of 1936-1939.
Throughout the course of this novel, we're told the story of the Spanish Civil War through the eyes of Marco Alcalde, and how the war affected him individually, but also his family and citizens of Spain. This novel is wonderfully easy to follow due to being split into first multiple parts (5 of them), but also each chapter is sort of like a timeline as each chapter references a specific place but also a date for example (Madrid - November 10, 1935).
I cannot even begin to imagine what living in a country who's at war with each other is like, but this novel which is very well written and researched brings the reader pretty close.
Speaking of civil war, I present to you this quote, which I believe to be one of many very profound statements in this novel:
"At the end of the day, the same blood has been spilled on both sides of the front; two Spains at each other's throats because of their damned ideals. Do we really have to do so much damage in order to live in peace? Each human life is more important than any ideology. We thought we could build a new world, an ideal country where injustice and inequality would be no more; but evil is inside the heart of every human being. Long before the war was over, we'd already lost by committing the same inhuman atrocities as our enemies. The innocent ones are always the ones who suffer most in the war, while the cowards who didn't go to the front kill from the rearguard in the name of God, of the Republic, of Franco . . . What difference does it make? Whatever name they use to justify themselves - their killing disgusts me".
This novel not only introduces readers to the Spanish Civil War, but also to another lesser known piece of history (maybe even lesser known than the war itself), called "Children of Morelia".
In 1937, the Mexican government offered to "sponsor" hundreds of Spanish children to Mexico in order to escape the horrors of what was happening in their home country and to escape to a country that wasn't affected by the war, but the thing is though - these children were "exiled" to a foreign country not knowing whether they'd be exiled forever or if there was a chance, however small a chance it may be that they might be reunited with their family in Spain after the war was over.
What is heartbreaking about this is that the parents of the children are faced with a hard decision as to whether or not to send their child to a foreign country to perhaps give them a chance at a better future than they had, but this novel not only presents the story from the parents' viewpoints but also as I mentioned above, from the viewpoint of a child smack in the middle of all this.
This novel was originally written in Spanish, as the author is from Madrid, Spain and has been wonderfully translated to English so we can all enjoy this historical fiction treasure.
If you're at all interested in Spanish history or learning more about the Spanish Civil War, I urge you to check out this novel as you won't be disappointed.
Finally, to end this review, I leave you with this spurring quote:
"Remember, but don't hate. Remember, so the memory of what you are doesn't fade, so the nation you'll always belong to stays stuck to the bottom of your feet. They've stolen our future and our beloved country, but they'll never be able to steal our memories".
Viva Spain!
December 20, 2020
Written in the style of a memoir, this story very much has the feel of a man looking back and telling stories of his younger years, coming of age during the Spanish Civil War. The narrative style of the story was interesting, but at times made the pacing feel off, as things were told and explained rather than shown, which made for a slower read at times. Well researched,
An inspiring and heartbreaking tale told through the view of a young man seeing the world change before his eyes.
I received a complimentary ecopy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
An inspiring and heartbreaking tale told through the view of a young man seeing the world change before his eyes.
I received a complimentary ecopy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
August 28, 2023
I enjoyed this book. Bitter sweet. It gets better as you get into the story. Fiction based on true events. I lived in Spain as a 19 year old man post Franco in 1981 when the monarchy and republic was restored. Loved the country, people and culture. I befriended a 65 year old woman who told me stories of her as a young women during the war and how she had to move to Argentina but was able to return to Spain so this story hits home with me. A good read and get a better understanding of the Spanish Civil War.
September 7, 2020
Over the last several years, I've been growing more aware of the Spanish Civil War—its causes, impacts, and connections to WWII. However, until reading Mario Escobar's Remember Me, I hadn't known about the Children of Morelia. Some parents involved in defending the Republic chose to have their children temporarily sent abroad as the conflict worsened. Some children were sent to France, others to Britain, and others to the Soviet Union. The children traveling furthest were those sent to Mexico, a group of 460, who were housed in a barracks-like compound. Remember Me is written in the voice of an adult looking back on his childhood when he was sent to Mexico with his two sisters. At the time, he was 14 and the oldest of the three.
The novel's narrative voice is interesting—the experiences being related are those of a teenager, but the perspective of the narrator is that of an adult heading into old age. As a result, the narrative is highly reflective. The narrator credibly presents events as experienced in childhood, but also questions the lessons of those event decades after they occurred. The sometimes subtle shifts from reflections-by-child to reflections-by-adult work well.
In the last few years, we've been offered ample literature based on WWII child-relocation efforts: most often London children moving to rural England. Escobar's novel offers something new to this genre, a slightly earlier setting, a different conflict, but parents making the same difficult wartime decisions and children struggling to raise themselves in unfamiliar surroundings.
While Remember Me isn't a "page-turner," it is a hard book to put down once it's begun because readers are quickly drawn into the lives of these children and the sense the adult narrator is making of those experiences.
