Description
National Episodes II
Book Summary
In The Terror of 1824, the seventh novel of the second series of National Episodes, Benito Pérez Galdós immerses the reader in the fierce absolutist repression that followed the Liberal Triennium. The work follows in the footsteps of the schoolmaster Sarmiento, a liberal driven mad by the loss of his son and the defeat of his ideals, and Sola, a young orphan under the protection of the exiled Salvador Monsalud. Caught in a conspiracy that is not their own, both face a tragic fate. Galdós offers an unrelenting portrait of political intolerance and a profound study of human resistance in the face of adversity.
What is it about?
The novel is set in the months following the restoration of absolutism in Spain, when King Ferdinand VII unleashes a relentless repressive machinery against the liberals. The plot focuses on two main characters: the schoolmaster Sarmiento, a man who has lost his reason after the failure of his ideals and the death of his son in the war, and Sola, an orphan protected by Salvador Monsalud, who is in exile in London. Both are dragged into a liberal conspiracy that is foreign to them. Sentenced to death, Sola is saved in extremis by her romantic rival, Genara, while Sarmiento, a sort of Quixote driven mad by disillusionment, is executed by hanging. Galdós explores the evolution of the character of Sarmiento, from idealism to madness and death, in a context of oppression and hopelessness.
Main themes
- Absolutist repression and political violence in the Spain of Ferdinand VII.
- Madness as a consequence of ideological failure and personal loss.
- Liberal resistance and conspiracy in exile and clandestinity.
- Sacrifice and redemption through personal relationships and love.
- The psychological evolution of an idealistic character headed for tragedy.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in the 19th-century Spanish historical novel, particularly the period of the reign of Ferdinand VII and the absolutist repression. It is ideal for those who appreciate the work of Benito Pérez Galdós and wish to delve into the National Episodes, as well as those looking for a classic narrative that combines personal drama with political and social analysis.
What this book offers
- An immersion into a turbulent period of Spanish history, narrated with the rigor and mastery of Galdós.
- A deep psychological portrait of characters facing adversity and repression.
- A reflection on the price of idealism and the fragility of hope in times of tyranny.
- A key piece for understanding the second series of the National Episodes and the literary evolution of its author.
- A classic narrative that remains relevant due to its ability to explore the human condition.
Technical specifications
- Author: Pérez Galdós, Benito
- Publisher: Linkgua Ediciones
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Classic texts, Classic fiction
- Collection: Narrative
- Binding: Hardcover
- Publication date: May 2025
- Number of pages: 194
- Weight: 100 g
Editorial review
The Terror of 1824 is an intense and somber installment within the National Episodes. Galdós succeeds in conveying the oppressive atmosphere of the Ferdinandian repression through characters torn apart by political and personal conflict. The figure of the schoolmaster Sarmiento, a liberal Quixote driven to madness, is one of the most notable achievements of this second series. For followers of Galdós and fans of quality historical novels, this work offers an absorbing read and a first-rate literary testament to a dark chapter in the history of Spain.