Description
HIGINIA
Book Summary
A novel that reconstructs the social and judicial environment of late 19th-century Madrid through a true case that shocked public opinion. The author highlights the ethical dilemmas of a writer couple who, while experiencing a personal crisis, find themselves confronted with the trial of Higinia Balaguer, an illiterate maid accused of the famous Fuencarral Crime. The work invites reflection on justice, social class, and the weight of appearances in a story of growing tension.
What is it about?
The novel takes place in Madrid between 1888 and 1890, years in which a murder trial keeps the society of the time in suspense. Higinia Balaguer, a humble and uneducated woman, is accused of the Fuencarral Crime and subjected to a long trial that ends in her execution by garrote. Simultaneously, a couple of writers, united by love and literature, go through a personal crisis that deepens as they become morally involved in the case. The plot explores how Higinia's trial becomes a mirror reflecting the contradictions, prejudices, and ethical decisions of the protagonists, forcing them to confront their own convictions.
Main Themes
- Media trials and the influence of public opinion on the 19th-century judicial system.
- Class and gender inequalities in Restoration-era Spain.
- Crises of conscience and the moral dilemmas of intellectuals in the face of injustice.
- The complexity of romantic relationships and loyalty in a context of social pressure.
- The reconstruction of a historical crime and its human consequences.
Who is it recommended for?
This work is aimed at readers interested in historical fiction set in 19th-century Spain, especially stories that address real judicial cases and their social implications. It will also appeal to those seeking novels that combine personal drama with social commentary and period portraiture.
What this book offers
- An immersion into one of the most famous and controversial judicial proceedings in Spanish history.
- A reflection on ethics and the responsibility of intellectuals when facing injustice.
- A detailed portrait of 19th-century Madrid and its social contrasts.
- A story of love and personal crisis intertwined with a true judicial drama.
- A critical perspective on the manipulation of public opinion and sensationalism.
Technical Data
- Author: RUIZ, MARIA JESUS
- Publisher: Huerga y Fierro Editores
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY FICTION, HISTORICAL FICTION
- Collection: NOVEL
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication Date: May 2024
- Number of pages: 138
- Weight: 216 g
Editorial Review
A short but intense novel that manages to connect a historical episode with the emotional tensions of its protagonists. The author handles the period setting with ease and poses uncomfortable questions about justice, social class, and the role of the press. Its contained length makes it an agile read, ideal for those who wish to delve into a real case from a literary and reflective perspective.