Description
Epitaph for a Stranger
Book Summary
In "Epitaph for a Stranger," private investigator Mario Fergó faces a case that spans seven decades of history. The discovery of a corpse during the demolition of an old hotel in Barcelona piques the interest of Ángela, a ninety-year-old woman who suspects the remains belong to her first husband, who disappeared in 1936. With the authorities dismissing the case, Fergó must reconstruct the events surrounding the disappearance, immersing himself in the turbulent context of the People's Olympiad in Barcelona and the outbreak of the Civil War. A novel that combines detective investigation with a portrait of a key historical era.
What is it about?
The plot begins with the demolition of an old hotel in Barcelona, where a body is found that has been buried for some seventy years. The authorities decide not to investigate, as the event has passed the statute of limitations, but Ángela, a nonagenarian living in a luxurious nursing home, believes she recognizes the identity of the deceased: her first husband, who vanished without a trace during the People's Olympiad of 1936. This sporting event was organized by democratic European countries as a protest against the official Berlin Olympic Games, promoted by the Nazi regime. Detective Mario Fergó accepts the assignment and must reconstruct the missing man's life and the events surrounding his death, combining modern investigative techniques with traditional methods, all while the backdrop of the Army of Africa's uprising, led by Franco, seals the characters' fates.
Main themes
- Investigation of an unsolved historical crime.
- Memory and the passage of time in solving cases.
- The political and social context of 1936 Barcelona during the People's Olympiad.
- The Spanish Civil War and its consequences on people's lives.
- The duality between modern and traditional research methods.
Who is it recommended for?
This work is aimed at readers interested in noir and detective fiction with a historical background. It is particularly suitable for those who enjoy plots that interweave the present with key episodes of the 20th century, such as the Spanish Civil War and the European context leading up to World War II. It will also be attractive to those who value complex characters and a detailed setting of 1930s Barcelona.
What this book offers
- A mystery plot that maintains tension throughout the investigation.
- A rigorous historical portrait of the 1936 People's Olympiad and the outbreak of the Civil War.
- The perspective of a police investigation that spans decades, combining old and modern techniques.
- A tribute to the figure of the classic detective, featuring a methodical and observant protagonist.
Technical specifications
- Author: Marchal Sabater, Antonio
- Publisher: Ediciones Torre de Lis
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY FICTION
- Collection: POE
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: November 2020
- Number of pages: 162
- Weight: 200 g
Editorial review
"Epitaph for a Stranger" is a novel that successfully combines the detective genre with historical reconstruction. Antonio Marchal Sabater builds a solid plot that hooks the reader from the initial discovery, offering a credible portrait of 1936 Barcelona and the dilemmas of an investigation facing the oblivion of time. The character of Mario Fergó, a detective who must deal with a cold case, provides a reflective and methodical approach that enriches the narrative. A recommended read for those seeking a well-documented mystery with a strong historical component.