Description
To the First Flight
Book Summary
Published in 1896, Al primer vuelo is a key novel of Spanish regionalism, written by José María de Pereda. The work addresses the father-daughter relationship with sensitivity through the story of Nieves, a young woman who acts with complete freedom in the episode titled Mar afuera. Far from moral judgment, the novel explores trust between parents and children and portrays the transformations of a nineteenth-century society. The reader will find a work of local color, popular characters, and a profound look at the small, everyday passions of a provincial world.
What is it about?
The novel centers on the figure of Nieves, the protagonist, who in the episode Mar afuera acts without her father's direct supervision, moved by her own judgment. Unlike what might be expected in nineteenth-century literature, her behavior is not presented as an act of disobedience or irresponsibility, but as a manifestation of individual freedom. The father, for his part, although harboring some misgivings, maintains intact trust in his daughter. Through this dynamic, José María de Pereda describes the tensions and transformations of a society marked by a traditionally distant and hierarchical relationship between parents and children. The plot unfolds in a rural and coastal environment, where the author, faithful to his style, combines the contemplation of the landscape with the description of popular and picturesque characters.
Main themes
- Father-child relationships and intergenerational trust in the nineteenth century.
- Regionalism and love for tradition in nineteenth-century Spain.
- Female freedom and women's autonomy in a conservative context.
- Social transformations and family hierarchies in rural society.
- Local color and portraits of popular characters and their daily passions.
Who is it recommended for?
This work is aimed at readers interested in nineteenth-century Spanish literature, realism, and regionalism. It is especially suitable for those looking for novels of local color with a focus on human relationships, the psychology of characters, and traditional values. It will also be of interest to students and scholars of the work of José María de Pereda and the social context of nineteenth-century Spain.
What this book offers
- A pioneering vision regarding trust and freedom in the relationship between parents and children, ahead of its time.
- A detailed and picturesque portrait of provincial life and customs in northern Spain.
- A reflection on the role of women and their capacity for decision-making in a hierarchical society.
- The opportunity to delve into the descriptive and contemplative prose of one of the great authors of Spanish realism.
Technical specifications
- Author: José María de Pereda
- Publisher: Linkgua Ediciones
- Language: Spanish
- Theme: Classic texts
- Collection: Narrative
- Binding: Hardcover
- Date of publication: April 2025
- Number of pages: 278
- Weight: 100 g
Editorial review
Al primer vuelo represents a unique proposal within the narrative of José María de Pereda, as it treats such a delicate subject as father-child trust in the context of the nineteenth century with naturalness. The work stands out for its ability to combine the portrait of local color with an incipient exploration of female freedom, which makes it a relevant read both for followers of the author and for those who wish to understand the social tensions of his time. Its descriptive style and regional setting make it especially attractive to lovers of classic Spanish literature.