Carlos Correa Correa itibaren González, Uruguay itibaren González, Uruguay

Very readable, concise account of modern Spanish history. The author travels around Spain to different places of varying historical import and analyzes the changes and local histories as a way of commenting on the broader trajectory of modern Spain. It is especially informative about the transition between Francoism and the democracy that took root after. Spaniards entered into an almost unconscious pact of forgetting, they collectively refused to talk about the past so as to make sure that the rancor and bitterness that characterized the 1936-1939 Civil War would not surface again. This however, led to a lack of accountability and a lack of closure for those who suffered under the Fascist regime. This silence still drives the politics of 21st century Spain and this book is an interesting exploration of that dynamic.

It's been awhile since I read this one. I remember wondering if this was Laurell K. Hamilton writing under a pen name. It's much gentler than Hamilton, and the heroine is funny and likable. There's an element of romance novel in it as well.