Description
Aigua del Carme
Book Summary
Aigua del Carme is a novel that transports the reader to Spain in the 1960s to narrate the lives of three women abused by their husbands. With very different personalities, they stand together against an existence marked by patriarchal violence. The work explores how these women seek their own tools to survive and protect their daughters, while a desire for vengeance grows within them. A literary proposal that combines social realism and a gripping plot about female resilience in an oppressive historical context.
What is it about?
The novel focuses on three women living a wretched life in Spain in the 1960s, a time marked by a rigid patriarchal structure. Each of them possesses a very different character, yet all share a reality of physical and psychological abuse at the hands of their husbands. Through frequent meetings, the protagonists share the ravages they suffer and find in solidarity a way to resist. Contempt, beatings, and threats accompany them daily, and the desire for vengeance is nurtured until an unexpected solution presents itself to them. The story explores the crucial decision they must make: accept this path or continue enduring their harsh existence, with the constant goal of preventing the abuse from also enveloping their daughters.
Main themes
- Gender-based violence and domestic abuse in the context of Francoist Spain.
- Female resilience and solidarity as tools for survival.
- Patriarchy as an oppressive system that conditions women's lives.
- The intergenerational transmission of trauma and the protection of daughters.
- The desire for vengeance and moral decisions in the face of injustice.
Who is it recommended for?
This work is recommended for readers interested in contemporary fiction with a strong social and historical component. Especially indicated for those seeking stories of female overcoming, narratives about gender-based violence in Spain's recent past, and plots that combine psychological realism with a touch of thriller. It is also suitable for anyone who wishes to reflect on the role of women in a patriarchal society and the power dynamics within the home.
What this book offers
- A deep and realistic vision of gender-based violence in a specific historical context.
- A portrait of solidarity among women as a path to resistance and mutual support.
- A reflection on vengeance and difficult decisions in the face of injustice.
- A narrative that invites one to empathize with the protagonists and understand their motivations.
- A literary testimony to the living conditions of abused women in the Spain of the 1960s.
Technical specifications
- Author: AGUADE, ANSELM
- Publisher: Cossetània Edicions
- Language: Catalan
- Subject: Modern and contemporary fiction
- Collection: Narrative
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: September 2018
- Number of pages: 352
- Weight: 582 g
Editorial review
Aigua del Carme is a novel that stands out for its ability to delve into the psychology of its protagonists and offer a raw yet compassionate look at gender-based violence. The author constructs a plot that moves at a measured pace, focusing on the conversations and reflections of the women, which allows the reader to connect deeply with their experiences. Although the subject is harsh, the narration avoids sensationalism and opts for a realism that makes the story credible and moving. Recommended for those looking for a read that combines social commentary, introspection, and a plot twist that invites reflection.