| Title | : | Winter in Madrid |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0330411985 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780330411981 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 549 |
| Publication | : | First published January 6, 2006 |
Into this uncertain world comes Harry Brett: a traumatized veteran of Dunkirk turned reluctant spy for the British Secret Service. Sent to gain the confidence of old school friend Sandy Forsyth, now a shady Madrid businessman, Harry finds himself involved in a dangerous game – and surrounded by memories.
Meanwhile Sandy's girlfriend, ex-Red Cross nurse Barbara Clare, is engaged in a secret mission of her own – to find her former lover Bernie Piper, a passionate Communist in the International Brigades, who vanished on the bloody battlefields of the Jarama.
Winter in Madrid Reviews
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Novela de C.J: Sansom que leí allá por el año 2009 y que me dejó un muy agradable sabor de boca. Hoy la he rescatado de mi biblioteca, y, como en su momento no la reseñé, lo hago ahora.
“Invierno en Madrid” no es tanto una novela histórica o de espionaje como un relato costumbrista de una época en la España post guerra civil. Está narrada por un extranjero, y ello le suma aún mayor mérito que si de una narración por un español se tratara. No es que yo haya vivido la época, gracias sean dadas al todopoderoso, pero por lo que tengo visto y leído me parece una recreación difícilmente mejorable. Si a ello sumamos una forma de escribir que ya ha quedado magistralmente registrada en sus novelas sobre Shardlake, el detective a las órdenes en Enrique VIII (al que no las conozca, se las recomiendo como si las hubiese escrito yo), y que describe personajes y situaciones con todo lujo de detalle, poco más puedo añadir. Que la disfruté como un poseso. Y que me emocionó sobremanera.
Esta novela es un stand alone dentro de su obra literaria. El que quiera disfrutar del verdadero escritor, que se sumerja, como ya queda dicho, en la serie de Shardlake, una de mis favoritas en este tipo de relatos. Ahí sí que se podrá deleitar en la escritura de este gran novelista. Pero, al que le interese más algo relacionado con la historia de España, y, concretamente de la época mencionada, bien podría empezar por aquí. -
It's so difficult for me to grasp that this was published in 2006. Sansom must have been channeling Graham Greene, maybe a bit of Hemingway and the best of le Carre. His style is so utterly of the time. The characters' diction, actions, motivations are so in context; it really speaks to the brilliance of the writer.
This is a story that unfolds quietly, with great dignity, showcasing the stiff-upper-lip, public school breeding of its central characters. The story begins in late autumn 1940 amid the rubble of Madrid. Franco drags along a beaten-down and cowed country that seems no less devastated than it was during the civil war. Spain is caught between the tension of Germany breathing hotly on its neck and Britain still controlling the seas; it is into this barely-controlled rumble that Harry Brett, a Briton shell-shocked from the battle at Dunkirk is sent to Madrid as an agent of British Intelligence.
The characters- unassuming spy Brett, shady businessman Sandy Forsyth and Bernie Piper, who became a communist and was thought to have been killed years before fighting the fascists, the Red Cross nurse Barbara who was once Bernie's lover and now Sandy's girlfriend-and Harry's Spanish lover, Sofia- their lives intertwine and lead inexorably to the novel's dramatic and breathtaking climax.
The Spanish Civil War has always been an enigma to me- little studied and understood. This novel, although set in the aftermath of the war, brought alive the horror captured in Picasso's Guernica- the senselessness of slaughter, the sacrifice of humanity for politics. -
C.J. Sansom's well-researched novel of post Civil War Spain is a powerful, informative, and fantastic read. It is so much more than just a spy move or love story, although it would be worthwhile even if that was all it had.
What does war accomplish? What political ideology is the panacea to the poverty of 1937 Spain? Is it socialism? Communism? Fascism? Monarchism? The author seems to be conveying that while each promises a better society, all are corrupted by dishonesty, greed, and cruelty. Each set of beliefs benefits some but rarely the poor.
Through the four main characters I believe Sansom is commenting on how our childhood shapes and determines our adult selves. Barbara and Sandy are overshadowed by a sibling. Harry is an orphan and Bernie, growing up poor, sees how poverty has weighed-down his parents. In the epilogue we learn about what has happened to the four ten years later. No surprises here but very interesting. I especially enjoyed learning about what Sandy was doing. It brought a smile to my face as I thought, "Just like Maurice" in Ladder to the Sky.
Sansom's Historical Note at the end is very helpful. If nothing else it indicates how much research went into this book. Winter in Madrid is the epitome of a great historical novel. It was a perfect read for me and I would definitely recommend it. -
Magistrale, historische roman...er zijn boeken die je niet weg kan leggen, die je in één ruk uit moet lezen...dit is zo'n boek!! De setting, de historische achtergrond (ik ga me hier echt meer in verdiepen), de personages, de karakters, het verhaal(ik ga hier bewust niet verder over uitwijden...LEES!!)...ik heb genoten...ik ga zeker meer lezen van C.J.Sansom!
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This started off bad, got progressively worse, and finished in the most ridiculous fashion.
