Found this in the library when looking for the author‘s Shardlake mysteries. Starting today. Already intrigued. Madrid 1940s. Spies, espionage. A “bleak winter thriller.” (Back cover). Still feels more like winter than spring here.
so-soI‘m not sure why I requested this book from the library or who might have recommended it. It‘s a wild story - a bit like an old episode of a Rod Serling tv show. The story involves an underground internet program in which philanderers (in this particular case) are punished and a nun is part of the morality squad. I have no idea how to describe the book and I wouldn‘t necessarily recommend it but it was interesting while I was in the midst of it.
pickDuring dictator Franco‘s reign in #Spain, life was extraordinarily hard for average citizens but especially those whose parents fought on the “wrong side” during the Spanish Civil War. It‘s the 1950s, and along comes a Texas teen Dan whose dad wants to enter the oil business with Franco. But Dan has a huge heart and empathy and falls for a hotel maid. We learn her family‘s stories through various family members and friends and they are heart-
pickMadrid 1940, what everyone wants to know is if Franco will join the war on Hitler‘s side. Into this British Intelligence sends Harry to spy on his old school friend Sandy. Sandy has discovered gold which Franco is desperate for.
Being in Madrid, has Harry thinking about a trip he and another classmate, Bernie, made in 1931. We also gets Bernie‘s story from 1937.
Naturally, a book about war and its consequences and how people try to survive.
Another exciting Saturday evening
My daughter and I tried Toro, a Spanish (as opposed to Mexican) food restaurant for #foodandlit. It was extraordinary! We had montaditos (queso de cabra frito) which knocked our socks off. Then we shared baguette sandwiches (jamón serrano with manchego cheese and cochinita pibil) and salads, and for dessert, torrijas. Toro was a brilliant find and a new restaurant for our list of places to go like last month‘s Venezuelan restaurant. #Spain
I‘m on a business trip so dining alone at Olive Garden. A chance by myself to read!
As a Texas Longhorn I‘m not sure I can tolerate a book where a character is going to A&M. The Longhorns have what they believe to be a healthy rivalry against Texas A&M, but I‘ve learned recently from parents whose kids go there, A&M actually has a Freshman orientation about how much they have to hate the Longhorns. It‘s really weird and a lot of wasted energy to encourage hate. 😕
#foodandlit #Spain @Catsandbooks
