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Guernica
An extraordinary epic of love, family and war set in the Basque town of Guernica before, during, and after its destruction by the German Luftwaffe during the Spanish Civil War.
Calling to mind such timeless war-and-love classics as Corelli's Mandolin and The English Patient, Guernica is a transporting novel that thrums with the power of storytelling and is peopled with characters driven by grit and heart.
In 1935, Miguel Navarro finds himself in conflict with the Spanish Civil Guard, and flees the Basque fishing village of Lekeitio to make a new start in Guernica, the center of Basque culture and tradition. In the midst of this isolated bastion of democratic values, Miguel finds more than a new life— he finds someone to live for. Miren Ansotegui is a charismatic and graceful dancer who has her pick of the bachelors in Guernica, but focuses only on the charming and mysterious Miguel. The two discover a love that war and tragedy can not destroy.
History and fiction merge seamlessly in this beautiful novel about the resilience of family, love, and tradition in the face of hardship. The bombing of Guernica was a devastating experiment in total warfare by the German Luftwaffe in the run-up to World War II. For Basques, it was an attack on the soul of their ancient nation; for the world, it was an unprecedented crime against humanity. In his first novel, Boling reintroduces the event and paints his own picture of a people so strong, vibrant, and proud that they are willing to do whatever it takes to protect their values, their country, and their loved ones.
Calling to mind such timeless war-and-love classics as Corelli's Mandolin and The English Patient, Guernica is a transporting novel that thrums with the power of storytelling and is peopled with characters driven by grit and heart.
In 1935, Miguel Navarro finds himself in conflict with the Spanish Civil Guard, and flees the Basque fishing village of Lekeitio to make a new start in Guernica, the center of Basque culture and tradition. In the midst of this isolated bastion of democratic values, Miguel finds more than a new life— he finds someone to live for. Miren Ansotegui is a charismatic and graceful dancer who has her pick of the bachelors in Guernica, but focuses only on the charming and mysterious Miguel. The two discover a love that war and tragedy can not destroy.
History and fiction merge seamlessly in this beautiful novel about the resilience of family, love, and tradition in the face of hardship. The bombing of Guernica was a devastating experiment in total warfare by the German Luftwaffe in the run-up to World War II. For Basques, it was an attack on the soul of their ancient nation; for the world, it was an unprecedented crime against humanity. In his first novel, Boling reintroduces the event and paints his own picture of a people so strong, vibrant, and proud that they are willing to do whatever it takes to protect their values, their country, and their loved ones.
370 pages, Hardcover
First published September 2, 2008
About the author
Dave Boling
16 books94 followersDave Boling is a journalist in the Seattle area. Guernica is his first novel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 604 reviews
May 3, 2013
Roman meni posebno drag... Govori o ljudima iz Gernike koji su stradali... O njihovim običnim životima i sudbini koja ih je zadesila... Dirljivo, i potresno... Kad kažemo Gernika, najpre pomislimo na Pikasovu sliku... Odlično napisana knjiga...
August 25, 2013
Some reviews almost write themselves, not this one. I wasn't sure what I was going to make of the book. In the first place, what is an American journalist doing written a novel set around the awful atrocity that took place at Guernica? Do we need any more Spanish Civil War novels? Is this just a "lets pick an atrocity and write a novel"?
To address some of these; Boling is a sports journalist, but he married a Basque woman and he has clearly absorbed the culture (and the food; I always like an author who takes the time to describe the food!!) and spent time there. Having married into Basque culture Guernica was always going to be there. Boling feels people know Guernica because of Picasso's painting, rather than because of the event itself. So he is writing about what his family knows.
The novel itself is a typical generational family tale of life, love and loss in the tradition of novels such as Captain Corelli's Mandolin. There is a certain predictability to it. It is not difficult to spot who is going to die and who is going to live. Picasso's little cameo pop ups seemed to be to be unnecessary and probably there to make historical points. The same goes for Manfred von Richtofen's appearances with the Condor squadron. The descriptive passages relating to the countryside, the sea and the food (don't forget the food) are lovely. The bombing and aftermath are suitably grim, as is the loss of characters who have been present since the beginning of the book. There are also a few excellent comic turns, and the book is not without humour.
On the whole, I think the novel just about works. It is written with warmth and compassion; Boling cares about his subject and his characters and this comes through. That is what lifts it above the mundane. 3.5 stars
To address some of these; Boling is a sports journalist, but he married a Basque woman and he has clearly absorbed the culture (and the food; I always like an author who takes the time to describe the food!!) and spent time there. Having married into Basque culture Guernica was always going to be there. Boling feels people know Guernica because of Picasso's painting, rather than because of the event itself. So he is writing about what his family knows.
The novel itself is a typical generational family tale of life, love and loss in the tradition of novels such as Captain Corelli's Mandolin. There is a certain predictability to it. It is not difficult to spot who is going to die and who is going to live. Picasso's little cameo pop ups seemed to be to be unnecessary and probably there to make historical points. The same goes for Manfred von Richtofen's appearances with the Condor squadron. The descriptive passages relating to the countryside, the sea and the food (don't forget the food) are lovely. The bombing and aftermath are suitably grim, as is the loss of characters who have been present since the beginning of the book. There are also a few excellent comic turns, and the book is not without humour.
On the whole, I think the novel just about works. It is written with warmth and compassion; Boling cares about his subject and his characters and this comes through. That is what lifts it above the mundane. 3.5 stars
July 24, 2017
This was one of those reads that don’t strike a chord in me. I’m giving the novel 3.5 stars. There’s nothing wrong with the writing. On the whole, the storytelling is skillfully executed, with sympathetic characters and descriptive setting, evoking sense of place and time. The description of the war scenes and aftermath in the last third of the book is particularly piquant.