The most interesting part of the book is by far the background- the Spanish civil war, Franco and Falangism, fascism vs communism, the New Red State. So much so that I’m looking for something properly historical on that period.
Yet what Sansom throws into that are the most dull and stereotypical characters you can imagine- the private school facist/communist/and spy- 3 different men who went to the same school and ‘have a past’. The timid nurse turned aid worker who was bullied at school and bangs on about it for the whole book yet ends up brave enough to shoot a man, the bully General, the doomed Spanish beauty, the self effacing local doing what he must to get by... on and on and on.
The timeline was confused by unnecessary flashbacks, unnecessary scenes, and strangely unfocused conversations. All the characters speak a really stilted English which I first thought was a reflection of the social customs of the day, but it had no flow, the interactions all feeling off as a result, like they were being performed and not spoken.
Not even close to as good as the Shardlake series. -
Novela de C.J: Sansom que leí allá por el año 2009 y que me dejó un muy agradable sabor de boca. Hoy la he rescatado de mi biblioteca, y, como en su momento no la reseñé, lo hago ahora.
“Invierno en Madrid” no es tanto una novela histórica o de espionaje como un relato costumbrista de una época en la España post guerra civil. Está narrada por un extranjero, y ello le suma aún mayor mérito que si de una narración por un español se tratara. No es que yo haya vivido la época, gracias sean dadas al todopoderoso, pero por lo que tengo visto y leído me parece una recreación difícilmente mejorable. Si a ello sumamos una forma de escribir que ya ha quedado magistralmente registrada en sus novelas sobre Shardlake, el detective a las órdenes en Enrique VIII (al que no las conozca, se las recomiendo como si las hubiese escrito yo), y que describe personajes y situaciones con todo lujo de detalle, poco más puedo añadir. Que la disfruté como un poseso. Y que me emocionó sobremanera.
Esta novela es un stand alone dentro de su obra literaria. El que quiera disfrutar del verdadero escritor, que se sumerja, como ya queda dicho, en la serie de Shardlake, una de mis favoritas en este tipo de relatos. Ahí sí que se podrá deleitar en la escritura de este gran novelista. Pero, al que le interese más algo relacionado con la historia de España, y, concretamente de la época mencionada, bien podría empezar por aquí. -
This was an exceptional, remarkable and frantic ride trough the Spanish civil war embedded with a dramatic and beautiful developed love story!!!
Three young man: Sandy Forsyth entrepreneur and survivor after having went trough a tattered childhood and broken family;
Bernie a communist and born fighter, the arch-enemy of the fascists;
Henry the British soldier, injured and humiliated at Dunkirk searching for revenge and compensations;
Each of them intertwined trough the love for one woman: Barbara!!
"Winter in Madrid" is a novel about sacrifice, heroism, struggle against poverty, the redemption of faith, and the power of love..
I want to disclose only so much, so that I don't spoil anything at all :
After being injured at the battle in The Jarama Valley, Bernie is taken captive and must try to survive a secret fascist laborcamp for political dissidents and enemies of the regime hidden in the mountains of Cuenca and guarded with heavy arms by the Franco regime!!!
Barbara driven by her love and pain relentless searching after Bernies body!!!
After being bereaved and heartbroken, in the conviction that Bernie was killed in the war, she finds temporary consolation and comfort in a relationship with Sandy!!
But this is a big mistake she has made, and soon enough she will be awakened to the reality and the consequences of such a vicious and flaw love affair..
Years later after having found about Bernie that he is still alive, she embarks and undertakes a campaign to liberate him from the fascist laborcamp..
But to be successful she will have to deny herself and her convictions, and face betrayal, bloodshed, and hatred..
"Winter in Madrid" by C. J. Samson does not fail to deliver a captivating and gripping political thriller and a tragic love story in tumultuous and dangerous times that will leave the reader gasping and with the feel-good sensation that only the best novels are capable of rendering!!!
Happy reading!!!
Dean;) -
An outstanding historical novel. The period in history chosen by the author had a lot of narrative possibilities to deliver and he squeezed each and everyone of the them.
CJ Sansom sets the story in 1940's Madrid, period in which Spain was going through a Civil War and hesitating about entering WWII. As in every international dilemma there are foreign stakes in the game, this book narrates some of Britain's interests in a conflicted Spain. Being the main characters British nationals and of diverse political inclination, the reader obtains different perspectives of the epoch from involved outsiders.
This same tool of describing national political currents through foreign characterization is somewhat dangerous, nonetheless it shows to be a complete success in Winter in Madrid. The narrative flows smoothly between the characters, the geographic location and momentum from active wars. The reader will not only get a realistic feeling of Franco's Spain but also will be shown different currents and powers struggling to win over the Iberic Country.
