I have been reading a book Dwight bought us. It is Ghosts of Spain, by Giles Tremlett. It is very good! I would recommend for you that want to learn more about the characteristics of this culture and why they are there. It has a bit of bad language in it as it is a secular book, but the content on history and sociology is great.
I will write the synopsis of the book below:
“Spaniards are reputed to be amongst Europe’s most forthright people. So why have they kept silent about terrors of Spanish Civil War and the rule of General Franco? … Tremlett (the author) embarks on a journey around Spain and its history. … Who cause the Civil War? Why do Basque terrorist kill? Why Catalans hate Madrid? Did the Islamist bombers who killed 190 people in 2004 dream of a return to Spain’s Moorish past? … Along the way Tremlett also finds answers to his worn questions about the Spanish temper. Why do they dislike authority figures, but cower before doctors? How have Spanish women embraced feminism without men noticing? What binds gypsies, jails and flamenco? Why do Spaniards go to plastic surgeons, donate their organs, visit brothels or take cocaine more than other Europeans? … all and more is explored as Tremlett pursues his curiosity down some strange and colorful byroads.”
As you can see it covers a lot of very basic things we live with day in and day out … it leads us to understand the background of this culture. It shows the depth of some customs and “creyencias” .
I have this book available for you. Let me know. It will be available shortly after the holidays as I am about done.
Thanks, Mara
Check this book review:
