The Story

Don Francisco de Quevedo is more than a sharp-tongued poet. Here, he’s a man back from a rugged exile, trying to slide into the shadows of old Madrid. But trouble follows, as it always does for a guy who wrote about bloated countesses and foolish princes. A key minister, the Count Duke of Olivares, has fallen from grace, and the court is afraid to speak their mind. That’s where our man Quevedo steps in—maybe against his better instincts, but loyalty is a strong chain. He protects a woman named Mariana, who hides a dangerous link to the fallen minister. A duel of wits with a rival duke occurs. The king yells. Quick jabs with words. Misunderstandings lead to jail. It does not end happily, mind you, because history wasn’t happy to Quevedo.

Why You Should Read It

Honestly? The main man carries this play. You've got to read some pretty terrible queens in old stories. Quevedo—exceptional writer, morally rattled guy who stings everyone. This one walks about realizing that morals come at a high price. I like that he isn’t some unbreakable hero. He sighs a lot when forced into lies. Also: the Spanish language (and the translation it is in) flows excellent, quick like downing an espresso. I think. Sanz adds a thrill to their ride. At one point a candle around gives murder shadows! Little poetic tricks make all things lock forward so you keep tracking where to go next.

Final Verdict

Who would I grab this book to when I shoplift around my friends (kidding)? Great anybody who does watches “The Queen’s Gambit” as plots unwind for people smart at chess—except swords here. It wins for and maybe read a dark time but carries no need big for Spain politics. People writers enjoy indeed simply joy those cool jokes loaded up jargons nasty turns society. Eh—watching someone die against his desires while turning stone sticks tastes exceptional. Perfect ready reading all obsessed for golden age folks drama lover in wearing night gown spark.