Books by "Pedro Antonio Alarcón"
8 books found
With its brooding noblewoman, classically beautiful nun, and neurotic child - who is the grandson of the former and the nephew of the latter - "The Nun" becomes a stage as it represents the past and the future of the family, the past and future of Spain. "Moors and Christians" explores, humorously and wisely, the effects of greed, the nefarious nature of covetousness. Alarcon subtitled "The Tall Woman" a "tale of fear," and his protagonist's hair-raising brushes with danger and evil remind one of the writings of E.T.A. Hoffmann and Edgar Allan Poe. Don Jorge de Cordoba, the Captain "Poison" of Captain Poison, has always seen himself as an unabashed misogynist, but when his life is saved by a courageous young woman, fate conspires to reverse his outlook.
In this book, eight stories written by Pedro Antonio de Alarcon have been brought together in English for the first time. The nail in "The Nail" is found driven into a disinterred skull, and if some of the events are implausible and others incredible, it is also true that there is considerable suspense and mystery. "The Cornet" draws more heavily on historical reality, with its depiction of the horror of civil war and factual detail. Noteworthy for its first-person narration and rapid-fire dialogue, "The Cornet" paints an episode of fraternal love and the power of the will. "The Orderly," although set against the same Carlist War background, has more to do with a military "attitude" than a Carlist "War", and describes the transformation effected in one officer by one orderly. The War of Independence (1808-14) was fought against Napoleon and his attempt to place his brother Joseph on the Spanish throne. After years of horrendous carnage and the Duke of Wellington's victory at Vitoria, the "Little Corporal" renounced the Spanish crown. The War of Independence stories - "The French Sympathizer" and "The Mayor of Lapeza"--Have been known to generations of Spanish readers, especially for their theme of patriotism. These two, together with "Long Live the Pope!" and "The Guardian Angel," extol the heroism and courage of the Spanish people. "The Foreigner," the story of a young Pole who had been conscripted into Napoleon's army, looks at Spain and two of her soldiers through the eyes of a Spanish muleteer.
Experience the power of fate and redemption with Pedro De Alarcon's haunting tale, "The Nail." Enter a world where the actions of one man reverberate through the lives of those around him, shaping their destinies in ways they never imagined. As Alarcon's evocative narrative unfolds, follow the protagonist as they grapple with the consequences of a single, fateful decision: the driving of a nail into a wall. Delve into the depths of human nature as they confront their own guilt and the ripple effects of their actions.But amidst the tragedy and despair, a question lingers: What if the true measure of a person is not in their mistakes, but in their ability to seek redemption and make amends? Could Alarcon's tale of "The Nail" serve as a reminder of the power of forgiveness and the possibility of redemption? Immerse yourself in the emotional depth and moral complexity that Alarcon captures with his vivid prose. His exploration of guilt and redemption will leave you moved and inspired, longing to discover the true meaning of forgiveness. Are you prepared to witness the power of "The Nail"?Join the protagonist as they journey through the twists and turns of fate, where every decision carries weight and every action has consequences. Let Alarcon's haunting narrative and richly drawn characters transport you to a world where redemption is possible, even in the darkest of times. Here's your chance to not just read, but to experience the transformative power of forgiveness. This is more than a story; it's a meditation on the nature of guilt and the possibility of redemption. Will you dare to drive "The Nail" into the wall?Seize the opportunity to own a classic of moral literature. Purchase "The Nail" now, and let Alarcon's timeless tale of fate and redemption captivate you with its powerful message and unforgettable characters.