by Alison Moss

Created on: December 02, 2009

Sonia Cameron takes a short holiday with her friend to attend a salsa dance course in Granada, Spain. Whilst on holiday she finds herself in a small quiet caf and begins a conversation with the owner who reveals to her story behind Granada's troubled past. Sonia finds herself drawn into the story of the Ramirez family who owned the caf and in doing so learns about the effects the Spanish Civil War had on ordinary people.

The Return is written by Victoria Hislop who wrote the best seller The Island. I had not read any of her books but was lent this book by a friend, reading the back of the book I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it, I knew nothing about the Spanish Civil War and don't tend to read historical novels. However after reading the first few chapters I was drawn into this book and could not put it down.

The book is beautifully written and really captures the emotions and fears of the characters. Having said that I found the first part of the book slightly disappointing and could have given up but I am glad I didn't. I understand the need to introduce the character Sonia back in England as it is relevant to the story later on however I didn't really connect with the story until she was in Spain and had met the owner of the caf. However that doesn't spoil the rest of the story which I thought was great.

This is a story that gives so much. It is a good historical novel, I have to admit to not being an expert on the Spanish Civil War but from what I can work out it is quite historically accurate and did enlighten me to what terrible things went on in Spain. It is however a great character story, not only are the characters described really well and really brought to life but they also go on a journey and develop through the book which is really great.

The book has many stories within the story. The main stories are that of Sonia who lives in England and is married to a rather over-bearing husband and who is not happy with her life but doesn't know what to do. Her only joy is her dancing and this is what takes her to Spain.

The second story is about Mercedes Ramirez whose passion is for dancing the flamenco. The story begins with her as a young girl but progresses as she grows into a young woman and the effect that the Spanish Civil War has on her. Her character was really great, she is a very determined and brave woman and the author really brings her alive.

The third story is about Mercedes brother Antonio who goes to fight in the Civil War and shows us another side of things, that from a soldiers point of view.

As a woman I found the story of Mercedes more interesting than that of Antonios but it was good to have the two together to be able to compare and contrast.

I really enjoyed this book, it is beautifully written and really draws you in. I am now going to go and get The Island and I hope it is every bit as good as this one.

592 pages

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