It is a historical novel set in Guernica in the days leading up to the Second World War. The story is mainly about the experiences of three Basque peasant brothers and their loved ones as they live through the dark days of the Spanish Civil War. Loosely interlaced with the main story is the snippet that tells how Pablo Picasso gets inspiration for his famous mural titled “Guernica”.
My feeling is that the novel reads like a collation of short stories. Well told as the separate stories are, there is a lack of overall cohesiveness. I can't relate to any of the characters on an emotional level. Also, I find the background of the Spanish Civil War a bit sketchy – I was expecting more historical details from the novel.
It is a historical novel set in Guernica in the days leading up to the Second World War. The story is mainly about the experiences of three Basque peasant brothers and their loved ones as they live through the dark days of the Spanish Civil War. Loosely interlaced with the main story is the snippet that tells how Pablo Picasso gets inspiration for his famous mural titled “Guernica”.
My feeling is that the novel reads like a collation of short stories. Well told as the separate stories are, there is a lack of overall cohesiveness. I can't relate to any of the characters on an emotional level. Also, I find the background of the Spanish Civil War a bit sketchy – I was expecting more historical details from the novel.
October 2, 2009
For me, a historical fiction novel must have characters that are at least as strong as the event around which the narrative centers. Assuming history is poignant enough to tell its own story is risky, and I'm sorry to say that in this case the risk didn't pay off.
Dave Boling tries to create a picture of family life before, during, and after the tragic bombing of Guernica. As we follow our protagonists through adolescence, adulthood, marriage, birth, and in some cases, death, all the characters sort of mesh together and develop the same voice. There is very little dialogue and what dialogue there is feels cliche and terse. Boling doesn't give his characters room to breathe; everything they say is a melodramatic one-liner, a romantic flirtation, or a political statement. What is even more aggravating is how every single character has exactly one defining characteristic (e.g. Justo's strength, Mariangeles' cooking, Miren's dancing, Miguel's woodcrafting, etc.). I quickly became bored at how perfect each person was in his or own little way, which is a shame considering the author probably wanted to bring history closer to the reader on a personal level and not push it further away out of disinterest.
I was also surprised at how much book was left after the bombing happened; I found it anticlimactic and predictable.
Generally speaking, this book is not terrible...the author is definitely genuine in his compassion for the Basque people and seems to have a heartfelt interest in their culture. It's just that the fictional elements didn't really do anything to take my understanding of this event to a more personal level.
Dave Boling tries to create a picture of family life before, during, and after the tragic bombing of Guernica. As we follow our protagonists through adolescence, adulthood, marriage, birth, and in some cases, death, all the characters sort of mesh together and develop the same voice. There is very little dialogue and what dialogue there is feels cliche and terse. Boling doesn't give his characters room to breathe; everything they say is a melodramatic one-liner, a romantic flirtation, or a political statement. What is even more aggravating is how every single character has exactly one defining characteristic (e.g. Justo's strength, Mariangeles' cooking, Miren's dancing, Miguel's woodcrafting, etc.). I quickly became bored at how perfect each person was in his or own little way, which is a shame considering the author probably wanted to bring history closer to the reader on a personal level and not push it further away out of disinterest.
I was also surprised at how much book was left after the bombing happened; I found it anticlimactic and predictable.
Generally speaking, this book is not terrible...the author is definitely genuine in his compassion for the Basque people and seems to have a heartfelt interest in their culture. It's just that the fictional elements didn't really do anything to take my understanding of this event to a more personal level.
December 7, 2008
Since I never seem to have a lot of time to read "grown-up" books, I can be super picky about I will make time for. And if I can only get one "grown-up" book read this winter, I am glad it was Guernica!
I love it when a book sparks my interest in a subject that I never really took time to appreciate before. Leon Uris's Trinity lead me into learning more about the history and struggles of the Irish Nation; Manhunt by James Swanson opened my eyes to a period in our own history (and President) that I had never really been interested in before; and now Guernica has sparked me to want to learn everything I can about the Basque people and the region's history.
This novel bring to life the Spanish Civil war and the bombing of Guernica by telling the story of people whose lives represent what others actually experienced during this time. Boling's characters became so much more than 2 dimensional, they became living, breathing characters in my own life. I adored Justo and was touched by his relationship with Mariangeles; was captivated by Miren; felt Miguel's joy and anguish; and just wanted to protect Angelina.
I have to disagree with PW's review on one thing. They felt that "some historical cameos feel forced (especially Picasso, who pops up throughout)". I especially appreciated Picasso's appearances. For me, the only point of reference I had to Guernica was Picasso's painting. By slipping him into the story, it helped me understand what Picasso's point of reference was before, during and after painting Guernica.
And thank goodness for me that Mr. Boling added recommended readings in the Author's Note, so I know have my checklist of what to read to further my education on Basque history.
I love it when a book sparks my interest in a subject that I never really took time to appreciate before. Leon Uris's Trinity lead me into learning more about the history and struggles of the Irish Nation; Manhunt by James Swanson opened my eyes to a period in our own history (and President) that I had never really been interested in before; and now Guernica has sparked me to want to learn everything I can about the Basque people and the region's history.
This novel bring to life the Spanish Civil war and the bombing of Guernica by telling the story of people whose lives represent what others actually experienced during this time. Boling's characters became so much more than 2 dimensional, they became living, breathing characters in my own life. I adored Justo and was touched by his relationship with Mariangeles; was captivated by Miren; felt Miguel's joy and anguish; and just wanted to protect Angelina.
