Ildefonso Falcones, the celebrated Spanish author known for his gripping historical novels, is back with his latest work, 'En el Amor y en la Guerra.' After over ten years since his last major release, Falcones emerges from a personal battle with cancer and legal disputes, delivering yet another epic tale rich with history and drama.
Set against the backdrop of 15th-century Nápoles and Barcelona, this novel is the third installment of the saga started with 'La catedral del mar.' The story follows Arnau Estanyol, the grandson of the original protagonist. The plot intricately weaves themes of love, war, and the complex human experience during tumultuous times, marking Falcones’ ability to elicit deep emotional engagement from his readers.
Reflecting on his tumultuous past, Falcones admits, "Me podrían haber cancelado," recognizing the immense pressure he faced during his legal battle over tax fraud, from which he was acquitted. Despite these challenges, he considers it not only a privilege to continue writing but also as another opportunity to connect with his audience.
The novel, set for release on February 18, 2023, explores the tension and cultural confluence during Alfonso V of Aragón's conquest of Nápoles. Falcones believes this historical backdrop is particularly compelling as he comments, "Esto es una gran motivación para mí," signifying the importance of bringing lesser-known histories to light.
Throughout the narrative, the author doesn’t shy away from depicting the stark realities of society, such as the violence and sexual politics of the time. Falcones articulates his philosophy on the representation of intimacy succinctly: "El sexo es algo natural... contemos asesinatos y evisceraciones, pero al hablar de relaciones íntimas aparece un puritanismo." This approach aims to normalize candor around expressions of human desire, contrasting the often graphic depictions of violence commonplace within historical literature.
'En el Amor y en la Guerra' dives deep not just politically, but also socially, reflecting themes of rebellion among Catalan peasants and the gradual decline of the Crown of Aragon. Falcones notes, "La historia de Cataluña en el siglo XV sigue siendo relevante en los debates contemporáneos", bridging past events with today’s societal conversations.
Falcones’ writing has evolved over the years, but the characters of the Estanyol family remain close to his heart. Falcones expresses, "Podía haber contado la misma historia con otros personajes, pero, por la época, tenía sentido volver a ellos," indicating his dedication to this lineage and its storied past.
What distinguishes this novel from the others is its social insight, positioning 'En el Amor y en la Guerra' as possibly the most socially oriented work within the series. He effectively merges personal narrative and historical facts, allowing readers to reach out and touch the reality of the past.
Despite facing challenges within the literary scene and feeling sidelined at times—"no me invitaron nunca"—Falcones remains undeterred. He often reflects on his early career, acknowledging, "La catedral del mar... le debo toda mi carrera literaria," and appears eager to pay homage to its roots.
Today, Falcones remains proud and resolute. He displays both humility and ambition when considering the future of his literary career, hinting at potential continuations of the Estanyol saga, referencing, "No me cierro a nada." The narrative he bygone previously carefully constructs returned to him after much reflection and determination.
With 'En el Amor y en la Guerra', Ildefonso Falcones proves once again his prowess as a storyteller—melding the beauty of intimate human experiences with complex histories. His latest work is not merely another addition to his storied career but rather the resurgence of the voice of storytelling, eager to resonate with audiences anew.