Jaime Astarloa is an aging Madrid fencing master in 1868, a man of old-fashioned honor who spends his days teaching and searching for the perfect thrust, the unstoppable move. A beautiful young woman, Adela de Otero, arrives and asks to be taught, and becomes both his student and a point of fascination. At the same time, the political climate in Spain is tense, with conspirators opposing Queen Isabella II, and Jaime finds that people around him are being killed. He is drawn into a mystery that tests his principles.
Arturo Pérez-Reverte mixes a historical setting with a mystery and a reflection on honor. It is for readers who like swordplay, period Madrid, and literate adventure fiction.
Balanced in tone; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2005
- Publisher
- Punto De Lectura
- ISBN
- 9788495501554
- Language
- ES