I have to disagree with PW's review on one thing. They felt that "some historical cameos feel forced (especially Picasso, who pops up throughout)". I especially appreciated Picasso's appearances. For me, the only point of reference I had to Guernica was Picasso's painting. By slipping him into the story, it helped me understand what Picasso's point of reference was before, during and after painting Guernica.
And thank goodness for me that Mr. Boling added recommended readings in the Author's Note, so I know have my checklist of what to read to further my education on Basque history.
July 6, 2019
I know next to nothing about the Spanish Civil War and have never had any reason to correct that ignorance. So reading this historical fiction about probably the most horrific event of that war was not likely except for the recommendation of a GR friend(Mary Ann thank you) to whom I am once again indebted. Guernica is a treasure that will endear itself to almost any reader that enjoys a good story blended seamlessly with good history.
Before reading this book what I knew of the Spanish Civil War was that Hemingway once wrote a book based upon it. Of course since I've never read any Hemingway that's as far as my knowledge went. The village of Guernica came to my attention through an art history class in college when I was introduced to Picasso's painting of the same title and then when I had the good fortune to view the painting some years later during a visit to the Prado in Madrid. I did learn some of the details of the tragedy that befell this small village in the Basque region of Spain but only that it was used as some sort of an training exercise for German bomber pilots assisting Franco and that the victims were primarily unarmed civilians that posed no military threat to anyone. The devastation this village suffered is ably depicted by Picasso in his painting and the artist and the painting are given repeated reference throughout the telling of the story of this novel.
The story the author tells in this book is that of a simple people clinging to a way of life long in its routines, traditions, and history. The action centers on one family and their relationships with the various members of the very close knit Basque community in which they live. Their lives are tough and filled with hard work but they are happy and enjoy what life has given them but war looms close and gets closer with the passage of time. Tragedy then strikes with the bombing of their village which is the center of the Basque culture and an apparent thorn in the side of Franco and his Fascist regime. The destruction is almost total but the people endure and in spite of numerous additional hardships a phoenix-like rebirth occurs. The wounds both physical and emotional are healed and life goes on but in a different form as adaptation is one of the lessons that is learned from this experience. While this story is a tragedy whose sadness is great there is also great hope for things to come. A very good book. Enjoy.
Before reading this book what I knew of the Spanish Civil War was that Hemingway once wrote a book based upon it. Of course since I've never read any Hemingway that's as far as my knowledge went. The village of Guernica came to my attention through an art history class in college when I was introduced to Picasso's painting of the same title and then when I had the good fortune to view the painting some years later during a visit to the Prado in Madrid. I did learn some of the details of the tragedy that befell this small village in the Basque region of Spain but only that it was used as some sort of an training exercise for German bomber pilots assisting Franco and that the victims were primarily unarmed civilians that posed no military threat to anyone. The devastation this village suffered is ably depicted by Picasso in his painting and the artist and the painting are given repeated reference throughout the telling of the story of this novel.
The story the author tells in this book is that of a simple people clinging to a way of life long in its routines, traditions, and history. The action centers on one family and their relationships with the various members of the very close knit Basque community in which they live. Their lives are tough and filled with hard work but they are happy and enjoy what life has given them but war looms close and gets closer with the passage of time. Tragedy then strikes with the bombing of their village which is the center of the Basque culture and an apparent thorn in the side of Franco and his Fascist regime. The destruction is almost total but the people endure and in spite of numerous additional hardships a phoenix-like rebirth occurs. The wounds both physical and emotional are healed and life goes on but in a different form as adaptation is one of the lessons that is learned from this experience. While this story is a tragedy whose sadness is great there is also great hope for things to come. A very good book. Enjoy.
October 15, 2009
As a native Basque from Bilbao, a city not far from Gernika, I was somewhat skeptical about what a non-Basque would have to say about my country and the bombing of Gernika. The story starts off somewhat slow and for a moment the author lost my interest, but as the female characters in the story start being introduced, I was pulled back in. Boling's strength is characterization; the people in the story really come to life in his descriptions and dialogs. The reader can see how the Basque culture and language defines these characters, although I found a few to be somewhat stereotypical, such as the strong and stubborn Justo or his brother going into seminary and becoming a priest. But then again, maybe this was the Basque reality in the 1930s... Boling's description of Gernika's marketplace, both before and during the German bombing is outstanding. He truly manages to describe the horror of this German massacre, and he does an excellent job highlighting both the people's despair and their subsequent hope. When I encountered Picasso as a character in the novel, I thought it was an excellent idea to introduce a different point of view, but later found him to be irrelevant and somewhat of an interruption to the actual story. The only Picasso contribution I truly enjoyed is when he responds to a German showing him a postcard of his painting and saying "You did this?" to which Picasso responds "No, you did it." The conclusion, where Miguel's daughter is miraculously found again among refugee children in Britain, even though highly emotional, is truly far fetched. Nevertheless, for being a non-Basque, I think Boling does a very nice job of portraying real-life characters and I thank him for making the story of this horrific and unjustified war massacre known to the American public. I am looking forward to more books by him, especially if they are about Basque topics.
