I’m always drawn to stories about books and bookstores, so A Bookseller in Madrid was an easy pick for me. Set during the Spanish Civil War, it follows a young bookseller whose life is upended as history unfolds around her. I loved how Mario Escobar wove real events into the narrative without it ever feeling weighed down — it gave me a new perspective on a period I didn’t know as much about, and experiencing it through the eyes of someone surrounded by books made it even more compelling. If you’re drawn to historical fiction that celebrates the power of books — especially during turbulent times — this one is well worth adding to your list. It’s immersive, heartfelt, and left me thinking about the characters long after I finished.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but I was drawn to it by the title and cover. Barbara is originally from Berlin, but has escaped to Madrid in the early 1930s and wants to open a bookstore. Spain is on the brink of civil war and Hitler’s rising power is threatening another war as well. Barbara and her family and friends are at risk in every direction they turn. It’s a suspenseful story ,an ode to books, a lesson on the Spanish civil war horrors, and a story the resilience of people to help each other and to survive.

A Bookseller In Madrid by Mario Escobar

Story begins in November 2022 Brooklyn New York when Kerri Young a vibrant editor for a Publishing House in Manhattan, a hunter and gatherer of old books, finds an old book published in 1964 in a nearby trashcan.

This book reveals the life story of a young German Woman named Barbara Spiel who leaves Berlin in the 1930’s, marries her courageous Spaniard husband Juan Delgado and opens a book store in the turbulent city of Madrid.

The story commences in Berlin 1933, Barbara goes into a local French Bookstore ‘La Maison Du Livre’ and meets the owner Francoise Frankel. Francoise is Polish and Jewish. They become life long friends and this is where Barbara also meets Juan.

As hostility begins to grow in Berlin, with Nazi control of the population especially for bookstore owners not to mention the Jewish families in the community, tensions arises forcing many to be hurt, runaway, and shops begin closing.

Barbara leaves Berlin in the hope of returning one day. She travels to Spain to reunite with Juan, meet his family and marries her sweetheart. Things in Spain seem peaceful and easy.

Upon their return from their honeymoon Barbara opens her bookstore called ‘Liberia De Madrid’. Her father arrives in time for the opening ceremony of her book store. All goes to plan and the bookstore opening is a success.

As time passes, Juan who is a member of the Spanish Socialist Workers Party proudly supports his fellow comrades and loves his country. Barbara is concerned for his safety and that of their firstborn son. As tensions arise with Civil unrest, riots and fighting in the streets begin between Spain’s two main government bodies - The Republicans and The National Rebel Parties. Civil War is about to break out in Spain.

Barbara is scared of her future in Spain and for her bookstore. This is mainly because of her husband’s political beliefs as well as her Father’s interest in German affairs. She left one country - in mayhem, hoping for a better life in another and only to see the same difficulties. She has also been approached to become a spy and is reluctant to do so.

Barbara does want to flee another country but knows that if they stay her families lives are in danger. They are no longer safe in Spain…..but where do they go? She can’t go back to Germany, life is just as troublesome there. What will happen to their future? Will they survive and live to see the future?

This is a story about the Spanish Civil War that then lead Europe into World War II. It’s about politics in war, unrest, conflict, imprisonment, courage, strength and bravery. It tells a story of how both men and women are treated and affected in times of war and the will to survive is stronger than anything.

I appreciate receiving a copy of the book from NetGalley, the publishers Harper Muse and the Author Mario Escobar. This is my honest review of his book. It is also his first that I have read and certainly won’t be my last. 4 out of 5 stars.

A well written book about the Spanish Civil War! This book is perfect for non-fiction readers who are looking for a bit of a narrative to carry it along.

Most historical fiction and nonfiction books written about Europe in the 1930s focus on Germany. Spain is often left out of the narrative. This book brings Spain to the forefront in a moving story about survival, family, and hope. I love the use of books as a form of resistance and hope!

It is a bit dense as it relays important information about the civil war and to give context to the story. I personally love reading non-fiction books, so this was not an issue for me. This might not be a good read for someone looking only for fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

For as long as she can remember, Barbara Spiel has always found solace in books. Born in Germany and having come of age in a tumultuous era, she flees her home country as the Nazis rise to power in the early 1930 and goes to Madrid. There she's determined to realize herd ream of opening a bookshop and creating a safe haven for young idealists and independent thinkers to come together to transform the world. Yet Spain isn't immune from its own troubles. The winds of change are blowing through both city and countryside, and it's impossible to predict what will happen. When the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War puts Barbara and everyone around her in peril--including the Spanish Socialist parliamentarian she's fallen deeply in love with--the terror and hatred seem all too familiar. It's like Germany all over again, only with its own cast of extremist characters. Hounded simultaneously by Stalinist checas, Francoist Facists, and the German Gestapo, Barbara fights to keep her bookstore the safe haven that she's always imagined it would be. But with war brewing in Spain and the entirety of Europe--and beyond--Barbara isn't sure who exactly she can trust, or if people really are who they claim to be.

