The Truth about the Savolta Case

About “The Truth about the Savolta Case”

Set in Barcelona between 1917 and 1919, the novel by Eduardo Mendoza recreates the revolutionary tensions of the city during the First World War. It blends mystery, action, and surprise as it portrays the conflict between workers and employers. The city itself is a central character, depicted with nostalgia. The story includes a variety of figures, such as an idealistic journalist, a French adventurer, a mysterious gypsy, a misogynistic bodyguard, a stubborn police commissioner, a visionary beggar, and others. The novel uses humor, irony, and satire, drawing from various literary traditions, including detective fiction, picaresque, and Byzantine novels. It is described as a smart and entertaining tragicomedy that appeals to both specialists and readers looking for emotional engagement.