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Berta Isla

By Javier Marías
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Berta Isla by Javier Marías is a compelling narrative about love, secrets, and identity. The story follows Berta Isla as she navigates a complex marriage filled with mysterious absences and unexplained events due to her spouse's involvement in espionage. Through her experiences, the novel explores themes of patience, understanding, and the profound impact of hidden truths on relationships.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate intricate narratives that delve into the complexities of love, identity, and secrets. Set against a backdrop of historical events and espionage, it weaves a story of suspense and emotional depth, perfect for readers drawn to character-driven tales with a touch of mystery.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A marriage built on lies, a man with many faces, an unpaid debt to the secret service - rich drama from the author of The Infatuations.

'For a while, she wasn't sure that her husband was her husband. Sometimes she thought he was, and sometimes not.'

Berta and Tomas meet in Madrid and, though both young, they decide to spend their lives together. Eighteen and betrothed, Tomas leaves to study at Oxford. His talent for languages quickly catches the interest of a certain government agency, but Tomas resists their offers - until one day he makes a mistake that will affect the rest of his life, and that of his beloved Berta. After university, he returns to marry her, knowing he won't be able to stay for long...

Gripping and intricate, Berta Isla is about a relationship built on secrets and lies - and the counter forces of resentment and loyalty at its core.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Javier Marías offers a thrilling tale with Berta Isla, entwining themes of espionage and its psychological toll. Critics praise it for its magical narrative, compelling twists, and thought-provoking examination of truth and morality. The novel is lauded for its elegance and vivid storytelling, establishing itself as a powerful piece in Marías's oeuvre.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241983553

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 10 October 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 33.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 376g

Pages: 544

Collections

Crime & Thriller Fiction General Fiction Javier Marías Literary Fiction Penguin Books Spy & Espionage Thriller

About the Author

Javier Marias was born in Madrid in 1951 and died in 2022. He published fifteen novels, three collections of short stories and several volumes of essays. His work has been translated into forty-three languages and has won a dazzling array of international literary awards, including the prestigious Dublin IMPAC award for A Heart So White. He held academic posts in Spain, the United States and in Britain, as Lecturer in Spanish Literature at Oxford University.

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