Memoirs and Novels about Spain

Memoirs About Living in Spain

Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in Spain, by Chris Stewart, Vintage, 2001

A Brit and his family move into a rundown farmhouse outside of Granada. I liked this book and thought it gave a good idea of daily life in southern Spain.

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Novels Set in Spain

The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway, first released in 1926

If you are going to Pamplona or San Sebastian, read this book to get a traveler's viewpoint from the 1920s. Great details on the Running of the Bulls festival and bull fighting. Even if you are not going, read this book - it is one of my favorites!

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The Blind Man of Seville, by Robert Wilson, Harcourt, 2003

A very good mystery set in Seville in Southern Spain. Well written and you get a good feel for the city. This mystery takes place during Easter week (Semana Santa) and involves the art community. This is the first book in a series about detective Javier Falcon. I like these mysteries because they are good books and give a wonderful view of Spain. The author is British and lives in England and Portugal. Some of his early books are set in Portugal, some during WWII time.

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The Vanished Hands, by Robert Wilson, Harcourt, 2004

The second in the Javier Falcon series of mystery novels. This one is more grizzly and involves pedophilia. It takes place in the height of the summer. I like these mysteries because they are good books and give a wonderful view of Spain.

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Other Books About Spain

The Most Beautiful Villages of Spain, by Hugh Palmer, Thames & Hudson,  2003

I do not have this book (yet), but I have two of his books for Italy and they are valuable to help with trip planning. They help you decide which areas to visit.

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