To read… Espana August 6, 2007
Posted by Luke in Literature, Opinion, Spain.add a comment
So – I want a list of Spanish texts worth reading. Fiction – non-fiction, graphic novels, poetry. I’ve read a few books on Spain. Writing a thesis on Spanish anarchism helped in that regard, but there’s much I haven’t read. So if anyone cares to add to this list of interesting books relating to Spain, then please do.
Gerald Brenan – the Spanish Labyrinth – it’s a while since I read this, not owning a copy myself. If I recall, I found it to be one of the better socio-political histories of twentieth century and earlier Spain. He seemed to realise that you couldn’t separate the political development of Spain from the social development of its society. But I’m not going to delve into an analysis of this – it’s too long since I read it.
George Orwell – Homage to Catalonia – perfect Orwell. Inspiring images of the Civil War, even if he perhaps give to much credence to the POUM.
Antony Beevor - the Spanish Civil War – it’s just been re-released, 25 years after first publication. Once again, a long time since I read it but a fascinating ‘big picture’ history of the Civil War.
Driving over Lemons – by the first drummer in Genesis – a really entertaining story of a man who moves to Andalucia to take over an old farm. It’s an enjoyable read. And hey, he used to be in Genesis. In high school.
** how could I forget?! Franz Borkenau – The Spanish Cockpit – a fantastic foray into the Spanish Civil War. On par, if not better, than Orwell’s Homage to Catalonia. This is a fascinating read. Apologies to one certain library, which allowed a copy to fall into my possession, possibly against their will.
But I know there’s a heap of stuff I haven’t read that I want to, nay, need to read at some point in the near future. So to start the list of must read Spanish authors/subjects (that I am yet to read/should have read)…
Hemingway – For Whom the Bell Tolls
Lorca – anything (I can’t think of titles of his works)
Gabriel Garcia Marquez – okay, not really Spanish but close enough.
I can’t think of anything else right now. I apologise for the shittiness of these posts. Writing online isn’t as easy as it sounds – it may even require some sort of planning. Please add to this list, and jog my memory.
Sometimes I think this is why I’m leaving this country… May 23, 2007
Posted by Luke in History, Opinion, Politics, Spain.2 comments
@ndy at slackbastard quotes this news from the SMH today.
“Demonstrators and anyone under suspicion can be arrested and held without bail under unprecedented police powers being brought in for the APEC summit in Sydney… Tough APEC security legislation being drawn up by NSW cabinet this week will include the suspension of normal bail provisions, new powers to do random searches and ban “prohibited” people from restricted zones. [NSW Police Minister David] Campbell said if police arrested anyone who did not obey orders to disperse or leave an area, they could be held in jail until APEC was over. Demonstrators will be kept well away from the world leaders during the summit from September 7 to 9 in order to avoid any “embarrassment” to VIPs. Known troublemakers will be refused entry to the city restricted zone. ~ Crackdown on ‘nasty’ summit protesters, Sydney Morning Herald, May 20, 2007
My initial reaction to this is pretty null. It is utter lack of surprise, albeit with some degree of disbelief that the illusion of democracy is now going so far as to restrict the movements of its populace, to extinguish the capacity for people to dissent. There are so many issues with this attempt at state control – so many that Australians should be violently angry. Who determines who these “known troublemakers” are? Are these ‘trouble makers’ anyone with a dissenting opinion? Is it the “Arterial Bloc” (and yes, newspapers of the world, it’s bloc with a ‘c’ not with a ‘ck’ ! Do your research!)? Is it the Democratic Socialist Party? Is it the peace loving hippies or the uninformed high school students who are just along for a ride? Is it the Chaser? Is it those ‘nasty’ anarchists in their masks, preaching ideas that most people won’t even listen to – let alone consider?
My very own, righteously elected, Acting Premier K.Fol, kicked his feet into our very own ‘terrorist’ David Hicks this week, throwing him into a maximum security prison, where he’ll be in basically 24/7 isolation for the duration of his farcical 9 month sentence. (Note to the PM: when is the election gonna be?) I’m going to go out on a limb here and say I don’t really understand what Hicks has done wrong. What, he fought against our country? So what? Isn’t that his own ethical decision? When we live in a world of private militaries, should it matter if someone decides they want to fight for their religion? If afghanistan had been a christian paradise and the US (and Australia for that matter) an islamic society, how many Australian christians would want to fight against their country then? Should we not encourage children to stand for their beliefs?
In 1936, 40,000 foreigners went to Spain and fought for a Republic they did not live in, did not speak the language of to fight a war their countries did not support. Germans, French, Italians, Australians, Americans, Brits etc all joined forces under the International Brigades and fought…. illegally – Some could never return to their countries, some died. But they fought for freedom and lost. Do we remember them as terrorists?
What was the point of this post? A rant. Maybe I want to see if I get some crazy comments. I doubt it.
My $2 worth: I don’t like the way this country is heading. I think it’s time to get out – like rats from a ship – so I can assess the situation from a distance. I’m hoping many more of ‘mi amigos’ decide to do the same. Then maybe we can return to wrestle control of the supposed ‘lucky’ country from bigots, liars, corporations and conservative news services.
Out.