This great historical-crime-action-thriller will amaze anyone that comes to read it. -
Do not read this book unless you want to be bored to tears for 500 pages and then deeply frustrated/dissatisfied for the last 25. That is literally how this book is structured: boring, boring, boooooring page after page of crawlingly-slow moving plot, trying to keep your eyes open long enough to give a shit about the characters and the scenes of each moment of each day of their lives..... and THEN at the end, when there are a series of plot twists arranged in a clumsy fashion, you just wish you hadn't bothered reading the whole book. Not to mention the epilogue, which just shows that years later, the characters are all still unhappy, and the unconvincingly villainous bad guy is still at large. Not to mention how the love stories are totally dry, neutered, and unconvincing - no sex scenes in this tome. Honestly, this was a real snoozer, and I do NOT recommend it to anyone, even readers (such as myself) who normally enjoy historical fiction.
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I would describe this as professional writing. As if the book is a product of a commission rather than inspiration. The story’s okay; the characters are reasonably engaging, the research never intrudes too much in the narrative but it just doesn’t have that animating charge, that racing heartbeat that a novelist who’s whole heartedly immersed in his story brings to a novel.
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D.N.F. @ 59%
I have been debating whether to finish this book or not :( I absolutely hate it when you first get a book and you are really really beyond excited, then when you finally get to read it...
I was really excited guys, I feel really let down... It was an epic thriller love story (not to interested in the love parts tho) set in 1940's Spain. I loved the setting of war and the feel the book had, the culture, the effects of war were painted out really good but the characters were not memorable at all. The author tried to get me to care or feel for them but I wasn't having it.
Also I sensed a love triangle forming and I didn't like that it was taking that direction.
For 59% nothing life changing or moving happened, the plot felt pretty lackluster. It didn't help that the characters were cardboard cut-outs with the personality of a wall. The lead female was too heavily dependent on the men and was constantly seeking approval from them hence making her significantly weak. I also found that when I put the book, It was a chore to pick it up again and my brain was telling me....
Maybe the book wasn't for me and might tickle your fancy, if so then go for it. -
5/5⭐
Me gustó mucho este libro cuando lo leí por primera vez y me ha vuelto a gustar mucho ahora.
A caballo entre la ficción histórica y una novela de espionaje, desarrolla dos tramas que acabarán confluyendo. Estamos en 1940, en el Madrid de la posguerra, hervidero de espías. Hitler está en su mejor momento e Inglaterra trata de impedir, por todos los medios, que España entre en la guerra junto a las potencias del eje. Para ello envían a Harry Brett, veterano de Dunkerke, que domina el idioma y ha estado en Madrid anteriormente. Su misión, averiguar qué negocios se trae entre manos, con la España de Franco, Sandy Forsyth, antiguo compañero suyo de colegio. Paralelamente, Barbara Clare, la novia de Sandy, antigua enfermera de la Cruz Roja, intenta encontrar a su antiguo novio, Bernie Piper, voluntario comunista de las Brigadas Internacionales, que desapareció tras la batalla del Jarama. Bernie asistió al mismo colegio que Harry y Sandy y fue compañero de ambos.
¿Qué me ha gustado?
La ambientación en el Madrid de la posguerra es brillante. C.J. Sansom retrata el miedo, el hambre, la pobreza y el frío. Nos muestra el pulso de una ciudad "ocupada", que ha perdido la alegría y la esperanza de futuro. La acción se sitúa desde septiembre a diciembre de 1940. Tras un verano de sequías y malas cosechas, otoño e invierno fueron inusualmente fríos, un frío acompañado de lluvia y nieve que, tal y como nos muestra el autor, aumentaron las penurias de los madrileños. De la mano de Sansom paseamos por una ciudad en ruinas, en la que contrastan el modo de vida opulento de los que ostentan el poder, con la más absoluta de las miserias de los vencidos.
Queda igualmente reflejado en el libro, la mentalidad del nuevo régimen, su política de "limpieza" y no de reconciliación. Víctimas especialmente vulnerables de esta situación fueron los niños huérfanos de padres republicanos, tanto los que sobrevivían en las calles, como los que acabaron en los orfelinatos del estado. Que semejante ambientación, la haya conseguido un escritor británico nacido en 1952, nos habla de una labor de documentación más que sobresaliente.
La exposición que hace el autor del papel que jugó Gran Bretaña en el mantenimiento del régimen, su hipocresía y doble moral, tanto antes como después de la Guerra Civil.
El cómo se desenvuelve la trama. Dividida en tres partes y narrada en tercera persona, el ritmo es sostenido y se desarrolla con fluidez.
Los personajes. Junto con la ambientación son lo más destacable. Todos ellos, a cuál mejor, están bien dibujados. Harry, honrado y valiente, con un sistema de valores, que no se corresponden con los tejemanejes de la embajada de su país. Sandy, amoral, controlador y oportunista sin escrúpulos. El tipo de persona camaleónica que sobrevive en cualquier circunstancia. Bernie es el idealista, desencantado con el partido, que lucha por sus convicciones hasta el final. Bárbara, llegada a España en 1937, es el personaje que más evoluciona a lo largo de la novela.
Y qué decir de Sofía, la chica de Carabanchel, la mujer libre de la república, que vio todas sus esperanzas frustradas tras la guerra. Ella y su familia han sido los personajes que me han dejado con el corazón encogido.
