Status Updates From Berta Isla

The incident with Esteban Yanes - my response - to lose my high esteem for Berta, but to understand also why she doesn't meet him. But also more importantly how the 'dead' are frozen in time, in appearance. Esteban's appearance makes Berta consider all the possibilities of change in Tomás - both appearance, behaviour and internally. The possibility also of her not wanting him either - 7 years+ since they parted.

It is Berta's story - and for that alone I respect the writer - so far. Another 165 pages to go!

Berta argues from Henry V - the King is the infiltrator - the spy amongst his men. When a soldier argues with the disguised king he is later confronted. Berta says the means were false, the King is wrong - he should pardon the soldier. But even I can see a hole. Shouldn't the soldier know to keep his opinions to himself - trust no-one - especially in war. Captain Fluellen switches sides because both are possible.

In front of Berta - Tomás changes his voice. The dangers of disguise - he is hiding behind this voice - just as Berta identified the various prime ministers hiding behind a veil of not knowing - what has been carried out in their name. The utter loss of accountability. The same thing my partner does when he pretends he doesn't understand me or denies he said something - subterfuge. The resort of the weak - IMHO.

The book has simply become a polemic between husband and wife. Tomás asserting on one side the necessity of his secret work and Berta on the other asserting that he is no "different from what the sociales did here. They too devoted themselves to preventing what, for the Franco regime, would have been tragedies. They, too infiltrated and betrayed. And actions can't be erased." P. 265
My thoughts exactly.