The Fall of Barcelona
547 pages. Occasional black-and-white illustrations. Historical note, chronology of the War of the Spanish Succession, characters list.
If you want to learn about a period, read a history book. If you want to know about major historical figures, read a biography. But if you really want to immerse yourself in a period, read an historical novel.
This novel is framed as the memoir of aged, expatriate, disfigured Marti Zuviria, as told to his Austrian caregiver Waltraud (whom he frequently insults for her poor looks and weight).
A very moving book. Recommended.
Reviewed by 
Editor in Chief Bill 
.