El elenco secundario también es notable. En contraposición a Sofía, Milagros, la hija de dieciocho años del general Maestre, representa la vuelta atrás en la situación de la mujer española. El propio Maestre, despiadado y corrupto. Todo ello sin olvidarnos de los representantes de la diplomacia británica con su embajador elitista, Samuel Hoare, al frente.
El final, triste y realista, acorde y coherente.
En conclusión, una novela de espionaje y ficción histórica, ambientada en el Madrid de 1940, que me ha gustado mucho y que recomiendo sin dudar. -
CJ Sansom is among my favorite writers, particularly for his unparalleled creation of Matthew Shardlake, who I've talked about so much my husband thought he was a real person. I started this book with some trepidation, however, wondering how I would feel about a non-Shardlake Sansom novel.
The Madrid that Sansom transports the reader to is that of poverty and political struggle following Spain's Civil War and during World War II. The landscape, complex history, and attitudes of the times are used to paint a 1940s Madrid just as expertly as he does Tudor England. Not having much prior knowledge of the specific events portrayed in this novel, I can say that Sansom provides enough fact to please purists without confusing those who are just looking for a good story.
A twisted, if somewhat predictable, plot brings together three men under unlikely circumstances. Harry, the main character, is a somewhat stereotypical Englishman of the time trying to 'do the done thing.' When his time in the military ends due to injuries sustained, he is uncertain what to do with himself that will allow him to believe he is doing his part. This problem is solved when British Intelligence sends him to Madrid as a poorly prepared spy helping to keep Spain from joining the Germans against the Allies.
Harry is sent to spy on Sandy Forsyth, a man who Harry seems as uncertain about as an adult as he was when they were young men at snooty public school together. The suave Forsyth is also a somewhat boilerplate character. Self absorbed, but easy going until he thinks he's being crossed.
The third schoolmate is Bernie, who everyone thinks died in Spain during the Civil War. When the woman who was in love with him finds out that he is actually wasting away in a POW camp, she is ready to move heaven and earth to save him. The only problem? Everyone believes she is Sandy's wife.
There's a lot going on to make this a great story but never an amazing one. If I had to pinpoint what was missing, I'd have to say it was Matthew. Alright, not Matthew precisely, but a character that I cared about as deeply as Sansom's beloved hunchback lawyer. In the most dramatic moment of the book, I realized that I didn't particularly care which of those involved lived or died. Harry came close to inspiring my sympathy a few times, but couldn't quite get there. The romance he was involved in was unconvincing, and in the end Harry was a disappointment.
The setting is atmospheric. Nobody can create another time and place like CJ Sansom. I just wish there had been a protagonist that I could cheer for. -
The sroty takes place after the civil war and during WW2 in Spain. The author must have done quite a research and I think he captures the atmosphere of Madrid at that period quite nicely.
This novel could have been great! I mean there was a war, a traitor, a reluctant spy, an abused woman and a love triangle, but unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations.The story had potentials, but I didn't like the way the author painted the characters.In my opinion, he was far more concentrated on the historical events so the characters of the book eluded him completely. I can understand why Harry turns out to be so bitter after loosing the love of his life but why he was so pathetic and indifferent in the beginning of the novel I cannot tell.And how about Barbara why was she so traumatized because some kids were teasing her about her hair? As far as I am concerned the characters were very little analyzed and somehow they do not feel complete.They are more fragments of a personality than a whole complete person which you can love or hate. I remained indifferent to them through out the whole book. The only character that intrigued me a little was Sandy the villain of the story but then again he was not portrayed as he should have been.
Another thing that bothered me is that none of the love stories was believable and I really could not warm up to any of the couples of the book. The love stories literally happen out of the blue. They are sudden and inexplicable and maybe that is what love is, but the author failed to described it in a way that will make the reader feel part of the magic that is love and being in love. It's simple something that happens in order to continue the narrative of the story.
The book on the whole was not bad. It was easily read and it has some really nice descriptions of Spain in those hard and controversial times, but it lacked well portrayed characters that will make you care about them. -
Spoiler alert: do not Google General Maestre before you finish reading this book as it brings up a synopsis of the storyline. As always, I enjoyed learning about a period of history I didn't know enough about. At times, however, this book reads like a propaganda film, or the script of a 1940s movie. Neither is a problem in itself but I felt it descended into melodrama at times and many scenes felt contrived as the author tried to set a historical scene. It was a good read though, quite exciting towards the end, and I learned quite a bit about Spanish history so reading it was time well spent.
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Could have been a great book with a little more care
The storyline, with all of its sub-plots and inter-twining of characters, is excellent. It builds very well on the memories of Harry, an accidental spy; Barbara, a Red Cross nurse; Bernie, a public school friend of Harry and the love of Barbara’s life; and Sandy, a rather objectionable classmate of Harry and Bernie.
The author has obviously researched the period of Spanish history which spans the decade from 1931 to 1941 so well that the weaving of the many threads of fiction and fact are as smooth as silk.
However, this book is spoilt by the frequent irritations of fundamental errors which could have been eliminated by better editing. “’Harry,’ he said in Spanish,” could just have easily have been “’Harry,’ he said in Turkish,” or simply “Harry.”
There is a passage in the middle of the book where the author must have had the word “plump” on his mind as he wrote, for it appears at least three times on each page. The there are two occurrences of heavy machine guns being “set up,” which, in the same sentence, become sub-machine guns. Any soldier, and many non-military readers, would know that there is a world of difference between the two.
Then there is the half of madness where two officers switch rank. A general is demoted to colonel, and promoted back again, and a lieutenant is promoted to major, and back again. Crazy! And such negligent editing!
These irritations, for me, take the edge off what would otherwise have been a five-star-rated book.
Finally, I would not agree with the Sunday Express critic who placed Sansom in the same class as Sebastian Faulks and Carlos Ruiz Zafón. Definitely not! -
(review in English below)
3,5*
Gostei de ler esta história. Está bem pensada, baseada numa cuidadosa investigação histórica e está bem escrita (a tradução e revisão também são boas). Mas só me entusiasmei na última parte, querendo saber como tudo se resolvia, e nunca cheguei a ficar realmente envolvida na leitura. Provavelmente, parte deste desinteresse decorrerá do facto de ter lido este livro em formato digital, mas tenho por critério avaliar a minha experiência, sejam quais forem os factores que a influenciaram.
Não gostei do final (Epílogo), mas reconheço que provavelmente será mais realístico...
De qualquer modo, recomendo - sobretudo a quem gostar de romances históricos e, particularmente, sobre a II Guerra Mundial e/ou a Guerra Civil Espanhola e o franquismo (numa perspectiva inglesa).
3.5 stars
I enjoyed reading this story. It's well thought out, based on a careful historical investigation and well written. But I only got carried away in the last chapters, wanting to know how things turned out, and I never got truly immersed in this reading. Part of this disconnection is probably due to the fact that I read this book on the computer, but my evaluations are based on my experience, whatever influences it.
I didn't like the ending (Epilogue) but I admit it's probably more realistic...
Anyway, I recommend it - mostly to those who like historical novels, particularly about World War II and/or the Spanish Civil War and the Franco regime (from as English perspective). -
Read this book in 2013, and its a standalone book about WWII in Madrid and the rest of Spain.
Set in 1940, with Madrid in ruins, and the Germans marching throughout Europe, General Franco has to decide to remain neutral or enter the war.
In this war there's a young man, Harry Brett, traumatised from Dunkirk and reluctant spy for the British Secret Service, who's working now for Sandy Forsyth, who's an old schoolfriend of Brett but now a shady Madrid businessman, and in this dangerous game Brett is surrounded by memories.
With Sandy's girlfriend, Barbara Clare, is on a mission of her own in trying to find her former lover Bernie Piper, a man who has joined the International Brigades.
What is to follow is a very exciting tale of various individuals trying to deal with war and spying situations in Madrid and abroad, and all in an effort to survive this game of war and death, and be victorious in whatever warring party they belong or are fighting for.
Very much recommended, for this is a very entertaining tale about Madrid and its people during WWII, and that's why I like to call this tale: "A Very Satisfying Winter In Madrid"! -
Mr. Sansom develops an excellent story in a location that is often forgotten about in the World War II era - post-Civil War Spain. There are not too many characters to keep track of, and flashbacks provide deep, if somewhat rushed, explanations for events that continue to mold the story. The biggest fault is the end which feels rushed and takes some unnecessary events. Character closure is also not addressed. Overall, a great book to read that keeps you on your toes in a new, dark environment and lets you feel the despair that many felt in the 1940’s Europe.
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"Harry felt panic beginning to stir. The thought of going back to Spain both excited and appalled him."
I ended up with this book by accident as I had thought the author was a Christian. Nevertheless, I read it in a couple of days and it was pretty good. It's hilarious reading the other reviews as it appears to be like Marmite; you either love it or you hate it. The funny thing about the reviews is people are literally saying the exact opposite of each other; for some the writing is fantastic, the characters brilliantly developed and the research brilliant, yet for others, the whole thing is a sham, the history unreal and the characters fake and unnatural. I guess it's good that we all like different things but it's rare to find numerous such contrary opinions sitting next to each other.
The story is set before, and during, World War Two in Spain. It centres on three male characters who were at school together in England and their loves and losses. The opening scene has one of the men captured and presumably shot, although later we discover that may not be the case. I lost interest in the political dialogue and the various warring factions despite having studied the period in detail at school, it became confusing.
However, there is enough story behind the politics to keep a reader's interest and you don't need to understand a huge amount of the historical context to keep track of the narrative. It is slow paced, though, and I could have put it down after the first 100 pages but I chose to persevere and it got better after that. There was one annoying female character (actually the main character) who kept on and on about her insecurities from being bullied as a child. This became monotonous especially when one of the men decides to target these vulnerabilities. It also didn't fit that she later went on to shoot a man!
I hated the ending. I won't spoil it, but it didn't make sense and there had been such a huge build up. So, it was disappointing. Then, the Epilogue ruins it further as we find out the final destiny of one of the men. Some small tweaks could've stopped this from jarring.
