My Spain obsession is more than just about traveling to the best places to visit in the country and discovering its hidden gems. I’m always in search of the best novels about Spain and I even read some of them in Spanish.
Whether it’s a thriller, historical fiction, or a love story, as long as it takes place in Spain, I’ll read it.
So if you share my obsession, you’re planning a trip to Spain, looking for a gift for Spain lovers, or maybe you can’t travel right now and you’re looking for some great reads, here are 50 books about Spain to add to your list!
Warning: These books may cause uncontrollable flight booking.
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may show pop-ups.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
Best Novels About Spain: Top 5 Picks
This is quite a huge list, so if you’re short on time, I’m here to help. Here are my top five picks:
‘Treacherous’ by Sara Rosett (set in Madrid)
‘The Shadow of the Wind’ by Carlos Ruiz Zafón (set in Barcelona)
‘The Return’ by Victoria Hislop (set in Andalucia)
‘The Island Villa’ by Lily Graham (set on the island of Formentera)
‘Sunset over the Cherry Orchard’ by Jo Thomas (set in Andalucia)
Read as many novels as you want with Kindle Unlimited (you can try it for free for 30 days) or listen to your favorite books on Audible.
Best Books About Spain Set Across the Country
The Last Queen
Also known as ‘Juana the Mad,’ Juana of Castile was the queen of Spain in the 16th century and a person whose figure was shrouded in mystery.
‘The Last Queen’ is an intriguing fictional biography that will give you a glimpse into her complicated life, from her marriage to Archduke Philip of Flanders to her imprisonment, and it will certainly make you wonder if she was really mad.
Get ‘The Last Queen’ on Amazon.
The Spanish Promise
Set in both Madrid and Andalucia, ‘The Spanish Promise’ follows Charlotte, a wealth advisor who helps people who are dealing with a sudden inheritance.
Now, she has some unusual clients – one of the richest men in Spain is dying and wants to leave everything he has to a woman his family has never heard of.
Charlotte has to track her down and delve into the family’s history all the way back to the Spanish Civil War to figure out who this woman is.
Get ‘The Spanish Promise’ on Amazon.
The Last Jew
Most historical fiction set in Spain does not talk about the Jewish community that lived there for many years.
‘The Last Jew’ will take you back to the late 15th century, when the Spanish Inquisition had persecuted the Jews in Spain, and they were either killed, expelled, or converted to Christianity.
It follows Yonah Toledano, a young Jewish boy that somehow got trapped in Spain and now needs to hide his identity.
He goes on a neverending journey across the country with his burro, trying to survive as a Jew who pretends to be Catholic.
The Queen’s Vow
By Joanne from Sunsets and Roller Coasters. Follow her on Pinterest.
Before we travel to a new location, I seek out historical novels that will give me some insight into the places and people we’ll be learning about on our travels.
For our visit to Spain, I was keenly interested in the history of Queen Isabella and her family. ‘The Queen’s Vow’ by C.W. Gortner was fantastic!
Rather than mere dates and historical facts, this piece of historical fiction allows the reader to understand how the true-life characters must have felt. It also attempts to explain the reasons for their actions, both simple and life-altering.
Starting when Queen Isabella was just a child, the book brings you through her young life, her marriage to Ferdinand, and the birth of their children.
Get ‘The Queen’s Vow’ on Amazon.
By the River Piedra I SAT Down and Wept
By Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan. Follow her on Instagram.
‘By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept’ is a novella by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho that contains a spiritual message about the feminine side of God.
The main character, Pilar, is from a small, conservative Spanish town called Soria. As a young girl, she falls in love with a boy from her town.
He goes off to travel the world, and years later they are reunited in Madrid. He teaches Pilar many things he has learned from different cultures and religions, particularly about the feminine aspect of God.
They begin to fall in love again, but the problem is this grown-up childhood friend is studying to be a priest and is a direct disciple of the Virgin Mary. He, therefore, has to choose between Pilar and the Virgin.
They travel together to the Piedra River across the border in France, which is believed to have the power to rid people of pain and suffering.
Through this personal and spiritual journey, Pilar discovers who she truly is and what she wants out of life.
Get ‘By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept’ on Amazon.
Best Novels Set in Spain That Take Place in Barcelona
The Shadow of the Wind
By Stefan and Sebastien from Nomadic Boys. Follow them on Instagram and check out their gay guide to Gran Canaria.
One of the best books set in Spain is the classic ‘The Shadow of the Wind’ (‘La Sombra del Viento’) by Carlos Ruiz Zafón.