June 7, 2015
A marvelously absorbing and wonderfully written novel that captivates the spirit and culture of the Basque people in Guernica between 1893 and 1940. Hard to believe that this is Dave Boling's first book. With beautiful and complete mastery of the language, Boling brings the compelling characters to life - whether it's Justo, Miguel, Xabier, Dodo, Alaia, Mariangeles or Miren. We literally live with the characters as the novel unfolds, bringing the reader into the culture, ethos and vibrancy of the people of Guernica as they enter into the turbulent times of the Spanish Civil War. The bombing of Guernica by the Germans Air Force on April 26, 1937 leaves the town in utter devastation physically, but definitely not in spirit. The destruction of the town of Guernica was captured by Pablo Picasso in his famous Guernica painting. A fantastic read, not only because of the historical setting of place, time and event, but equally by Boling's absolute mastery of description, vivd imagery, beautiful turn of phrase, and sweeping command of the English language. The novel is fantastic and captivating from start to finish. Every so often one comes across a book that is utterly satisfying - loved it. One of the best books I've read this year and highly recommended. A 5+ star book for sure.
January 29, 2020
This is an extraordinary book. Sadly, not too many Americans know much about the Spanish Civil War; even for baby-boomers like me, it wasn't something we heard about from our parents or grandparents as it didn't really touch an America that had to be exploded out of isolationism by Pearl Harbor. Boling tells this story dramatically from the viewpoint of the Basque Country, the ancient, fiercely proud, and very rich culture perched for centuries between France and Spain. We learn of the shameful Non-Intervention Pact of 1936 signed by France, England, Soviet Russia, Fascist Italy, and Nazi Germany who used Spain as bombing practice for its later forays on the Continent and the UK; this world turned its collective back on the slaughter and destruction occurring wholesale in Spain. Only humane British citizens, independent of their government, welcomed thousands of parentless refugee children from the Spanish war as they also did with children fleeing Nazi Germany in the Kindertransport. French, Spanish, and, notably, Basque resistance men and women, the travailleurs de nuit, assisted refugees to freedom through the mountains.
The author weaves these stories seamlessly in a narrative packed with excitement and themes of love and family loyalty, courage and despair, unbelievable tragedy and rebirth. The account of the weekend before and the day of the destruction of Guernica (halfway through the story) is packed with such expectant tension that I had to take a deep breath and pause. The story is enriched by vivid depiction of Basque life and values, not ignoring food and music, and with plenty of wry humor.
The characters are memorable, to say the least; there are elements of archetypes in them: the Strong, the Innocent, the Sacrifice, the Wise Counsel, the Mother, the Sinner, the Conqueror, and others. But isn't that why they are archetypal? Their characteristics are found in those who people our lives. The plot resolution is a bit contrived, wishful thinking perhaps, but, hey, it's a novel.
One can hardly consider the bloody tragedy of Guernica, nearly eighty years ago and which some say was the debut of modern warfare, without also thinking of other instances of faceless bombing and destruction throughout the world. Here Boling gives faces to the aggressors and the victims.
The Picasso cameos are engaging. Whether the painting is familiar or new, it will be enriched.
The author weaves these stories seamlessly in a narrative packed with excitement and themes of love and family loyalty, courage and despair, unbelievable tragedy and rebirth. The account of the weekend before and the day of the destruction of Guernica (halfway through the story) is packed with such expectant tension that I had to take a deep breath and pause. The story is enriched by vivid depiction of Basque life and values, not ignoring food and music, and with plenty of wry humor.
The characters are memorable, to say the least; there are elements of archetypes in them: the Strong, the Innocent, the Sacrifice, the Wise Counsel, the Mother, the Sinner, the Conqueror, and others. But isn't that why they are archetypal? Their characteristics are found in those who people our lives. The plot resolution is a bit contrived, wishful thinking perhaps, but, hey, it's a novel.
One can hardly consider the bloody tragedy of Guernica, nearly eighty years ago and which some say was the debut of modern warfare, without also thinking of other instances of faceless bombing and destruction throughout the world. Here Boling gives faces to the aggressors and the victims.
The Picasso cameos are engaging. Whether the painting is familiar or new, it will be enriched.
August 19, 2022
One of the reasons I enjoy being part of a group on Goodreads is that I actually read books that I otherwise wouldn't have chosen to read. I chose this book to cover my July Travel Read to Spain. As I did the Audible version it took me much longer to complete as I typically listen while driving or working in the garden. Also, I found it a bit slow to get into and that it tended to mump around frequently from character to character which made it hard to follow at times.
This book was full of historical information about Guernica and the Basque people during the time of the Spanish Civil War. It was what prompted Picasso's grey, black and white painting that portrays the suffering brought on by the violence and chaos of the bombing of Guernica on April 26, 1937. Thousands of lives were lost. The author describes the horrific bombing scenes and the heartbreaking aftermath of death, destruction, and internment. It's a powerful novel that draws on the passion and conviction of the Basque people and pieces together that history into a tragic love story.
This book was full of historical information about Guernica and the Basque people during the time of the Spanish Civil War. It was what prompted Picasso's grey, black and white painting that portrays the suffering brought on by the violence and chaos of the bombing of Guernica on April 26, 1937. Thousands of lives were lost. The author describes the horrific bombing scenes and the heartbreaking aftermath of death, destruction, and internment. It's a powerful novel that draws on the passion and conviction of the Basque people and pieces together that history into a tragic love story.
September 10, 2010
Page 221 read. April 26, 1937 has happened. Guernica has been literally levelled with 250 kilogram and incendiary bombs. Led by Wolfgram von Richtofen, the cousin of Manfred von Richtofen, ie the Red Baron. Total devastation. Difficult reading, but very well written. Only readable because some few human beings, although realisticly depicted, remain humane. And the chapter of destruction is relatively short. This reamains a 4 or 5 star book.
Through page 166. I definitely like the writing, the way the author puts things. I am at the part before the bombing in 1936 - maybe it will get gruesom later. Maybe I will change my mind. Here is an example of what I like. One of the sons in the family, Xabier, is a priest. A women has lost her child to illness, and she asks how God could do this to her.
