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10 years old and still one of the clearest insights into the sociology and culture of Modern Spain available today. A must. After the death of Franco, Spain underwent social and cultural changes on a level previously unseen anywhere else in Europe. One moment it was illegal to kiss in public, a year later the streets were awash with liberalism, democracy, creativity, pornography, and reemerging cultural distinctions. This incredibly informative book really is essential to an understanding of how Spain made that change. Pick up a copy at: Amazon.co.uk (Europe)  Amazon.com (USA) 
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Archive for the ‘Spain Books’ Category
The New Spaniards, by John Hooper (Book)
Classic Film: Thesis
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An edge-of-your-seat look at the snuff movie phenomenon and a real Spanish classic. A young student at a university in Madrid is preparing her thesis on screen violence when she accidentally comes across a terrifying video of a sadistic murder. Is there a link between this and the girls that have been disappearing from her college over the last few years? And which one of the two new men in her life is hiding a dark secret? So good its a wonder Hollywood hasn’t re-made it yet… Pick up a copy at: Amazon.co.uk (Europe)  Amazon.com (USA)  |
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A Basque History of the World
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A Basque History of the World (Book): The origins, myths, language, legends – everything you could ever want to know about the Basques, from their prowess as whale hunters and fearless long-distance fishermen, to how to make a perfect Basque Cake. A great read, fascinating on the beginnings and later development of ETA, and in all ways far more than just a history book. Pick up a copy at: Amazon.co.uk (Europe)  Amazon.com (USA) 
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El Lobo
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Eduardo Noriega stars in this gripping true-story film about a police informant that infiltrates ETA and helps the police achieve one of their most important historical attacks on the group’s internal structure. Action packed, moving, passionate, (with the obligatory doses of highly-charged sex that few Spanish films go without…) Highly recommended if you like a bit of historical political intrigue. Pick up a copy at: Amazon.com (USA)  |
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The Motorcycle Diaries
Not directly about Spain, but certainly in Spanish and more than worthy of a mention here. The Motorcycle Diaries is the wonderful tale of the transformation of Ernest Guevara, the young, ambitious doctor specialising in Leprosy, into the inimitable Che of Cuban fame. Crossing South America from bottom to top on a classic Norton motorcycle with his friend, Alberto Granado, the scenes of social injustice he witnesses effect profound changes on his character.
This is a deeply inspiring film (you’ll either feel like changing the world, or traveling it on a motorbike by the end), with fine acting from the two protagonists, and stellar appearances from the stunning South American landscapes.
Pick up a copy at:
Amazon.co.uk (Europe)
The Basque Ball
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Gritty documentary about life in the Basque country in the early 21st Century. Amazon synopsis – “A portrait and exploration of the language and traditions of the Basques and a look at the political nature of the region. Featuring archive footage and interviews with the likes of poets, musicians, terrorists and the people whose lives have been affected by violence.” Pick up a copy at: Amazon.co.uk (Europe)  |
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Luzia – Paco de Lucia
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This was my first introduction to the Flamenco guitar legend Paco de Lucia, and having listened to most of his albums since, this still stands as my long term favorite. It transcends earlier, more traditional albums, with Paco somehow managing to make it sound like he’s playing up to 3 guitars at the same time, jumping from pulse racing tracks that get me jumping out of my chair, to slower, more intense and emotionally charged works. Not one for the traditionalists perhaps, but certainly an evocative, emotional introduction to the skills of the world’s greatest Flamenco guitarist. (If you need more convincing, just check out the reviews via the Amazon.com link below.) Pick up a copy at: Amazon.co.uk (Europe)  |
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The Rough Guide to Spain
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I’ve used this book to travel all over Spain during the last six years and have only been let down once – just watch out for the hostel in Alicante that is described as ‘reasonably clean’. Apart from that this guide is packed with useful information, interesting facts and detailed descriptions of all Spain’s cultural highlights. If you are wondering which of the big guides to go for, look no further. Pick up a copy at: Amazon.co.uk (Europe)  Amazon.com (USA)  |
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Sex and Lucia
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One of the most erotic films to have come out of Spain in the last few years. Paz Vega is dazzling as the sensuous girl who falls in love with a troubled young writer. A clever, twisting story and beautifully shot scenes of Madrid and the island wastes of Formentera make this a classic piece of cinema. Pick up a copy at: Amazon.co.uk (Europe)  Amazon.com (USA)  |
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Errant in Iberia
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This book covers my (Ben’s) first three years in Spain, from my reasons for escaping the UK, to how I met Marina, and a few other ‘intercambios’ along the way, and the first journeys to unknown corners of the country. Discover wild fiestas, strange confrontations with Spanish culture and family life, the renovation of a decrepit flat in Madrid’s old quarter, and an intimate portrait of Lavapies, a traditional inner city ‘Barrio’. Click here to purchase a print or download copy direct from the publisher, lulu.com. |
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