I like to read books (fiction and non-fiction) and see movies about the places I'm headed to. I'm already dreaming of my next trip to Spain and Portugal. Any suggestions for books or movies that you particularly enjoyed, or felt reflected the culture of the countries? I have the suggested list from Rick Steves' guide book, but it's not long enough - my trip is two years away!
Posted by
Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
324 posts
Certainly Loach's Tierra y Libertad (Earth and Freedom) would be high on the movie list. The director used real villagers instead of actors for some of the scenes of this portrayal of the idiocracies which helped the Republic lose the Spanish Civil War.
If you speak Spanish, you might try to find the TV series "Aquí no hay quien viva" (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0381733/). This is one of the best written current sit-coms, and really manages to capture Spanish life many of its zany perspectives.
My current "must read" recommendation for visitors is "The Ghosts of Spain" by British correspondent and long time resident Giles Tremlett. Also worth a read are "Driving Over Lemons" by Chris Stewart and the book "Spain" in the Travelers Tales Guide series.
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
The Key Of Gaudi - Excellent, USA Printing in August, 2008 A best seller in Spain before then
The Shadow Of The Wind - Excellent.
I do not recall the writer of either book, but you should have no difficulty finding them. Both are set in and around Barcelona. Both deal with Antonio Gaudi. And both offer a new insight to Barcelona!
Posted by
Ridgefield, WA, USA
160 posts
Here are a couple of movies I enjoyed:
Vicky Christina Barcelona - the newest of the bunch (came out this year), a Woody Allen flick set in Barcelona about two American women who fall under the spell of a Spanish painter.
L'Auberge Espagnole - a group of international students share an apartment in Barcelona. Audrey Tatou plays a small role (don't let the DVD packaging fool you - the main character is her French boyfriend).
Americano - A young American spends the last couple days of his Euro vacation in Pamplona with some friends pondering whether or not he wants to take a corporate job back home.
Comic Book Villains - only the ending is in Barcelona, but it still captures the traveling spirit.
Posted by
Chicago, Illinois, USA
586 posts
On Spain, definitely read Giles Tremlett's "Ghosts of Spain," a great historical/cultural work...a great read by an Englishman who resides in Madrid with a Spanish wife. Interesting, insightful, witty, funny in places. Covers major themes in Spanish history and their relation to the country today, and major regions/cities. Hope you enjoy it.