"Xabier decided he would embrase her and whisper his belief in her ear. 'I truly don't know how it could happen, but I ... I....she is in his arm's right now, where she feels no more pain, where she is whole and she is happy. And she is still in all of our hearts and can never be taken from there.' He would hold the woman then and listen to her sobs and absorb her tears with his shoulder until she was ready to withdraw, no matter how long it took."
An honest, compassionate priest, a good person. And some of the stuff is so amusing. Two wommen who were friends and lived across the passageway from each other had clotheslines between their houses. The author says:
"They were like twins, connected by laundry line. And on breezy days the Ansotegui and Navarro bed sheets and shirts and trousers and skirts fluttered together like colourful pennants."
I like this boook. I also want to read
The Accordionist's Son by Atxaga, and The Basque History of the World by Mark Kurlansky. These are all about the Basque people. I also have to read Salt a World History by Kurlansky.
How an author writes a book, the language he uses, is very important to me. Then I like learning too. If I can have both together - that is marvelous.
Through page 166. I definitely like the writing, the way the author puts things. I am at the part before the bombing in 1936 - maybe it will get gruesom later. Maybe I will change my mind. Here is an example of what I like. One of the sons in the family, Xabier, is a priest. A women has lost her child to illness, and she asks how God could do this to her.
"Xabier decided he would embrase her and whisper his belief in her ear. 'I truly don't know how it could happen, but I ... I....she is in his arm's right now, where she feels no more pain, where she is whole and she is happy. And she is still in all of our hearts and can never be taken from there.' He would hold the woman then and listen to her sobs and absorb her tears with his shoulder until she was ready to withdraw, no matter how long it took."
An honest, compassionate priest, a good person. And some of the stuff is so amusing. Two wommen who were friends and lived across the passageway from each other had clotheslines between their houses. The author says:
"They were like twins, connected by laundry line. And on breezy days the Ansotegui and Navarro bed sheets and shirts and trousers and skirts fluttered together like colourful pennants."
I like this boook. I also want to read
The Accordionist's Son by Atxaga, and The Basque History of the World by Mark Kurlansky. These are all about the Basque people. I also have to read Salt a World History by Kurlansky.
How an author writes a book, the language he uses, is very important to me. Then I like learning too. If I can have both together - that is marvelous.
October 24, 2018
I wish the history of the Spanish Civil War, the bombing of Guernica, and the Basque culture was taught in school. It seems to be a forgotten but impactful moment leading up to WWII. Very interesting read with good character development.
July 12, 2008
Obviously, from the title of this debut novel, you know something horrible is going to happen but I was so mesmerized by the stories of the larger than life passionate and proud Basque characters that when it happens it almost took me by surprise.
Weaved through the bitter sweet and sometimes hilarious stories of two Basque families and their friends, there are short paragraphs on ‘real’ people such as Picasso, Luftwaffe pilot Von Richthofen and Basque president José Antonio Aguirre, all building up to the moment of the bombing and the aftermath, adding depth and acting as cruel reminders that something horrible is going to happen.
When I began this novel I expected it to be really sad and it is very sad but it also is remarkably funny and heartwarming. Above all , it is a book very much about love and loss and finding strength to move on when everything you loved and lived for has been destroyed by the cruelest and most senseless of acts you can imagine. (And an introduction to the Basque language thrown in for free.)
I did not like it all the way through though. The end I feel, is slightly over the top (not telling, that really would be a spoiler) and I am curious to know what other people think of it.
A definite must-read for lovers of family epics and fans of historical novels and, as I am neither in particular , simply a very good read for people who love powerful storytelling.
Weaved through the bitter sweet and sometimes hilarious stories of two Basque families and their friends, there are short paragraphs on ‘real’ people such as Picasso, Luftwaffe pilot Von Richthofen and Basque president José Antonio Aguirre, all building up to the moment of the bombing and the aftermath, adding depth and acting as cruel reminders that something horrible is going to happen.
When I began this novel I expected it to be really sad and it is very sad but it also is remarkably funny and heartwarming. Above all , it is a book very much about love and loss and finding strength to move on when everything you loved and lived for has been destroyed by the cruelest and most senseless of acts you can imagine. (And an introduction to the Basque language thrown in for free.)
I did not like it all the way through though. The end I feel, is slightly over the top (not telling, that really would be a spoiler) and I am curious to know what other people think of it.
A definite must-read for lovers of family epics and fans of historical novels and, as I am neither in particular , simply a very good read for people who love powerful storytelling.
April 4, 2010
I just finished this book yesterday. But I bought it almost two months ago...and my friends know how fast I read! But it was so emotional for me knowing how it was going to end because I am somewhat familiar with the history behind the bombing of Guernica; seeing as I am of Basque heritage. The thing was that I became so connected to the characters, they were like friends/family! One of the few books I have been that emotionally connected to! The author, I think, does a good job of pulling you into the story. I kept putting it down to distance myself...so I read it pretty slowly. :) I loved the ending! I kind of had an inkling for it after the initial climax...but I loved it and was happy with it. What I learned, and have been cotinually learning lately, is the resilience of the human spirit and how important it is that the sacrifices of those that have gone before us deserve our respect and our determintation to make their sacrifices continually valid and worthwhile. To fight for those that are less fortunate and voiceless!!!!
January 16, 2020
While I am Basque, my great-grandfather came to the US prior to the events of Guernica, and my grandmother was not raised in the Basque culture. With that said, I had read this right after it was published (and my copy is signed :) ) and recently re-read it. I enjoyed the story and thought it told of the events well. I was surprised at what I'd forgotten about the story - down to what war was responsible for the bombing.