I received a free electronic ARC of this title from the publisher for review purposes. The opinions are my own.
The novel's narrative voice is interesting—the experiences being related are those of a teenager, but the perspective of the narrator is that of an adult heading into old age. As a result, the narrative is highly reflective. The narrator credibly presents events as experienced in childhood, but also questions the lessons of those event decades after they occurred. The sometimes subtle shifts from reflections-by-child to reflections-by-adult work well.
In the last few years, we've been offered ample literature based on WWII child-relocation efforts: most often London children moving to rural England. Escobar's novel offers something new to this genre, a slightly earlier setting, a different conflict, but parents making the same difficult wartime decisions and children struggling to raise themselves in unfamiliar surroundings.
While Remember Me isn't a "page-turner," it is a hard book to put down once it's begun because readers are quickly drawn into the lives of these children and the sense the adult narrator is making of those experiences.
I received a free electronic ARC of this title from the publisher for review purposes. The opinions are my own.
January 19, 2022
Fue uno de esos libros que pensé que no me impactarían pero si me impactó y atrapó desde el principio. Aunque la familia cuál relatan es ficticia, se basa en una composición de varias personas, y familias y la historia es basada en hechos reales. No sabía que 500 niños españoles fueron enviados a México durante la Guerra civil. Muchas familias fueron separadas por años, y algunos no pudieron reunirse con sus familias. Fue interesante aprender lo que pasó, pero también fue desgarrador y emotivo leer la pesadilla que muchos vivieron, y los sacrificios que muchos hicieron debido a la guerra. El autor capturó la historia desde el punto de vista de un niño, y que hace sentir emociones al lector, al ver al protagonista y narrador (Marco) crecer, madurar y vivir muchos tragos amargos. ¡Recomendado!
It was one of those books that I thought it would not impact me, but it did, and it trapped me from the very beginning. Even though the family featured in the book was fictitious, it was made by a composite of people and families that were real, and the events were based in real life events. I was unaware that 500 Spanish children were sent from Spain to Mexico during the Spanish Civil War. Many families were separated and some were never able to reunite with their families. While it was interesting to learn what happened, it was also heartbreaking and emotional to feel the nightmare that many lived through, and the sacrifices that many made due to the war. The author captured the story from a child’s’ point of view, and makes the reader feel emotions as we experience the child (Marco, who is the narrator), as he grows up fast and hard due to the bitterness of he circumstances. Highly recommended!
It was one of those books that I thought it would not impact me, but it did, and it trapped me from the very beginning. Even though the family featured in the book was fictitious, it was made by a composite of people and families that were real, and the events were based in real life events. I was unaware that 500 Spanish children were sent from Spain to Mexico during the Spanish Civil War. Many families were separated and some were never able to reunite with their families. While it was interesting to learn what happened, it was also heartbreaking and emotional to feel the nightmare that many lived through, and the sacrifices that many made due to the war. The author captured the story from a child’s’ point of view, and makes the reader feel emotions as we experience the child (Marco, who is the narrator), as he grows up fast and hard due to the bitterness of he circumstances. Highly recommended!
September 23, 2020
I read and really liked Escobar’s prior novel, Children of the Stars, and looked forward to Remember Me. I was not disappointed. Both books are cautionary tales for our times.
Focused on Spain during and after the Civil War, this book, based on true stores, features three fictitious siblings who were part of The Children of Morelia, 450 or so Spanish youngsters evacuated to Mexico to escape the wartime conditions.
Well written (translated), engrossing, thought provoking, sad, scary. The atrocities that man visits upon man in the name of ideologies, although unimaginable, have occurred all too often in history. Yet, through it all, Escobar, as he does in his earlier novel, makes an entreaty for love and humanity.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Focused on Spain during and after the Civil War, this book, based on true stores, features three fictitious siblings who were part of The Children of Morelia, 450 or so Spanish youngsters evacuated to Mexico to escape the wartime conditions.
Well written (translated), engrossing, thought provoking, sad, scary. The atrocities that man visits upon man in the name of ideologies, although unimaginable, have occurred all too often in history. Yet, through it all, Escobar, as he does in his earlier novel, makes an entreaty for love and humanity.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 13, 2020
Young Marco struggles to reunite his family after they are separated during the Spanish Civil War. The story is told in first person through Marco's eyes.
I found the book a real struggle to read. It described an ugly war with no good guys. I found it hard to like or identify with any of the characters. I enjoyed a previous book by this author, so continued reading. Nothing ever seemed to go right for the kids! The book underscored the tragedy of war.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I found the book a real struggle to read. It described an ugly war with no good guys. I found it hard to like or identify with any of the characters. I enjoyed a previous book by this author, so continued reading. Nothing ever seemed to go right for the kids! The book underscored the tragedy of war.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 23, 2021
Once again, this is why I read historical fiction. I knew nothing about the Spanish Civil War that started in 1936. In fact, I didn’t even know it had occurred. I was familiar with the distasteful name of Franco but didn’t know anything beyond that perception. This was very informative about events and experiences from the Spanish Civil War.
