The Return
The 'captivating and deeply moving' Number One bestseller
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4.1 • 144 Ratings
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- £4.99
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- £4.99
Publisher Description
'A beautiful book, story, piece of history. From the haunting tones of the flamenco to a country ravaged by fanaticism. Hardly a day goes past since finishing this book that I don't think about some aspect of it. One of the best books I have read in a long time' Real Reader Review, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Granada's cobbled streets resonate with music and secrets and Sonia Cameron is here to dance. She knows nothing of the city's past. But in a quiet café, a chance conversation and a collection of photographs draws her into the tale of Spain's devastating civil war.
Seventy years earlier, the café is home to the Ramírez family, when Franco's army coup shatters the fragile peace and they witness the worst atrocities of conflict. Divided by politics and tragedy, everyone must take a side, as Spain rips itself apart.
Discover for yourself why 10 million readers and critics worldwide love Victoria Hislop's books . . .
'The Return aims to open the eyes and tug the heartstrings . . . Hislop deserves a medal for opening a breach into the holiday beach bag' The Independent
'The Return should be required holiday reading for anyone going to Spain' Daily Mail
'Executed with verve and sensitivity' Sunday Telegraph
'A gripping read' Woman & Home
'Dramatic and immediate . . . keeps you reading at breakneck speed right to the end' Sunday Express
'A powerful read' Real Reader Review, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'Victoria Hislop spins the emotional tale of one family and the horrors the war caused to them, and other families . . . a great story of hope, determination and love' Real Reader Review, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'A vivid story . . . interwoven with history and human resilience and determination' Real Reader Review, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'A wonderfully evocative tale of life before, during and after the Spanish Civil War . . . Fantastic' Real Reader Review, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
*Victoria Hislop's most recent novel, THE FIGURINE, is out now.*
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
For her follow-up to international bestseller The Island, British author Hislop has friends Sonia and Maggie jetting off for flamenco lessons in Granada, Spain. Sonia is escaping monotony and a souring marriage to an older man while Maggie is celebrating her 35th birthday. The trip proves an odyssey of discovery for Sonia, who over a morning cup of coffee is mesmerized by an elderly cafe owner's stories of the Spanish Civil War and the Ramirez family who once owned the cafe and were torn apart during the time of Franco and the upheaval of war. Most intriguing was the story of Mercedes, whose passion for flamenco dancing was matched only by her love for renowned guitarist Javier Montero with whom she performed. Separated from her fractured family, she set out to search for Javier in the chaos of Civil War Spain. Dance holds a place of importance in the tale, especially when Sonia learns the truth about her own mother in a twist that adds suspense to the romance and familial drama. The well-done historical background is a rewarding plus in this fast-paced account of love's power through generations.
Customer Reviews
The Return
Loved the book. Was heartbreaking but very interesting and a bit of history I wasn't really aware of.
As always, Victoria Hislop has done her homework and covers this period of modern history extremely thoroughly.
Barbara Knight
Brilliant
A fitting sequel to The Island, sunny and full of melancholy at the same time. Brill reading.
The Return
What a great book. Didn’t realise how terrifying was the Spanish Civil War. Drama, history, passion, life and death, love; it’s all here in this wonderful read.