La reina descalza / The Barefoot Queen (Spanish Edition) Mass Market Paperback – July 23, 2019

As usual this Spanish writer is able to use his narrative to engage and challenge his readers. The characters in his stories are prototypes of broader concepts and yet they seem individually driven by their experiences. Can't wait to read Falcones' next novel.

I'm glad that I read this but I almost didn't because of 1 and 2 star reviews that cited abuse of women that caused the readers to not continue. Such is part of the story, but the author tells of it without going into graphic or gratuitous description.The story is interesting, masterfully told with a well-constructed and intricate plot. Its setting is in southern Spain and Madrid from 1748 to 1754, and it presents a brutal society with little empathy and kindness and a propensity to mistreat and take advantage of others. I can't attest to its historical accuracy, but the author appears to be a serious student of history, so I think that his is likely a fair presentation.It is not a typical feel-good adventure story. Interesting and exciting, yes, but there is much suffering and desperation along the way. Its principal protagonists for whom the reader will be routing are themselves arrogant and proud rascals. However, in total it is an entertaining and satisfying tale, including its appropriate conclusion.For those of us who read for entertainment, it was at 752 pages too long. it would and could have been better had it less detailed description of places and situations.

Este autor escribe de una manera increiblemente maravillosa y construye personajes inolvidables. No es facil meterse en la historia de los gitanos. Hay que investigar sobre sus costumbres de vida y sin juzgarlos, ponerlos en contexto. Ella es un gitana wue adora cantar y baila como una reina. Entabla una amistad sin barreras con una negra que gana su libertad a medio camino entre Cuba y Espana. Lo que han sufrido estas dos mujeres, no tiene nombre. Pobreza, hambre, vejaciones, humillaciones, discriminacion, carcel, ostracismo, perdidas y desolacion. Se puede sentir por momentos el dolor gracias la las circunstancias del relato de este escritor, al que conoci en La Catedral del Mar, que es para mi uno de los mejores libros que han llegado a mis manos.Recomiendo La Reina Descalza. Es una gran historia, con una mistica muy particular. La gitaneria esta toda ahi.

The descriptions of the era were very well done, that transforms you back to the period of of the Spanish Inquisition in (1760). Very well written....

It is an excellent book from the historic point of view. It describes in a detailed manner the customs and life style of the gypsies, and the way they were persecuted by the government (the monarchy ). It is somber and sad; at times difficult to read for the same reason. The writing is clear, and would say simple. I give 3 1/2 starts. I recommend it. It is a very interesting book.

This is third novel of Ildefonso Falcones I have read. In all of them the author describes the suffering of a particular group of people who suffer discrimination and injustice of all kinds. Jews, Muslins and Gypsies have been mistreated in the past and probably are still in some areas of Spain for a number of reasons. This particular novel centers in two groups: an African woman, raised in Cuba, brought to Spain as a slave and "freed" when her "owner" dies. Abandoned in a country where she stands out, with no knowledge of the language or culture, without knowing anyone, the woman suffers terrible acts of exploitation and discrimination. She is befriended and befriends a young Gypsy woman who also has a terrible fate. It is a poignant narrative, more so because events such as the ones described in this novel did take place and still take place today. I recommend this novel for lovers of historic fiction.

This is the third book from ildefonso Farcones that I read. His writing and his mentions of real causes and laws, in which he takes care to introduce in the narrative mixed with with the story have the power of immersion into the story and sometimes I find myself trying to decide if I won't to finish the reading and continue with my chores or hoping that it will never end.Waiting already for the next one,please don't make us wait.Sincerely yous Amor. A Catalan in Georgia, USA

Falcones se consagra con esta novela. Es grandiosa!! Apasionante, interesante y descriptiva. Con una narrativa genial. Se puede sentir la pasión gitana. El lector se identifica con los personajes, llegué a sentir un nudo en la garganta ante el sufrimiento de las gitanas y una alegría desbordante con cada desenlace. No he podido parar de leer hasta terminarlo, y ya estoy empezando a leerlo de nuevo. Falcones no desilusiona a sus lectores. He leído sus novelas anteriores y nunca me he sentido defraudada. Mucha vida para escribir a Idelfonso Falcones! Bravo!!!Se pueden dar 10 estrellas a esta novela en vez de solo cinco?

No hay mayor descripción que esté término Excelso! Recomendable por una excelente trama! Junto con Gabriel García Márquez, es desde hace años, de mis autores favoritos¡

J'adore ce livre

He leído una pocas de obras de este autor: "La Reina Descalza" está bien escrita, pero sus héroes me han dejado indiferente. No es una de las mejores obras del escritor.

Molto bello, interessante, intrigante, avvincente si legge in pochissimo tempo. E' lo scrittore spagnolo che preferisco. Ogni libro è una piacevole scoperta.

Muy bueno interesante historia y muy recomendable . Aprendí aprendí muchos sobre los gitanos ,