It was confusing the many descriptions (Republicans, communist, nationalist, Francoist, fascist,....) of the two main sides-sometimes I didn’t know which side was being talked about.
It was confusing the many descriptions (Republicans, communist, nationalist, Francoist, fascist,....) of the two main sides-sometimes I didn’t know which side was being talked about.
November 25, 2022
Very unimpressed by the writing - maybe it reads better in Spanish?
Characters were one-dimensional and it was painfully obvious from the portrayal of the female characters that the author is male.
Finally, the plot lines were too convenient too often.
Characters were one-dimensional and it was painfully obvious from the portrayal of the female characters that the author is male.
Finally, the plot lines were too convenient too often.
March 23, 2021
Started off slow but got so much better! I had no idea about the Spanish Civil War. So much going on in our world at this time. None of it was good.
August 29, 2020
An excellent researched book about the Spanish Civl War of the late 1930s. It follows the lives of the Alcande family, who are active in the revolutionary movement. They are targeted by the authorities, and the father decides to send Marco and his two younger sisters to Morelia Mexico for their safety! They are separated from their families and in conditions they had never envisioned.
Although they were supposed to return home after the war, many never did.
Although fictional characters, they were well developed and demonstrated the resilience of the young children. Marco fought continually to protect his sisters, despite his youth, fulling the promise made to his father.
This was a very disturbing, dark time in Spain, with graphic descriptions of the bloodshed. I found reading it to be difficult at times, and needed to put it down. But the talent of author Mario Escobar is apparent throughout.
I thank the author, #NetGalley and #HarperCollins for the ARC. All opinions are my own. If you are a fan of historical fiction, this is a must!
Although they were supposed to return home after the war, many never did.
Although fictional characters, they were well developed and demonstrated the resilience of the young children. Marco fought continually to protect his sisters, despite his youth, fulling the promise made to his father.
This was a very disturbing, dark time in Spain, with graphic descriptions of the bloodshed. I found reading it to be difficult at times, and needed to put it down. But the talent of author Mario Escobar is apparent throughout.
I thank the author, #NetGalley and #HarperCollins for the ARC. All opinions are my own. If you are a fan of historical fiction, this is a must!
September 3, 2021
Historia ficción, basada en hechos reales,muy dura y cruel con el caso de los niños españoles que llegaron en barco México como refugiados durante la guerra civil española.
September 29, 2020
This beautiful well written, well researched novel takes place before, during and after the Spanish Civil in the years 1934 - 1941. I enjoy historical fiction and especially enjoy it if I learn something new. I knew very little about the Spanish Civil war before reading this book and learned about how the war split up Spain in this brother to brother conflict and the aftermath of this bloody war.
Marco, Isabel and Ana Alcalde live in Madrid with their parents, The war hasn't started yet but people have taken sides and Madrid is no longer safe. Once the war and the bombing start, Madrid became very dangerous and their mother decided to send them to Mexico when the Mexican government promised protection to the imperiled children of Spain. The three children are put on a ship with approximately 500 other children and sent across the ocean to live in a town called Morelie. When they first arrive, they are treated to parades and a lot of love from the citizens. However, the living conditions and treatment they were subjected to was horrendous. Along with living in a new land where they couldn't speak the language or know the customs, and the terrible treatment, the worst part for the children was missing their loving parents and not being able to hear from them for months. Marco was 13 and promised his parents that he would protect his younger sisters but as time went on, it became more difficult to do but they got through their days and weeks with thoughts of returning to Spain and their parents.
This was a beautiful book about family, tragedy, love, separation and the wish for a better future. This powerful book is about a time in history that is often unknown. We need to learn from our history to make sure that it isn't repeated in our future.
Marco, Isabel and Ana Alcalde live in Madrid with their parents, The war hasn't started yet but people have taken sides and Madrid is no longer safe. Once the war and the bombing start, Madrid became very dangerous and their mother decided to send them to Mexico when the Mexican government promised protection to the imperiled children of Spain. The three children are put on a ship with approximately 500 other children and sent across the ocean to live in a town called Morelie. When they first arrive, they are treated to parades and a lot of love from the citizens. However, the living conditions and treatment they were subjected to was horrendous. Along with living in a new land where they couldn't speak the language or know the customs, and the terrible treatment, the worst part for the children was missing their loving parents and not being able to hear from them for months. Marco was 13 and promised his parents that he would protect his younger sisters but as time went on, it became more difficult to do but they got through their days and weeks with thoughts of returning to Spain and their parents.
This was a beautiful book about family, tragedy, love, separation and the wish for a better future. This powerful book is about a time in history that is often unknown. We need to learn from our history to make sure that it isn't repeated in our future.
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