Just finished this fabulous book and would highly recommend it. The novel begins in 1893 and spans fifty years. It is based around the historical event of the Spanish Civil War and shows how regular townsfolk coped with the tragic events that interrupted their every day living. My favourite character was Justo - head of the family, a formidable yet tender romantic. I thought it a wonderful book.
-
Posted 10 months ago #
-
Sounds like one for my growing reading list. I read "Winter in Madrid" (C J Sansom) which I really enjoyed but I find the Spanish Civil War period is difficult to come to grips with so many different sides but I suppose all civil wars are a bit like that!
Posted 10 months ago # -
I have almost finished this book (Put it on hold 'cause I needed to read a book for Bookclub).I really enjoyed it - but thought it lost something in the last 100 pages - when he introduced the British charachters - didn't really see the point of that. I found the section on the actual day in Guernica very moving. Has he written anything else?
Posted 10 months ago # -
Hi Claire - I haven't read anything else by Boling. This was his debut novel I think. I thought the British characters added another dimension to the book - and showed how far reaching the effects of war can be, and also how in the depths of sadness and tragedy one can always take comfort in the fact that there are people out there who can help restore faith in humanity. I did feel that the return of the granddaughter at its conclusion was a little romantic but there are stories that have happy endings and after all the characters had gone through in this story I felt happy that Justo and his family had a beacon of hope for the future. It has made me go on to read 'The Basque History of the World by Mark Kurlansky, as It is a period of history I know little about - and was spurred on by this read. I love when reading one book sends you off in another direction to read another that you hadn't planned on reading. Are you enjoying Obama's book?
Posted 10 months ago # -
Hey, all,
I just saw this link on-line. Thanks for reading my book! To answer a question: Yes, this was my first try at fiction. I enjoyed it quite a bit, and readers and reviewers have been very gracious.
Dave Boling
Posted 7 months ago # -
Great to hear from you, Dave! Got Guernica in my Christmas stocking and very much looking forward to reading it!
Posted 7 months ago # -
Yes Dave, very exciting to hear from the author of one my favourite books read last year! Please keep them coming! Loved all aspects of Guernica!
Posted 7 months ago # -
Just finished "Guernica" and enjoyed it. I plan to look up some of the books mentioned in the bibliography as my knowledge of the Basque people & their culture is limited. Lovely book and look for to Dave's next offering.
Posted 6 months ago #
Reply
You must log in to post.