Great evoking of the Basque countryside and people..
Great evoking of the Basque countryside and people..
August 24, 2011
I started this during a trip to Spain. I'm about 1/4 way in and it is excellent. I read comparisons to Corelli's Mandolin and The English Patient which gives me great hope. I do love being in Spain whilst reading (listening in this case).
UPDATE:
This was amazing. About halfway through the book I was able to stand in front of the Picasso masterpiece. The book added a lot to my feeling about the painting and the painting added oh so much to my feeling about the book. It was the perfect multi-sensory experience. I finished the book on my last day in Spain. I wept. Very powerful. But do not stay away from the book if you think it is only depressing. It does find much to celebrate.
I do not think this is a spoiler, but I am going to share something from the end of the book, so if you're of the type that doesn't want to know ANYTHING, then I will warn:
SPOILERISH SPOILERISH SPOILERISH SPOILERISH
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The last line before the epilogue has this dialogue between Picasso and a member of the gestapo who was holding a postcard reproduction of Guernica.
GESTAPO (holding up picture): You did this, right?
PICASSO: No. You did.
UPDATE:
This was amazing. About halfway through the book I was able to stand in front of the Picasso masterpiece. The book added a lot to my feeling about the painting and the painting added oh so much to my feeling about the book. It was the perfect multi-sensory experience. I finished the book on my last day in Spain. I wept. Very powerful. But do not stay away from the book if you think it is only depressing. It does find much to celebrate.
I do not think this is a spoiler, but I am going to share something from the end of the book, so if you're of the type that doesn't want to know ANYTHING, then I will warn:
SPOILERISH SPOILERISH SPOILERISH SPOILERISH
*
*
*
*
*
*
The last line before the epilogue has this dialogue between Picasso and a member of the gestapo who was holding a postcard reproduction of Guernica.
GESTAPO (holding up picture): You did this, right?
PICASSO: No. You did.
March 12, 2009
This book was amazing. It takes place in Pays Basque specifically around Guernica. Recently Charles told me that he read this line by a literary critic, "the best books are not about ideas, but about people." I scoffed at the idea. After reading this book, I think the critic might have a point. This book made me feel so many things. Love for the Basque people and their culture. It doesn't hurt that I spent a week in French Basque country in 2007 and had one of the best times of my life. Hatred for was the Germans did under Hitler. A better understanding of the power of art-Picasso's painting Guernica was a thread in the story, and a desire to learn more about Euskadi. What I love about books is how they are about so much more than what they seem to be about and how they make you want to learn more about the world you live in. This is definitely one of those books that is more than it appears.
January 23, 2012
Just when I was about to give up on this month's selection of $3.99 or less Kindle books on Amazon... I came across this one and decided to give it a try...
And... it is love at first sentence... "Justo Ansotegui returns to the market now to hear the language and to buy soap. He places bars in scattered dishes where he can catch their scent during the day, although they fail to mask the odors of the livestock that have lived in his house for generations..."
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Finished this yesterday afternoon. Still a solid 4 star book. I recommend it for those who liked UNDER FISHBONE CLOUDS by Sam Meeking, THE THOUSAND AUTUMNS OF JACOB DE ZOET by David Mitchell or ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE. It is a very visual book... describing lives that both wonderful and terrible, with Picasso's famous painting as a backdrop.
And... it is love at first sentence... "Justo Ansotegui returns to the market now to hear the language and to buy soap. He places bars in scattered dishes where he can catch their scent during the day, although they fail to mask the odors of the livestock that have lived in his house for generations..."
******
Finished this yesterday afternoon. Still a solid 4 star book. I recommend it for those who liked UNDER FISHBONE CLOUDS by Sam Meeking, THE THOUSAND AUTUMNS OF JACOB DE ZOET by David Mitchell or ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE. It is a very visual book... describing lives that both wonderful and terrible, with Picasso's famous painting as a backdrop.
March 26, 2019
Guernica
Best book to read before going to Basque Country. It was a resource that made the trip more inspiring from Bilbao, Guernica and San Sebastián.
Best book to read before going to Basque Country. It was a resource that made the trip more inspiring from Bilbao, Guernica and San Sebastián.
March 3, 2020
Beautifully written and very moving
August 22, 2024
Beginning of the book was a little slow and it was sometimes hard to follow the plot. But it was all a slow build up to the main conflict point which even though you knew it was coming was still so sudden (of course, that’s the nature of blitzkrieg) that my jaw dropped. An emotional read I really enjoyed, especially because I got to be in the Basque Country and Gernika while reading it. Added a whole new layer to the story for me.
June 30, 2013
Page 13:
From medieval times, Guernica was a crossroads of the old Romain Way and the Fish and Wine Route that wound through the hills inland from the sea. Intersecting them both was the pilgrim's route to Santiago de Compostela.
Page 215:
Following the initial debriefing, von Richthofen sent a quick message to his superiors: "The concentrated air attack on Guernica was the greatest success." ...He had never expended more resources toward the destruction of a single target, and the town of Guernica had been leveled without a Condor casualty.
Page 225-226:
From Friday's edition of L'Humanite, Picasso read the stories of the priest's moving speech. Picasso could see the sky he described. He could feel the fear of the people and could hear the explosions.
Page 226:
Images formed and splintered in Picasso's mind, with the classic symbols of Spain anchored in his consciousness, splayed by unseen torment. This should be his mural, his Guernica .
An interesting link suggested by the author: Gernika Peace Museum Foundation.
From medieval times, Guernica was a crossroads of the old Romain Way and the Fish and Wine Route that wound through the hills inland from the sea. Intersecting them both was the pilgrim's route to Santiago de Compostela.
