Spain

The Trials and Triumphs of a Modern European Country

By: Michael Reid

Narrated by: Asa Siegel

An incisive account of modern Spain, from the death of Franco to the Catalan referendum and beyond

Spain's transition to democracy after Franco's long dictatorship was widely hailed as a success, ushering in three decades of unprecedented progress and prosperity. Yet over the past decade, its political consensus has been under severe strain. A stable two-party system has splintered, with disruptive new parties on the far left and far right. No government has had a majority since 2015.

Michael Reid overturns the stereotypical view of Spain as a country haunted by its Francoist past. From Catalan separatism and the indignados movement to the Spanish economy's overdependence on tourism and small business, Spain's challenges can often seem unique. But Reid is careful to emphasize the many pressures it faces in common with its European neighbors—such as austerity, populism, and increasing polarization. The result is a penetrating yet rounded portrait of a vibrant country—one that is more often visited than understood.

©2023 Michael Reid (P)2023 Tantor

Ok book

Liked it and recomend it as modern Spain book, but nothing outstanding. Good performance, nice spanish accent.

Learned a lot despite too much detail

I appreciated all of the context beneath the separatist movements, and the forces that have led Spain to become quite progressive very quickly in historical terms.