Product Description

This is a story of Spanish life at the time of Franco as seen through the eyes of a naive young girl. Based on the author's personal experience, it is often amusing, sometimes tragic but always surprising, painting a picture of a way of life that has now gone for ever.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #18256 in Books
• Published on: 2007-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Review
"...paints a picture of an impoverished country, its people still suffering the after-effects of the Civil War..." Costa Blanca Leade "An amusing and very readable novel... It's funny, it's moving and it's tragic in equal measure." www.bookworldespana.com

Customer Reviews

mad dogs and an english girl:a stranger in Franco's Spain
I simply could not put this book down.. when i began reading it....it was written so realistically that i was there with the authoress sharing all her ups and downs, joys and sorrows, and successes and disappointments.I particularly liked the way she brought in lots of spanish words or phrases with an explanation of the meanings or translations....
She is obviously a lady with a wicked sense of humour but also had a great passion for Spain and the Spanish people and their way of life.A most remarkable tale which i would have no hestitaion in recommending to everyone.

Mad Dogs and an English Girl
Caroline Waterman's book is a powerful and beautifully written novel, accurately depicting Spain as it was in the early 1950's. And I know what I am talking about for I am Spanish and I lived in Spain throughout all those years of fear from "them", from the authorities in whatever guise.

Her description of a young man's possessivness (Julio), not even able to understand that in a couple's relationship, there is more than one's view point, together with the older man's attitude towards his younger employees (Dr. Vazquez), are two examples of the then prevailing "macho" mentality and the feeling in men that women were there to be used and to obey man's commands and desires.

And Caroline's account of her travelling in Spain is so true that I often had to remind myself that what I was reading, was a novel.

"Mad Dogs and an English Girl, is a compelling novel which I believe will be enjoyed by all who read it, "foreigners" and Spanish Nationals alike. I certainly have.

Jeronimo Maeso Castrillon

What a wonderful book to read on holiday!
I live in Spain and so enjoyed reading about Spain as it used to be! Having also recently read 'Winter in Madrid' (Sansom), both books have inspired me to learn more about this time of Spain's troubled history. Spain has changed so dramatically, but the adventures of this young English girl in 1950s Spain brings it to life as if it were today, so it's not just history - its LIVING history, and seen through the eyes of a foreigner!! You have just GOT to read this book!!

Congratulations to Caroline - and thank you for sharing such an adventure with us, one to remember ALL her life!

Toni Guillen