There is a lot of bad language especially strong blasphemy in this book and some sex scenes which are not graphic but may offend some readers. There is also graphic violence and some torture in the prison camp, which I would describe as moderate.
This is something to read if you have some time out and nothing much else to do. I don't think it will stay with me but I'm glad I've read it. -
I did not enjoy the end of this book, but I don't want to give it away, so I won't say anything more. I did enjoy most of the book however. I was unfamiliar with most of the details of Franco's regime, and it was interesting to read about all the different factions. The main character, Harry Brett, is sent to Spain to spy on his old school friend, Sandy Forsyth, who is involved with the Fascists in Spain. Harry and Sandy had gone to school with another boy, Bernie Piper, who is presumed dead--but Sandy's "wife" Barbara, who is still in love with Bernie, is convinced that he is alive. The story becomes more complex and the stakes become larger as Harry's deception goes deeper. It's a very good historical mystery, very atmospheric and redolent of the despair permeating almost every aspect of society in Franco's Spain.
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Harry Brett had been at Dunkirk, but was narrowly missed by a shell that killed the next soldier along. He has been discharged as an invalid and is approached by SIS. They are asking him to spy on someone he knew from his former school, Sandy Forsythe, who has financial interests in Spain and the British government want to know how closely linked he is to the Franco regime. He is dispatched to Madrid with his cover as a translator, and starts to make contact.
Forsythe’s wife is a lady called Barbara, someone who Brett had met before as well. She is there to try and locate her first love, a man called Bernie, who was fighting with the communists against Franco, but had been declared missing presumed dead. Brett starts to see the couple more and more, with the hope of discovering more about the scheme that he is involved with. Barbara is informed that Bernie is alive and that one of the guards would be happy to help him escape, but he requires a large payment. Brett is being tailed by the Spanish authorities, but ends up helping the guy who was trailing him after he is attached by dogs. He takes him home, and starts to fall for the guys sister.
Forsythe starts to trust Brett, and shows him the potential mine, but Brett may have just lost that trust. The diplomats at the embassy are furious, and Brett realizes he is a pawn in a larger game between them.
Sansom has written a story set that combines love, hate, betrayal, tragedy and friendship. It does take a while to get going, by around page 150 I was wondering if I should continue or not. I was glad that I did, and the complex tale that he has written is well worth it in the end. Some of the twists are really good, though possible one too many in my opinion. I have given four stars, but it is realistically a 3.5 star book. -
This book is a bit quirky, but as I read I began enjoying it more and more and then came the ending! I was so frustrated that it ended abruptly with the climax of the story. There is an epilogue, but it seems a rushed attempt to bring about some type of conclusion - an 'oh by the way'. With that, I thought it was surely a 3 star read, but I can not. Why? Because I learned a great deal and I appreciated the well researched, detailed writing by Sansom. There were no anachronisms, no lazy writing. I was reading about real people and events- Ambassador Hoare and the bribing of Spanish generals to keep them from entering the war; Hillgarth, the officer of covert operations, who was appointed by Churchill to keep tabs on Hoare; Franco and his political maneuverings and extravagant notions toward self sufficiency; the role of the Spanish church; and the tremendous sufferings of the Spanish people. ( I could go on.) And all the while, I was being entertained by a great story about the interwoven lives of three very different British friends. 4.5 stars
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Better known for his Shardlake series, which i probably won't get into, Winter in Madrid sees C.J. Sansom dabbling in post-Civil-War Spain during World War II. Injured Dunkirk veteran Harry Brett is hired by the British government to spy on his old school pal Sandy Forsyth who is now living in Spain and is involved in the shady world of gold mining. Harry's mission is to uncover Sandy's intentions and where his loyalties lie. The secondary plot involves Sandy's wife, Barbara, attempting to locate old love interest Bernie who disappeared during the Spanish Civil War.
Excuse the old analogy but this is a book of two halves. Part one sets up the story with decent character building and a good insight into WWII during 1940 with plenty of references to actual events. I'd class part two as the last 150 pages where the book just runs out of momentum. After the intrigue that is built during the first two thirds the latter stages of the book start to reveal where the plot will end up and it's pretty average. If anything the big reveal tainted the story because it made a great deal of the book pointless.
Unfortunately the author does a fairly average job of depicting a war ravaged Spain. His descriptions are fine with streets rife with poverty and people starving into nothingness but i just didn't feel any emotion coming through the pages. The Book Thief or All the Light We Cannot See are similar books of historical fiction and they genuinely made me lump-in-the-throat-sad, which is what i wanted. Winter in Madrid throws up the odd scene of heartache but i didn't truly believe in it. They appear almost as afterthoughts. -
Belki iyi okurun edebi zevkini tatmin etmez ama iyi okur olmanın yolu biraz da bu tür kitapları okumaktan geçiyor. Bir siyasi roman Madrid'te Kış. Ama romancı romanını bir siyasete kurban etmiş değil. Bunun yanında adaletin, özgürlüğün, bağımsızlığın, eşitliğin yanında yer aldığını söyleyebiliriz romancının.
