Jeffrey Zamostny Livres

Set in early twentieth-century Spain, this lyrical coming-of-age novel is narrated by a woman painter, María Luisa, who navigates her artistic journey and relationships with women. The first-person narrative spans from the turn of the century to the onset of the Second Spanish Republic (1931-1939), chronicling her transformation from an imaginative tomboy to a compliant wife and mother, ultimately asserting her independence as a portrait painter within Madrid's bohemian and queer circles. Throughout her journey, she encounters a vibrant cast of characters who both support and challenge her quest for self-discovery. María Luisa's poetic and sensuous reflections blend with lively dialogue, offering a rich exploration of her life. The author, Elena Fortún, known for her children's literature, left this manuscript unpublished at her death in 1952 due to its semi-autobiographical nature, which could have invited homophobic backlash during Franco's dictatorship. The first Spanish edition was released in 2016, celebrated as Fortún's adult masterpiece and a significant addition to her children's saga, Celia and Her World. This edition, translated by Jeffrey Zamostny, is the first to appear in any language besides Spanish and includes a foreword by scholar Nuria Capdevila-Argüelles, marking a vital contribution to women's studies, LGBT histories, and Spanish literature.