Webster does it yet again!
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Jason Webster picks topics/aspects that are typical of Spain but has a superb talent for being able to offer a completely fresh and interesting perspective of them. In "Guerra" [the Spanish word for "war"] he sets off around Spain in search of traces and effects of the Spanish Civil War on and in the country today, giving a simple and interesting account of what is actually a very complex event and issue in Spanish history. This account is accompanied by descriptions of some of his darker experiences during the journey, of some of the interesting and helpful characters, and of some of the nastier, unhelpful ones he meets along the way. But for all the darkness, Webster leaves the reader feeling hopeful and optimistic in the final chapter, "Perpignan", - I won't spoil it for you! - a chapter which I found particularly pleasant and beautiful.
This is a great book about Spain, whether you know a lot about the country or otherwise. It's easy to read and, more importantly, is highly enjoyable.
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A Civil War Introduction
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As someone who has taken an interest in Spain and Latin America over the last view years my knowledge of this recent historical event was non-existent. This book makes me want to remedy this. The author takes us on an absorbing, personal and v. sad journey highlighting some key points of the war. Highly recommended
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A fantastic combination of narrative and insight
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This is the third Jason Webster book - his first, Duende was magnificent. This one has the same quality - someone who obviously loves the wild passionate side of Spain but has the talent to intersperse some important historical data of the last century. A brilliant book - the Spanish civil war is something we should all know more about as it affects us all. Jacon Webster also manages to bring in the personal touch - the complete understanding of Spanish character.
Highly recommended.
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A brilliant and easy read
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This was the first book I read from the author, my family is Spanish on my mother's side and I as interested in finding out more about the Spanish civil war that my grand-parents experienced. Guerra! is really well written in a simple and easy to follow way, and I was fascinated to follow the author's trip behind the Spanish touristic glamour image into the remnants of the Civil War that are to be seen everywhere. Really good book and a very good author!
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A very good introduction to the Civil War
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It is extraordinary how many books are written by foreigners about Spain, especially the Civil War, but here is a new title to add to an illustrious list headed by names such as Hugh Thomas, Paul Preston and Ian Gibson. This is less a history book, as a personal interpretation of the war, and how its effects can still be felt in Spain today. Colourful episodes from the war itself are interspersed with the author's journeys around the country, visiting such sites as Franco's tomb in el Valle de los Caidos near Madrid, or the ruins of the town of Belchite near Zaragoza. Along the way he meditates on issues such as death and conflict, as well as the eternal division between the 'Two Spains' - a topic that he resolves amusingly and insightfully in the character of 'Kiki' - a transvestite friend in Madrid. For readers who know little about the Spanish Civil War this is the perfect place to start. For those who do know about it, they wil find something fresh and different in Jason Webster's vision of this most tragic event in history.
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