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Ghosts of Spain

Travels Through a Country's Hidden Past
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( 3,892 ratings, 411 reviews)
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
Ghosts of Spain by Giles Tremlett delves into the complexities of Spanish identity by exploring its history, culture, and society. Tremlett uncovers the lingering effects of the Civil War and Franco's dictatorship, revealing how past events continue to shape modern Spain. The book offers a captivating journey through the country's vibrant and sometimes turbulent past and present.
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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 are fascinated by Spain's rich history, complex culture, and the enduring impact of its past. Giles Tremlett offers an insightful and evocative journey through the country, perfect for those who love travel narratives blended with historical exploration.

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Ghosts of Spain

A newly revised and updated edition of Guardian journalist Giles Tremlett's journey through contemporary Spain examining the darker sides of its history.

Ghost of Spain by Giles Tremlett, in a newly revised and updated edition of the Guardian journalist's journey through contemporary Spain examining the darker sides of its history.

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
Ghosts of Spain by Giles Tremlett is a captivating exploration into the intricate tapestry of Spanish culture, history, and identity. In this gripping narrative, Tremlett embarks on an odyssey across Spain, delving into the deeply buried secrets of a nation that has remained silent for decades about some of the most traumatic episodes in its modern history. With the discovery of mass graves from the Spanish Civil War and the subsequent rule of Dictator Generalísimo Francisco Franco, Spain has been forced to confront its past, breaking what Spaniards refer to as "the pact of forgetting."

This compelling journey is not just a historical quest but also a personal one for Tremlett. Having lived in Spain for several years, he seeks to understand the paradoxes and peculiarities that define the Spanish character. Why do the Spanish have an aversion to authority yet seem intimidated by something as simple as a doctor's white coat? How have Spanish women embraced feminism so robustly without causing much of a stir among men? What cultural threads connect the seemingly disparate worlds of gypsies, flamenco, and prisons?

Tremlett's narrative is richly detailed, weaving together interviews, personal anecdotes, and extensive research. He examines contemporary issues such as Spain's highest rate of organ donation in Europe, its booming cosmetic surgery industry, and a surprising prevalence of drug use and prostitution. In doing so, he paints a vivid picture of a country in which tradition and modernity collide in fascinating ways.

Ghosts of Spain offers readers not just a historical account, but also a deeper understanding of a country in the throes of cultural and social change. Tremlett’s insightful prose illuminates the resilience, contradictions, and tenacity of the Spanish people, making this book an indispensable read for anyone interested in Spain and its complex soul.

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?

Ghosts of Spain by Giles Tremlett is highly praised for its insightful and engaging exploration of Spanish history, culture, and politics. Reviewers highlight Tremlett's deep understanding of Spain, gained through extended residency, and commend his vivid recounting of events such as the 2004 Madrid train bombings. The book is appreciated for being both a smart political history and a sophisticated cultural analysis, effectively blending affectionate storytelling with critical observations.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780571279395

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 April 2012

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Faber & Faber

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 29.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 397g

Pages: 496

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About the Author

Giles Tremlett is the Guardian's Madrid correspondent. He has lived in, and written extensively about, Spain almost continuously since graduating from Oxford University twenty years ago.

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