: The work won the Premio Francisco Umbral and the Premio de la Crítica de Madrid . Santander, 1936 - Álvaro Pombo - Google Books

, published in January 2023 by Editorial Anagrama , is a semi-autobiographical novel by Álvaro Pombo . It explores the ideological fractures of a wealthy Santander family on the eve of the Spanish Civil War, centered on the author's real-life uncle, Álvaro Pombo Caller. Core Narrative and Characters

: Alvarín’s mother, a successful fashion designer in Paris who remains physically distant but maintains a constant epistolary connection with her son. Historical and Literary Context

The novel functions as a Bildungsroman (novel of formation) that examines how youthful idealism can lead to tragic political choices.

: Pombo utilizes a "philosophical and sentimental" tone, blending extensive historical research (aided by historian Mario Crespo López) with personal family memories. Critics at El Mundo and El Debate have noted its "counter-current" approach, focusing on the psychological nuances of the upper-middle class rather than typical battlefield action.

: A 19-year-old who, despite his wealthy upbringing, joins the Falange Española in 1934. Seeking a sense of belonging and spiritual discipline, he becomes a devoted follower of José Antonio Primo de Rivera.

Álvaro Pombo. Editorial Anagrama, Fiction - 336 pages. El protagonista de esta novela se llama Álvaro Pombo Caller, Google Books Santander, 1936: Pombo, Álvaro - Amazon.com