It is set in Barcelona during the 1940s, in the period following the Spanish Civil War (1936-39). The story follows a young boy called Daniel who discovers a book by a mysterious author (Julian Carax), which he loves.
Over the next decade, he tries to find more books by this author only to find this author’s books are as dangerous to own as it is impossible to forget.
What starts as an innocent quest to find more books, turns into an epic story of murder, magic, madness, and doomed love.
Grab yourself a copy of ‘The Shadow of the Wind’ and don’t forget to check out the sequels – The Angel’s Game, The Prisoner of Heaven, and The Labyrinth of the Spirits!
Origin
By Chris from Explore Now or Never.
During our two weeks in Spain, one of the best parts was reading Dan Brown’s thriller ‘Origin’ while we were there, about a young billionaire who’s about to unveil a discovery to change the face of science forever.
He wants to definitively answer two questions for humankind: “Where have we come from?” and “Where are we going?”.
Unfortunately, someone has hired a hitman who will stop at nothing to silence him. The story unspools from there.
While it opens at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, most of the action takes place in or near Barcelona, including Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada Familia cathedral and the famous Montserrat monastery, some of the most famous landmarks in Spain.
Cathedral of the Sea
By Beata from Stunning Outdoors. Follow her on Facebook.
‘Cathedral of the Sea’ is a historical fiction set in XIV century Barcelona, during the construction of the city’s big pride – the cathedral Santa Maria del Mar – and during its most shameful period – the inquisition.
Throughout 55 years, a lot has changed in the life of the main character Arnau, but also in the history of the city. Only one thing seems to be unchangeable – the construction work on the cathedral.
As a boy, Arnau joins the guild of stoneworkers and helps to build the church by carrying big stones. At the same time, his best friend Joanet studies to become a priest.
Years passed and Arnau became a banker and finally a baron, but he also fell in love with a married woman.
All these events result in jealousy of his friends and lead him to face Joanet, who is a powerful representative of the church. Will he lose his life when his beloved cathedral is almost finished or is he going to be saved?
Read reviews and grab a copy of ‘Cathedral of the Sea’.
Best Books Set in Madrid
Happy as a Partridge: Life and Love in Madrid
This wonderful book follows Evie Fuller – a single, unemployed English girl approaching her thirtieth birthday and looking for a change in her life.
As she decides to pack her bags and teach English in Madrid, she needs to adapt herself to expat life and Spanish culture.
If you’re looking for a fun, lighthearted read that combines wanderlust, self-discovery, romance, and humor, ‘Happy as a Partridge’ is for you.
Get ‘Happy as a Partridge’ on Amazon.
Treacherous
If you’re looking for an easy read and a great mystery book taking place in Madrid, this one is for you.
‘Treacherous’ follows Zoe, an art recovery specialist who’s sent to find an old painting of a blue butterfly that might not even exist.
After looking for it in several destinations in the US, the clues lead her to Madrid. With wanderlust-fueling descriptions of the city and a fast-paced intriguing plot, this book is a total winner.
Winter in Madrid
‘Winter in Madrid’ takes place in Madrid after the Spanish Civil War. That was also the time when General Franco considered joining WW2.
Through the characters of three young British men – soldier turned spy Harry Brett, suspicious businessman Sandy Forsyth and communist Bernie Piper, the book uncovers one of the most painful eras in Spain’s history.
Get ‘Winter in Madrid’ on Amazon.
The Fountains of Silence
Set in Madrid in the 1950s, this novel combines romance and the history of Spain under the dictatorship of Franco after the Spanish Civil War.
Through the love story between Daniel – a young American who’s visiting Madrid with his family – and Ana – the Spanish hotel maid – ‘The Fountains of Silence’ will transport you to a dark time in Spain’s history.
Get ‘The Fountains of Silence’ on Amazon.
The Time in Between
By Ingrid from Second-Half Travels. Follow her on Facebook and check out her guide to the best Spanish TV shows on Netflix.
‘The Time in Between‘ became an international bestseller and inspired a popular television series often dubbed the Spanish Downton Abbey.
Young Sira Quiroga begins her life as a humble seamstress in Madrid in the 1930s. By her early twenties, Sira is engaged to a mild-mannered civil servant.
But everything changes when she meets a charming typewriter salesman who sweeps her off her feet. Sira impulsively jilts her fiancé and follows her lover to Morocco, but he soon abandons her, leaving her penniless.
