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Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Return to Pamplona: A Lover’s Quest in Post-War Spain by Peter J. Meehan is a deeply moving narrative set in the politically charged landscape of Spain in the late 1940s. It follows the journey of Terese Burguera, a spirited Spanish Basque medical student, and her lover, Richard Samuels, an English academic wrapped in his studies, as they navigate the complications of a war-torn nation and their passionate romance. When Terese embarks on a dangerous road trip to meet Richard in France, her quest is fraught with danger, political strife, and the haunting shadow of her missing uncle—a smuggler presumed to have been taken by the authorities. But everything changes when Terese goes missing. Richard returns to war-torn Spain to unravel the mystery behind her disappearance, braving the odds in a world where nothing is as it seems politically. Can he find out the truth?
Terese’s fierce determination to maintain her identity against the oppressive regime contrasts starkly with Richard’s obliviousness to the dire realities surrounding them, reflecting a broader theme of love struggling to survive amid historical turmoil. Terese has grit, working with her family’s legacy while pursuing her dreams in a society that suppresses individuality and cultural heritage. On the other hand, Richard often seems naïve about the intricacies of Spanish politics, which occasionally places them both in danger. The conflict is cleverly developed and feeds on the tension between personal ambition and the restraint of society. Terese’s passionate involvement in the Basque movement, alongside her medical aspirations, creates a conflicting situation that ultimately leads to her disappearance. Return to Pamplona by Peter J. Meehan is cleverly plotted, featuring excellent prose and exciting drama. The pathos is strong, and the thrill of the romance balances it. The narrative highlights the personal struggles of individuals caught in the broader socio-political upheaval, underscoring the idea that history is not just a backdrop but a living force that shapes the destinies of those within it. I couldn’t put this suspenseful tale down until I turned the final page.