Page 215:
Following the initial debriefing, von Richthofen sent a quick message to his superiors: "The concentrated air attack on Guernica was the greatest success." ...He had never expended more resources toward the destruction of a single target, and the town of Guernica had been leveled without a Condor casualty.
Page 225-226:
From Friday's edition of L'Humanite, Picasso read the stories of the priest's moving speech. Picasso could see the sky he described. He could feel the fear of the people and could hear the explosions.
Page 226:
Images formed and splintered in Picasso's mind, with the classic symbols of Spain anchored in his consciousness, splayed by unseen torment. This should be his mural, his Guernica .
An interesting link suggested by the author: Gernika Peace Museum Foundation.
July 2, 2009
The title gives away that something terrible is going to happen, and the attack by the Luftwaffe on Guernica is indeed the centrepiece of this disjointed book.
It's odd for me to read a novel where I feel iffy about the beginning and end, but like the middle. The beginning is too flighty and tries far too hard to create various Basque characters (or more acurately charcatures) in the way of an early Louis De Bernieres novel. While the last section feels a bit tagged-on and has an ending which is almost "and they all lived happily ever after".
But the middle, which is the section which wanders least from the town of Guernica, is really good. Boling does create a setting which, while I have no idea how accurate it actually is, is a warm and convincing place. (Though I'm not sure that any of his charcters are particularly rounded). The comfort of this world makes the actual attack all the more terrible, and I have to say that when the planes hove into view the writing goes from good to excellent.
It's odd for me to read a novel where I feel iffy about the beginning and end, but like the middle. The beginning is too flighty and tries far too hard to create various Basque characters (or more acurately charcatures) in the way of an early Louis De Bernieres novel. While the last section feels a bit tagged-on and has an ending which is almost "and they all lived happily ever after".
But the middle, which is the section which wanders least from the town of Guernica, is really good. Boling does create a setting which, while I have no idea how accurate it actually is, is a warm and convincing place. (Though I'm not sure that any of his charcters are particularly rounded). The comfort of this world makes the actual attack all the more terrible, and I have to say that when the planes hove into view the writing goes from good to excellent.
June 8, 2010
One of the most moving pieces of historical fiction I have ever read. Having just read The Basque History of the World, this was great following book. But it would have been great anyway. Weaving incredible family bonds, Picasso (to serve as the structure of the history to present times), absolute bravery and intelligence of the French and Basque resistance fighters, and the little known (at least to me) generosity of British civilians and of course the bravery of the RAF, into a page turner is a major feat for a first time novelist.
Two moving quotes:
1. Probably quoted elsewhere, Picasso having coffee in a Parisian cafe approached by a Nazi officer with a picture of his painting " Guernica," and the Nazi says "you did this, didn't you?" Picasso puts his cup delicately on his saucer looks at the picture and then the officer and answers, "no, you did."
2. "If you lose someone you love, you need to redistribute your feelings rather than surrener them. You give them to whoever is left, and the rest you turn toward something that will keep you moving forward."
2.
Two moving quotes:
1. Probably quoted elsewhere, Picasso having coffee in a Parisian cafe approached by a Nazi officer with a picture of his painting " Guernica," and the Nazi says "you did this, didn't you?" Picasso puts his cup delicately on his saucer looks at the picture and then the officer and answers, "no, you did."
2. "If you lose someone you love, you need to redistribute your feelings rather than surrener them. You give them to whoever is left, and the rest you turn toward something that will keep you moving forward."
2.
April 19, 2010
really loved it, even if I did see the big plot twist coming hundreds of pages away.
I was lured to GUERNICA by the ads in the London subway that featured blurbs comparing it to CORELLI'S MANDOLIN and BIRDSONG, two other books that I really liked. So I ran out to buy it, thinking I'll never find the book at home...of course, it turns out to be a UK reprint of a U.S. book by a Washington state sports writer. No matter, I devoured it on the flight home. So I guess the lesson here is that subway ads actually work.
GUERNICA follows the history of the town, from the mid-1800s through its devastation during the Spanish Civil War, from the perspectives of several colorful characters. Both books are filled with their fair share of melodrama, humor, and tragedy...and are utterly compelling, highly entertaining reads.
I was lured to GUERNICA by the ads in the London subway that featured blurbs comparing it to CORELLI'S MANDOLIN and BIRDSONG, two other books that I really liked. So I ran out to buy it, thinking I'll never find the book at home...of course, it turns out to be a UK reprint of a U.S. book by a Washington state sports writer. No matter, I devoured it on the flight home. So I guess the lesson here is that subway ads actually work.
GUERNICA follows the history of the town, from the mid-1800s through its devastation during the Spanish Civil War, from the perspectives of several colorful characters. Both books are filled with their fair share of melodrama, humor, and tragedy...and are utterly compelling, highly entertaining reads.
January 7, 2020
Excellent story line, beautifully written, based around the appalling events of 26 April 1937, when during the Spanish Civil War, Guernica was airbombed by the Condor Legion of the Luftwaffe, on the eve of World War 2
This is an important event in history, as it was the first time that a civilian population was deliberately targeted on an air-bombing raid (though, sadly, not the last by any means)
This is an important event in history, as it was the first time that a civilian population was deliberately targeted on an air-bombing raid (though, sadly, not the last by any means)
May 14, 2021
I picked up this book on the strength of its title. The famous painting and the infamous episode prior to World War II. I knew that many young men had gone from the UK and elsewhere to fight against the fascist regime of Franco. As time went on, I learnt of the mass grave found recently in a village near where I was staying in Spain; of the husband of someone I know who had a nervous breakdown when he discovered he had a twin from whom he was separated – the clerics who colluded with the regime had deliberately separated siblings. I also wanted to read about that beautiful region, with its intriguing separate language full of Xs, and the best tapas in the world.
