I'm sure many of you have read Arturo Barea's The Forging of a Rebel - his trilogy comprising The Force, The Track, and The Clashthat spans roughly the first 40 years of the the 1900's. I've just reread it after many years and found it to be more poignant and wonderful than I remembered. He gives a superb and touching insight into the minds and hearts of many that went through those times and a true insight into what emotionally and mentally formed the Spain we love.

Well worth reading for a first time - and a second. Just wanted to share.

Puna (who is still weepy eyed)

[ 02-10-2002: Message edited by: MadridMan ]

I second yor sentiments on Arturo Barea. Fans of the trilogy might be interested in knowing that Television Española turned the three books into a mini-series in the late 80s. It's well worth seeing and available on video.

Thanks Puna,

You've brought up some seriously interesting reading material here. Possibly one of the better manuscripts dealing with the realities of the Spanish Civil War.

To those of us who are "Spanish impaired," Ilsa Barea's adaptation of The Forging of a Rebel into English will be released on 2/15/02.

It should be available at most Barnes & Noble stores, and on the Internet for less than $20. It's a big book, and will take time to read.

I've seen some excerpts translated from it, and it's a work of art.



The words of Mr. Barea. Spain would be Fascist or Communist. Nothing in-between.

I've already pre-ordered my copy of it. I heard about its availability about a month ago, and jumped on the bandwagon immediately.

Wolf

For anyone interested in getting the English version Wolf refered to - I ordered through Amazon.com (right on MM's opening page - what is the proper name for this???). Available, as of last week anyhow, for about $14 plus shipping. Obviously, that's the paperback version. And yes, this is a discounted price as it is a pre-order - as Wolf says - the trilogy is actually due out around Feb. 15th.

BTW - I'm "severely Spanish impaired"!

[ 02-12-2002: Message edited by: Puna ]

[ 02-12-2002: Message edited by: Puna ]