A story told with astonishing historical accuracy, A Bookseller in Madrid is ultimately a story about dreams--dreaming with courage when nothing seems to make sense, and dreaming with hope when words printed on a page are all you can hold on to. Mario Escobar is a powerful writer who does tremendous research for his books based on real historical characters and events. I have read some of his earlier writings and this one is equally well done if not better He lets you know at the end what characters and events were real and what were fictional. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting my request to read another book by this amazing author.

Set in 1933, A Bookseller in Madrid follows Barbara Spiel, a German bibliophile who escapes the rise of Nazism to start a new life—and bookshop—in politically unstable Madrid. As the Spanish Civil War brews, she finds herself caught between clashing ideologies and dangerous factions, from Stalinists to the Gestapo, all while trying to protect the idea that books can change the world.

What Resonated:
• Immersive Setting – The depiction of pre–Civil War Spain is incredibly detailed, offering a crash course in the era’s political unrest. I knew little about the Spanish Civil War going in, so I appreciated the opportunity to learn more.
• A Passionate Protagonist – Barbara’s love of literature and her hope for a better world offer emotional grounding amidst the heavy history.

Where It Fell Flat (for Me):
• Lacking Plot Momentum – At 25%, then 50%, I still felt like I was waiting for the story to begin. While the historical context was rich, it often felt like reading a textbook more than a novel.
• Fact Over Fiction – The book is extremely fact-heavy, especially in the first 90%. That might work for readers seeking a history lesson—but I was expecting more narrative drive.
• Slow Payoff – The last 10% finally delivers emotional stakes and character tension, but by then, it felt a bit too late. I can understand why others may find it fascinating, but personally, I was mostly bored.

Overall Take:
This felt more like historical nonfiction with fictional elements sprinkled in than a true work of historical fiction. If you're deeply interested in Spanish Civil War politics and enjoy dense, fact-forward reading, you might love it. But if you’re looking for a gripping plot or character-driven journey, be prepared for a very slow burn.

Best For:
History buffs, readers curious about 1930s Europe, and those who don’t mind a plot-light, information-rich reading experience.

Bárbara Spiel has a degree in French Philology and she visits Francoise Frenkel in her French bookstore in Berlin and here she meets a young Spaniard.

Bárbara flees Germany when the Nazi's gain control, she moves to Spain, marries Juan Delgado and opens a bookshop called Libreria de Madrid and are expecting their first child. When unrest and fighting breaks out in the streets, between the Republican government and the Nationalist rebels, Bárbara is vulnerable due to her husband and father political ties and both the Germans and British put pressure on her to become a spy and she doesn’t want to be a double agent.

The Spanish Civil War ends, Bárbara and Juan want to leave with their son, their lives are in grave danger, and the second half of the narrative is about what they go through to flee, where they go and who helps them along the way.

I received a complimentary copy of A Bookseller in Madrid from HarperCollins Focus and all opinions expressed in this review are my own. I must admit I don’t know a lot about the conflict in Spain, and at times it was tricky for me to put it all together and it’s a lot to process.

The main character is a bookseller and so was her friend Francoise Frenkel and many novels were destroyed both in Germany and Spain and Bárbara wanted to protect the classics and literature.

Mario Escobar is one of my favourite historical fiction authors, he writes about topics such as war, political unrest, violence, imprisonment, fighting to survive and intolerance. Bárbara was a strong and inspirational woman and four stars from me.

I’ve always found that Mario Escpbar’s books provide a wonderful insight into events in our recent history about which little is known. That weas certainly the case with A Bookseller In Madrid, which gives a wonderful insight into the difficulties faced by Spaniards, particularly those living in Madrid, during the 1930’s, when the country’s shaky democracy was overturned by General Franco, Through the eyes of German bookseller Bárbara Spiel, who moved to Madrid to escape from Nazi Germany, we see life unfold in the city. She enables us to feel the fear that escalates as militants roam the city, as books are burned and people’s lives overturned. Through her husband Juan Delgado, a member of the Spanish Socialist Workers Party, we see glimpses of the Spanish parliament crumbling. Barbarà is an admirable heroine, fighting hard to keep her husband and their young son safe in the face of escalating conflict. This story is an epic tale of love and the struggle for survival against the backdrop of war. It was an interesting and enjoyable read.