Bir tuğla kitap olmasına rağmen bir yığın romanı değil. Üç beş kişinin etrafında dönüyor hikaye. Olay örgüsü olan, sürükleyici, aksiyonlu bir roman.
1931-40 arası zaman zarfında cereyan ediyor olaylar. Ama roman kronolojik ilerlemiyor. Geriye dönüşler var. Olaylar daha ziyade Madrid'te gerçekleşmesine rağmen, hikayenin Londra ve Dunkirk ayağı da var. Dunkirk ayağı geçtiğimiz yıl yönetmen Christopher Nolan tarafından sinemaya aktarılmıştı.
Karakterler derinlemesine işlenmiyor. Konu çetrefilli gibi görünse de bana özel gelmedii. Ama benim için romanın ilginçliği bazı küçük detaylardaydı: Hitler'e olan tüm hayranlığına rağmen Franco'nun ülkesini savaşa sokmaması; milliyetçi cephede yer alan monarşistlerin Almanya'ya karşı İngiltere'yi desteklemeleri; savaş halindeki Madrid'teki Alman ve İngiliz elçiliklerinin yan yana olması; Cumhuriyetçi çocuklarının tutulduğu yetimhanelerde, bu çocuklara faşist bir ruh aşılanması; komünist tutsaklar için psikiyatris tutulması gibi. -
What I knew about the Spanish Civil War could fit in one sentence- Heminway reported on it. Now that I've admitted my appalling ignorance, let me say that I learned quite a bit and was entertained along the way. There were so many factions that I had trouble keeping them straight. What I did learn was the Spanish people lived in horrifying conditions and were as beleagured as the parts of Europe under Hitler's rule.
The story of the school boys- Harry, Bernie and Sandy- was the heart of the story. How three boys thrust together in school changed and evolved into the adults they became. The women they loved were strong, passionate, and committed women. It's not a view of women that we often get especially in those times.
I could barely put the book down as I just couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
The ending surprised me but was so authentic that I was so satisfied. My hat's off to Craig Ferguson who recommended this author on his late night show. -
Harry Brett is a former soldier turned languages specialist at Cambridge. When approached by government officials and asked to travel to Spain and become a spy for the British, he is hesistant. His target is Sandy Forsyth, a former classmate turned shady businessman in Madrid. Harry is to infiltrate Sandy's inner circle and find out about his (probably dirty) business dealings. Unbeknownst to Harry, Sandy is currentlly living with Barbara Clare, a British nurse whose previous boyfriend was Bernie Piper. Bernie attended school with Harry and Sandy. As each follows their agenda, their personal bonds will be put to the test.
I have had this book on my to-read-shelf for a few years. I was compelled to read it now in part because the Champions League final will played between Liverpool and Tottenham in Madrid and my dad made a comment that there is/was bad blood between Spain and England. After reading this book, I can begin to understand why. Harry is recruited to spy on Sandy, a former "friend" and classmate. As he is fluent in spanish, his cover will be that he is a translator for the English embassy in Madrid. The Spanish Civil War just had wrapped up but the city is still a mess. The British need any and all intel to prevent Spain from joining the Axis powers. They suspect that Sandy holds valuable information and Harry should have easier access than someone unknown.
In all fairness, the first hundred pages or so were rough and slow-going, I contemplated dropping the book altogether. I am glad I did not do that for their is intrigue, mystery and an almost noir-quality to the narrative. As the connections between the protagonist become clearer so do their motives for being with each other and in Spain. Characterization was well done as each character is complex and interesting in their own right. Personally, I found Barbara somewhat dull at first but that perception changed quickly as the narrative progressed. Dealing with love, betrayal and revenge this book ultimately managed to captivate me. I love the ending. Overall, a great book. Would recommend.
The Spanish Civil War is subject I am quite limited in (my knowledge of Spain pertains to the Spanish league of football mostly). Without a doubt its one of the greater conflicts of the twentieth century and one that remains controversial. When the Nationalists (Francisco Franco's side) defeated the Republicans, Spain was further divided religiously, politically and ideologically. Even in the winning side there were significant differences within the sub-groups (mainly between the Monarchists and the Falangists). There are many theories as to why Spain remained neutral. Some say that it was because of Franco and his tactics. Still others argue that had England not held such pressure over Spain, Spain might have joined the Axis. As the British controlled the waterways and hence, the delivery of supplies and food, they would have severly handicapped Spain had they joined on Hitler's side. To me, at least, it seems like Franco's interests lined up with that of Hitler and Mussolinni. Not only a great narrative but an informative one as well. -
After the conflict…
1940. The Spanish Civil War is over and Franco’s regime is in charge. What will later be known as the Second World War is underway – France has fallen, Britain has retreated from Dunkirk and is grimly facing daily aerial bombardment, and Franco is rumoured to be about to bring Spain into the war on the side of Germany and Hitler. Against this backdrop, four English people will play out their own drama in a Madrid still wrecked and reeling, its people starving and afraid.
