This paperback pocket book was given to me by my friend, Tom, who reads a little of everything. This book he enjoyed because it reminded him of his trip to Spain in the late '60's, when Franco was still the dictator in charge of the Spanish people.
The story takes place during the Spanish Civil War, that terrible period when the old order was being displaced, and poor peasants were finally getting together to make changes in their lives. Unfortunately, it came at a time when Fascism was on the rise, and Communism was ascendant in Russia and other countries. Hitler and Mussolini, the chiefs of the Fascists, were intent on supporting the overthrow of the elected government, now heavily conflicted among the resident Communists, Socialists, Anarchists, and Independents. The time frame of the pre- World War II years gives the reader a hint of what's to come: global chaos.
The main characters include Brits(from MI 6 and MI 5(Domestic security), displaced American/ Russian Jews, Russian agents(NKVD), Franco Republican soldiers; Catalan terrorists of various stripes; and helpless civilians caught in the middle in Barcelona.
The author is well versed on the facts and weaves a good story across the few years of the time frame. It's a quick read, with the usual surprises, and excellent details about the confusing alliances and hopeless political intrigues.
Rated: 3 1/2 *'s/of 5
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