I found the story interesting, the humour of the people endearing. The bonhommie sometimes struck a wrong or artificial note, when I knew what was about to happen. The characters were in some way too good to be true. Except for the story of Alaia, which deviated from the norm, and certainly appeared shocking to some. She was a fey creature, who flitted where others did not dare to go. It was interesting that she was not shunned, as she would have been in other places. She was a special friend of one of the young women in the story. I disagree with one or two of the Good Reads reviewers about the interludes with Picasso. The progression and processes of his thoughts when he composed the famous painting went hand in hand with the story. It added another dimension to the tragedy. It also helped with the history.
The bombing when it came was both expected and shocking. It is written with great skill, sensitivity without sentimentality. Aimed at a small place with no strategic importance, the attack was indeed the precursor of the meaningless war that was to follow – needless to say, all wars are meaningless. This bombing was a rehearsal – a rehearsal!
There are little touches that would be the equivalent of film scenes - images not of gore or dead bodies, not crude and overt, but understood somewhere from within the human mind and heart, like the moment where a stranger’s bible is incinerated. (I won’t elaborate because of spoilers) It becomes more than a symbol, just as Picasso’s bull, the doll’s head are real in their starkness even though they are marks on a canvas.
An exchange of confidences that I thought was very well done was that between Miguel the Basque and Charley the Englishman. Miguel is gradually able to reveal to a relative stranger what he has kept hidden for fear of breaking down completely. Charley’s story and the chid refugees arriving to England offer a perspective from outside Spain and give a different rhythm to the narrative.
Dave Boling has taken the Basque story to heart and given us a taste of the food, traditions and language, as well as the way of life of the people. He has absorbed his Basque wife’s culture, and of course his children are half Basque.
For all these reasons, I have persuaded myself to change the rating form three to four.
As you may know, I like acknowledgements. The author has provided an insight into his research for which we should be grateful, if we wish to pursue the subject. And the subject resonates again and again. We find it not only in the present, but also in ancient Greek tragedies, members of a family turning against one another, people fighting their own countrymen and women; the suffering of civilians in wars driven by the ambition and ideology of others.
Dave Boling writes:
Historians have disputed the death toll from the bombing of Guernica, but the act nonetheless remains at the taproot of the assaults against civilian populations that the world still grieves on an all too regular basis.
I found the story interesting, the humour of the people endearing. The bonhommie sometimes struck a wrong or artificial note, when I knew what was about to happen. The characters were in some way too good to be true. Except for the story of Alaia, which deviated from the norm, and certainly appeared shocking to some. She was a fey creature, who flitted where others did not dare to go. It was interesting that she was not shunned, as she would have been in other places. She was a special friend of one of the young women in the story. I disagree with one or two of the Good Reads reviewers about the interludes with Picasso. The progression and processes of his thoughts when he composed the famous painting went hand in hand with the story. It added another dimension to the tragedy. It also helped with the history.
The bombing when it came was both expected and shocking. It is written with great skill, sensitivity without sentimentality. Aimed at a small place with no strategic importance, the attack was indeed the precursor of the meaningless war that was to follow – needless to say, all wars are meaningless. This bombing was a rehearsal – a rehearsal!
There are little touches that would be the equivalent of film scenes - images not of gore or dead bodies, not crude and overt, but understood somewhere from within the human mind and heart, like the moment where a stranger’s bible is incinerated. (I won’t elaborate because of spoilers) It becomes more than a symbol, just as Picasso’s bull, the doll’s head are real in their starkness even though they are marks on a canvas.
An exchange of confidences that I thought was very well done was that between Miguel the Basque and Charley the Englishman. Miguel is gradually able to reveal to a relative stranger what he has kept hidden for fear of breaking down completely. Charley’s story and the chid refugees arriving to England offer a perspective from outside Spain and give a different rhythm to the narrative.
Dave Boling has taken the Basque story to heart and given us a taste of the food, traditions and language, as well as the way of life of the people. He has absorbed his Basque wife’s culture, and of course his children are half Basque.
For all these reasons, I have persuaded myself to change the rating form three to four.
As you may know, I like acknowledgements. The author has provided an insight into his research for which we should be grateful, if we wish to pursue the subject. And the subject resonates again and again. We find it not only in the present, but also in ancient Greek tragedies, members of a family turning against one another, people fighting their own countrymen and women; the suffering of civilians in wars driven by the ambition and ideology of others.
Dave Boling writes:
Historians have disputed the death toll from the bombing of Guernica, but the act nonetheless remains at the taproot of the assaults against civilian populations that the world still grieves on an all too regular basis.
March 22, 2020
One of the reasons I enjoy book clubs is that I read books I might not otherwise have picked up. This is one of those books. The author does a wonderful job of explaining what happened to the Basque people in Spain and France right before and at the start of WWII, but he uses characters and settings to do so. The reader is quickly invested in the characters and their story. If I am every lucky enough to visit Spain and the town of Guernica, it will hold more meaning for me.
May 21, 2021
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. The writing style just took me out of it too often. Additional characters would be introduced for just a paragraph or two, and interspersed throughout were Picasso's thoughts and other real historical figures, it just felt too busy, you couldn't settle in and enjoy the book because you never knew who would show up next or how many character would be narrating the chapter. The author notes in his acknowledgements that he didn't want to bog down readers with too much political explanation, but I felt having none at all made it worse. I felt like I had to keep Googling stuff to keep it straight.
April 11, 2021
Traditional.
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