Harry Brett has been invalided out of the army after Dunkirk, suffering from damaged hearing and shell shock. He has recovered well enough, though, to take on a job proposed to him by the Secret Service – to go out to Spain and try to win the confidence of Sandy Forsyth, once his old school friend and now involved in shady dealings in Madrid. When he gets there and makes contact with Sandy, he discovers Sandy is now living with another old acquaintance – Barbara Clare, once the lover of another school friend, Bernie Piper, who was declared missing, presumed dead, after the battle of Jarama. We follow these three as Harry tries to find out what Sandy is up to, and Barbara continues to hope against the odds that Bernie is not dead and to use whatever little influence and money she has to find him.
I read this book years ago when it came out (2006) and didn’t really connect with it. I wondered at the time if it was because I didn’t know enough about the Spanish Civil War – what the various factions were and what they were fighting for, and who was allied to whom, and so on. So when I started my Spanish Civil War challenge, I decided to make this the last book of the challenge, to see if all my new-found knowledge would make a difference to my reaction. And it did! I still didn’t wholeheartedly love it, largely because it’s very long and I didn’t feel the central stories were strong enough to carry it. However, I enjoyed it considerably more this time, both because I better understood the various tensions among the characters and because it was interesting to see Sansom’s take on the history.
Sansom joins the long list of British and American authors who take the Republican side when writing about the conflict. In this version of history, Republicans are good people, and it was only the nasty Communists, whom real Republicans despise as much as they despise Fascists, who committed all the atrocities on the left, while real Republicans were decent souls defending a democratically elected government against a fascist insurgency. This means that the opposite must also be true – that everyone on the Nationalist side must be an evil Fascist or, perhaps worse, a monarchist. I guess this distortion or, at the least, over-simplification has been repeated so often now that many people accept it as truth, especially when it ties in with their existing political leanings, as it clearly does with Sansom.
The personal stories of the characters are done well, and Sansom uses them to show different aspects of the conflict and its aftermath. The three men, Harry, Sandy and Bernie, all attended an elite public school called Rookwood, and in the early part of the book there are many flashbacks to their time there, showing us how they developed into the men they became. Harry was always the neutral one, friend to both of the others and with no strong views on politics or anything else. Sandy was the bad boy, expelled from previous schools, and soon to be expelled from Rookwood too. Already arrogant, already cruel, naturally he would side with the Fascists in later life. Bernie was a scholarship boy from a humble background, and he already resented the inequalities in society, declaring himself a socialist, so it is no surprise when he later heads off to Spain to fight in the International Brigades. In political terms the characterisations are a little simplistic, but they work well in human terms, although I found Harry’s neutrality made him rather bland to be given the role of main character. The role of public schools in shaping the leaders of the future is portrayed well, though again clearly through the lens of Sansom’s left-wing bias.
Barbara is the outsider, brought into this group as the lover of first Bernie and later Sandy. She is, frankly, an unlikely heroine to have inspired so much passion – Sansom repeatedly tells us that she lacks beauty, mainly because she wears glasses and frumpy clothes, and I couldn’t see much that was outstanding in her personality to overcome these dreadful flaws. We know Sandy is a bad man because he hates her wearing glasses, while Bernie is good and pure because he loves her even with her glasses on. Am I sounding sarcastic? Good, I intend to. However, her role in the Red Cross first as a nurse and later in helping to reunite refugee children with their families gives insight into another aspect of civil war, and makes her the most likeable of the main characters, despite her glasses.
The twin stories – Harry’s spying on Sandy and Barbara’s search for Bernie – come together eventually in a thriller-ish ending, but a rather muted one, which perhaps suits the post-war tone better than a more heroic event would have done. Sansom resists the temptation to make everything happy ever after, which adds credibility, but leaves a rather depressing after-taste.
Overall then, well written as any book by Sansom is, grounded in accurate history but seen through a left-wing lens, and more of a slow thoughtful look at the period than a fast-paced political or action thriller. My own reading experience suggests it works better if the reader is reasonably well versed in this period of history beforehand, in which case it’s well worth reading.
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This was actually the first ebook I started when I first got my Kobo Glo. However, I didn't finish it until recently. Truth be told, I'd never made it past the 70 pages mark since I found the story slow and the Dutch translation, for lack of a better way to describe it, weird.
Set between the Spanish civil war and the second World War, the story had a great potential. A reluctant spy sent to Spain on a secret mission. It felt like the book was well researched although I'm not really a person who could say anything about that, since I don't know much about it myself.
The start was really slow, it took a lot of time for me to get at least a little bit invested in the story. There were many different characters that I couldn't really keep track of (especially after a break of more than a year). In the end, it was quite a fast read, but the story wasn't sensational and little surprising.
I think I'd expected something more like Zafon's novels, which I really liked, but this novel lacked the beautiful writing style (although it also speaks about Spain with much love). I'm not sure what portion of the clunky writing is due to the translation, but it felt unnatural at the best of times and downright weird at others. I've got another book by Samsom but luckily it's in English. I hope that will be a better reading experience...
