keikojewel 's review for:

The Barefoot Queen by Ildefonso Falcones

5.0

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I must say, it is not for the faint of heart. The tragedies and hardships in this book are described in detail and can be quite wrenching (it will make you glad you weren't born a woman in the 1700's). Nonetheless, it is beautiful, rewarding, and captivating. It paints a clear picture of 18th century Spain and the lives of gypsies, smugglers, actors, and other groups of people not often mentioned in history books. It's a long book but it doesn't drag. Once you get into the writing style of the translation, the story will carry you forward without time for pause. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, has an interest in Spain and gypsies, and especially for anyone who carries with them the spirit and longing for freedom.