3.5⭐
While I have always been fascinated by the Spanish Civil War and its prescient role in global politics, I can't say that I truly understand all the parties and forces that contributed. This book is a fictional account of several actua thel women combined into one who emigrated to Spain and opened a bookstore. Bárbara Spiel, escaping Germany, goes to Spain to open a bookstore and eventually married a Spaniard elected to the legislature. Overall, I recommend the book with two caveats. The first is that I felt a step removed from connecting with the characters most likely caused by translating from Spanish. And the second is just the politics of that time are confusing to most readers and the book slows trying explain especially in the first third. Even so, there's a really good story there.

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A Bookseller in Madrid by Mario Escobar is a novel which takes place during the Spanish Civil War. Mr. Escobar is a historian, a published best-selling author, a writer, and a director of an NGO..

Barbara, a young German woman, escapes Berlin to be with Juan, her love, in Madrid. Instead of a hope, the young couple finds themselves in another turbulent country. The Spanish Civil War, a violent and volatile event, threatens to destroy their family and future.

Juan, a socialist politician, finds himself in the crosshair of the fascists and his family will suffer as well. With a world war all around time, escape is hazards, and often seems impassible.

Events of the Spanish Civil War are fascinating. While I do not seek out books about those events specifically, I always find them interesting.

A Bookseller in Madrid by Mario Escobar (translated by Gretchen Abernathy) follows a German woman who has married a Spanish politician and moved to Madrid. Escaping from

the fascist government in Berlin, she finds escapism by opening a German bookstore to sell items prohibited back at home.

The book weaves in events from the war, which affect the protagonist personally. Her husband’s politics, those of the Spanish Socialist Workers Party, are not in favor and they are being targeted Franco‘s supporters.

Approximately the first half of the books gives a lot of background into the conflict, and the politics of it. Luckily the author has included a list of important events and dates of the war, which I actually think should be read first.

The second half is more character driven, focusing on Barbara, Juan, and their son attempting to escape Madrid. This is where her contacts from Madrid’s academia and book selling come into play. Apparently, Spain did not have a large reading population, hence the close and personal contacts.

I think the bookstore in the story was just to get us bibliophiles to get the book. We all love books about books, but Barbara could, for intents and purposes, be a baker or any other niche occupation.

The book has a ton of great information about Spanish politics and geopolitics of the time, an angle I haven’t read about before. A combination of Spanish and World War II history told in a very creative way.

I love stories about books and brave characters who face too many obstacles to survive. I like Mario Escobar's historical fiction books and have recommended them many times. Unfortunately, this one was a bit of a disappointment. A Bookseller in Madrid transports readers to the Spanish Civil War and World War II, following a German protagonist escaping the turmoil of her home country. The cover promised a brave and passionate woman in difficult times. At least, that was my interpretation, and the main reason the book grabbed me immediately. Inside, I found too much discussion about Spanish politics during those years, too many names and too little about Barbara's challenges as a bookseller. The author did an excellent chronological research, but there are too many names to follow.

Another negative is…. I find it ridiculous that someone would open a bookstore in a time of food shortages, no jobs, medicines, and/or basic services. Besides, daily attacks and life loss.. It's true that reading is therapeutic, but when there's no money, not even for food, who can afford to spend on a book?

In general, is an entertaining book, main characters were interesting, few aspects of the story were captivating, others were unrealistic.



Barbara was persecuted because she was German, not because of her occupation.

I read quite a bit of WWII historical fiction, but adding in the Spanish Civil War was a nice touch and really differentiated it from other books in this genre. The author truly did a great job in her research for this book. Well done an l written.

A Bookseller in Madrid is the compelling and suspenseful story of a bookseller in the 1930s.

The story begins in Berlin as Barbara visits Francoise Frenkel in her famous French bookstore. They begin a lifelong friendship and Barbara meets her future husband who encourages her to flee to Berlin where she opens a small bookstore in 1934. The outbreak of the Spanish Civil War threatens to detail her dreams, but she’s done running and stays to support her husband and run her bookstore.

Putting the history into histfic. History fans will find a great deal to appreciate in this story as the author provides many historical and political details of life in Madrid during the 1930s. The latter half of the story is more character-driven.

Barbara is an interesting and compelling main character. She dreams big and is determined, resilient, brave, and persistent. Despite setbacks, Barbara is dedicated to opening and operating a bookstore in Madrid, and she believes in the power of books. She is a survivor and flights for the safety of her husband and family. The first half of the story is packed with historical facts and political intrigue, but Barbara emerges fully in the latter half.

