Wirral Libraries Bookbuzz discussion

I read this as an additional book between Reading Group books.

After a slow start I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to other readers. The Reading Group had previously read 'Cartes Postales from Greece' in March 2019 and not been entirely impressed. However I was told by others in the group that her other books - including this one - were better. I am glad I followed up on this suggestion.

The book follows two - eventually - linked stories, the first in modern times and the second through the Spanish Civil War. They were set between London and Granada. I found the author's story telling style was accessible but included a lot of well researched detail. I imagine that one would be able to recognise modern day Granada from the story if one travelled there.

Like many people, I guess, the details of the Spanish Civil War are not known to me. This era is hidden by our all encompassing concern with the national heroics of the Second World War and the later long haul of the Cold War. This book filled in some gaps in my knowledge of Spain's history - sufficient for me to think I need to learn more about their Civil War.

The thorough description of the nuances of bull fighting were also interesting but probably leave me less likely to attend one - there may be deep meanings to the various stages of the bullfight but it seems unnecessarily cruel to me.

The stories of the characters' lives through the story were engaging - I felt sad when some of them died and happy for those who achieved fulfilment. The final scenes were in line with what i had imagined might be possible - although there were always other options for how the book might have ended - so it was worth following the book through to the end.

Overall a hit in my view!