A review by hay_jude
The Penguin Book of Spanish Short Stories by Margaret Jull Costa

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

I was given this short story collection two Christmases ago. I have been learning Spanish for four years now and am interested in lots of aspects of Spanish culture and history so this was great present from my daughter. I liked the way the stories were arranged in chronological order and the way that the compiler (and translator of many of the stories) Margaret Costa had included such a range of writers and that she included stories written in the four different languages of Spain. I took her advice to only read 2 or 3 stories at time to give time for reflection and consider them properly. They covered the whole gamut of life and experience. It was interesting how often the Spanish Civil War cropped up across the stories showing what an impact it has had on the country down to this day. Overall very enjoyable read.