This book won the National Narrative Literature Award in 2015 because of the complex development of a long story that is faithful to the tradition of novel writing. It portrays the Jewish-Spanish world in Melilla in the 1950s, followed by 30 years of Spanish history through three generations of the same family.
It starts off with a family from Melilla who is experiencing the uncertainty of the decolonisation of Morocco and the return of Spaniards living in the Protectorate to mainland Spain. From then onwards it recounts 30 years of Spanish history through the lives of five members of this family in several cities: Melilla, Tetouan, Malaga, Zaragoza and Barcelona.
Using a concise and realistic style, Martínez de Pisón describes the everyday lives and developments of complex family relationships. Themes in this novel include heritage, sense of belonging and the Spanish middle class.
Awards
National Narrative Literature Award (2015)
Cálamo Book of the Year Award (2014)