History nerds and fans of Spanish history will find this well-written and well-researched story informative and suspenseful. Because I don’t have a great deal of background knowledge, much of the political intrigue was too complicated and nuanced for me to follow. I followed the gist, but I was more eager to follow the main characters.

Content Consideration: violence, imprisonment, murder, beatings

A Bookseller in Madrid is recommended for fans of political and historical fiction, readers who are especially interested in the history of Spain (Spanish Civil War and early WWII), and for those who like sides of intrigue, suspense, and survival.

Thanks #NetGalley @HarperMuseBooks for a complimentary eARC of #ABooksellerInMadrid upon my request. All opinions are my own.

I must start by saying I have read every one of Mario Escobar’s books and I have loved every one of his books, but A Bookseller in Madrid was not for me.

I am interested in historical fiction and The Spanish Civil War and love a story about books and library’s but felt that this book had too many names and too many facts that were written in a confusing way. There was not enough of a storyline or plot to keep me interested.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus/Harper Muse for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. It hurts to write this review being that I have loved every other book written by Escobar. I will still be a fan and will look forward to reading his next book.

A different viewpoint on war than what is usually written. Barbara has a love of books and it takes her to Spain where she opens a bookshop in the early 1930’s. She thought she escaped the Nazis when she left Germany but Spain has its own problems. Throughout her trials, books keep her grounded and helps her find friends in unlikely spots. Overall I really enjoyed this book. It did feel like the ending was a little rushed though.

This book packs an emotional punch as you follow the horrific tale of Barbara as she moves from Nazi Germany to Madrid in the years before the Spanish Civil War. The streets of Madrid come to life in this novel where the love of reading is what saves even amidst so much devastation. I was holding my breath as Barbara encountered brutality from all sides and tried to find her way to peace. It’s a must-read for anyone trying to understand the complex Spanish Civil War.

3.5 stars
A story of dreams, ideals and reality. A story of resilience amidst tragic circumstances. A story about the power of books, and second chances. A story of civil war in Spain, with espionage, voices of moderation, and voices of extremes. There is a lot about the differing ideologies held by the different factions. I have loved so many stories by Author Mario Escobar, for some reason this one didn't evoke the setting, or emotions like they usually do. That being said, it was a compelling story I wanted to finish.

A Bookseller in Madrid begins in Germany, Barbara Spiel has a dream of owning her own bookstore. She gets out of Berlin to escape Nazi Germany while she can. Her dream is to own a bookshop in Spain for free thinkers to gather. She experienced the Nazi's closing down bookstores and banning certain books and ideas. She met Juan Delgado in Germany before he returned to Spain. They corresponded by mail and are so pleased to see each other in Spain. He is a member of the Spanish Socialist Worker's party. Within a short time of being in Spain, it seems her dreams for her bookshop collide with turbulent times as the Spanish Civil War begins.

Fans of the Mario Escobar, and this time in history will enjoy this story by this best selling author.

Amazing to read, once again, about how similar wars and conflicts have been through time. This story concerns the Spanish Civil War and the differences in ideology among those in power and those who want to be. Throughout, the point is made that the masses will follow the leader who does not require them to reason or think—a very unsettling observation even in today’s American political climate. The novel’s story is centered on books and bookstores and those who dared to run them during their country’s occupation by opposing forces. Many characters and situations are historically accurate which gives credence to the horrors documented.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC to read and review.

Barbara Spiel, leaves Germany in 1933 moving to Madrid to open a bookstore. She marries Spanish parliamentarian Juan Delgado. Barbara thought she was going to escape the horrors of WWII in Spain. But the war came to her.

I feel we often forget Spain and Portugal during the 19030’s and 40’s and was so happy to read this historical novel that takes place in Spain. I always love Mario Escobar’s books, bc they pull at my emotions. There were a few times I felt fear for Barbara, and often want to scream at Nazis for her (but don’t we always want to scream at them?)

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse #ABooksellerinMadrid #NetGalley.

I grew up listening to my grandmother telling stories about troubled times in Spain before she immigrated to Brazil and A Bookseller in Madrid tells much of the feeling Spaniards had at the time. If you did not agree with government you were persecuted, could end in prison or dead and there was much poverty. The totalitarian governments that led to WWII were spreading throughout Europe and racial prejudice were a constant for many. The books mixes reality with fiction and gives a strong message regarding books and dreams because both are a way to keep us going and changing and hopefully bringing change around us. Barbara's dream of having her bookshop, being free to be herself and to be vocal about her beliefs is an up-to-date dream even after almost a hundred years between the timing of the story and nowadys. Beautifully written, this books is a must-read for history fiction lovers!
I thank Mr. Escobar, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.