Summary of An Englishman in Madrid
An English art historian travels to Madrid in 1936 to study a Spanish duke’s collection of paintings. His visit takes an intriguing turn when the duke’s beautiful daughter reveals a secret Velázquez painting to him. However, the Englishman soon finds himself entangled in a web of political intrigue, with the Spanish authorities closely monitoring his every move.
Reasons to read An Englishman in Madrid
“An Englishman in Madrid” is an entertaining and occasionally farcical historical adventure story, set during the final days of the Spanish Republic on the eve of the Civil War. Eduardo Mendoza is a highly acclaimed Spanish writer, who received the Franz Kafka Prize in 2015, the Premio Cervantes in 2016, and the Princess of Asturias Award in 2025. “An Englishman in Madrid” won the Premio Planeta in 2010 and the European Book Prize in 2013. Other notable works by Mendoza include “The City of Wonders“, “The Truth About the Savolta Case”, and “The Olive Labyrinth”.
Setting: Madrid (Spain)
Original title: Riña de gatos. Madrid 1936
Year of publication: 2010
Nr of pages: 384
