This book is an impressive human document, blending history and psychology, politics, and passion.
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Keefer Street
David Spaner | Ronsdale Press
$24.95 | 308pp.
They were called
. The men and women of the International Brigades who travelled to Spain in the 1930s to defend the Spanish Republic from rogue general Francisco Franco’s fascist attack were heroes to many, but often viewed as dangerous reds by their home governments.
While Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini were quick to supply Franco with military aid, western powers pursued a course of neutrality that by default supported the Spanish dictator. The International Brigades came from around the world to support the democratically elected Spanish Republic, defying their government’s collusion with Franco. And yes, many of them were reds, either members of the Communist parties in their home countries, anarchists, Trotskyists or left social democrats unwilling to let Spanish democracy be destroyed.
But this is not simply a picaresque of the Canadian Left’s biggest hits. Spaner has a gift for characterization and dialogue and creates a whole world of believable characters and interpersonal drama, as he follows Jake from Keefer Street to Spain, home to B.C. and eventually back to Spain for a reunion of International Brigade survivors.
Throughout this story, the author resists any temptation to portray his characters as subjects of hagiography. They are all fully rounded and complex, and Jake’s complicated relationships with his family and friends are well realized, as is his reconnection with Rebecca, a woman from his past. This book is an impressive human document, blending history and psychology, politics, and passion.
Highly recommended.