Trapped in Morocco by the civil war in Spain, Sira turns to her dressmaking talents to earn a living as a high-end couturier to the wives of German soldiers.
As World War II begins, Sira agrees to return to Madrid to embark on the riskiest undertaking of her life as an undercover agent for the Allies.
Get ‘The Time in Between’ on Amazon.
Read more about Madrid:
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- 4 days in Madrid
- Towns and cities to visit near Madrid
- Famous landmarks of Madrid
- Alternative things to do in Madrid
- Madrid travel tips
- Where to stay in Madrid
- Free museums in Madrid
- Madrid packing list
- Breakfast and brunch places in Madrid
- Fun facts about Madrid
- Is Madrid worth visiting?
Best Books Set in Spain That Take Place in Andalucia
The Return
‘The Return’ is a book that combines a love story, the history of the Spanish Civil War, and the local culture of Andalucia.
It follows a young British woman who goes on a weekend break in Spain in the city of Granada and discovers its disturbing history during the Spanish Civil War through the romance between two young Spaniards.
Along with the traumatic past, the author writes so beautifully about the Andalusian atmosphere, the Flamenco culture, and the city itself, that you just can’t stop reading this book!
She describes the city’s streets, squares, shops, and cafes so charmingly that all I wanted was to hop on a plane to Granada (which I eventually did) and take a road trip through Spain.
Since it literally made me cry, I can safely say it’s one of the best novels set in Andalucia you’ll read.
Falling for Flamenco
Romance, flamenco, and the city of Sevilla? Yes, please!
I am a huge flamenco lover. The passion of the dancers, guitarists, and singers makes my heart explode, and there’s no doubt that the best show I’ve seen was in Sevilla, so ‘Falling for Flamenco’ is right up my alley.
In this lovely novel, we follow the love story of Mercedes, a passionate flamenco dancer, and Charlie, a British guy who wants to make it as a professional guitarist in Sevilla.
But with the cultural differences and a difficult Spanish father, things are not going to go so smoothly…
Get ‘Falling for Flamenco’ on Amazon.
Then. Now. Always.
Hannah is going on a one-month work trip to the southern Spanish village of Mojacar with her boss Theo (aka her big crush), her best friend Tom, and her colleague Claudette.
She looks forward to returning to this village, where she spent a lot of time as a teenager, and maybe finally making things happen between her and Theo, but her plans are ruined when her half-sister Nancy (who she doesn’t like so much) shows up unexpectedly.
With a combo of wanderlust, romance, friendship, family drama, self-growth, and a dash of humor, ‘Then. Now. Always.’ is a surprising (and not so predictable) summer read.
Read reviews and get ‘Then. Now. Always.’ on Amazon.
Platero and I
‘Platero and I’ is another book that takes place in Andalucia, in the small village of Moguer. It essentially narrates the relationship between a young poet and his beloved little donkey.
The author, Juan Ramón Jiménez (who later won a Nobel Prize in Literature), actually thought of it as a children’s book, but many of its fans are, in fact, adults.
Grab yourself a copy of ‘Platero and I’.
Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard
If you’re looking for a heartwarming chick-lit that will cheer you up (and transport you to Andalucia), ‘Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard’ is for you!
Beti finds herself in southern Spain with a broken engagement and no money. Since she wants to keep her dream of owning a bar in Spain alive, she gets a job and a place to stay at a local cherry farm.
Soon, she falls in love with the place, the local lifestyle, the culture (especially Flamenco), and of course, a man.
Get ‘Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard’ on Amazon.
The Year of Starting Over
After leaving her dead-end relationship and job, Holly feels the need to rediscover herself.
She makes a bucket list of things she wants to accomplish over the next year and sets off to the Andalusian countryside to help her friends with their business.
We follow Holly as she falls in love with Spain, makes new friends, meets a new man, starts a business, and completes her list by stepping outside her comfort zone and taking control of her life.
If you’re looking for an easy read and pure escapism, ‘The Year of Starting Over’ is the book for you!
Read reviews and get ‘The Year of Starting Over’ on Amazon.
Costa Del Churros
‘Costa del Churros’ is a story about four women who are expats living in Costa del Sol in southern Spain.
Although they have nothing in common, they meet at a flamenco class that brings them together and start to form a strong friendship with each other.
The writing style might not be for everyone since the story is divided into four points of view of each one of these women. But if you don’t mind it, give this book a read.
Grab yourself a copy of ‘Costa del Churros’.
Spanish Lavender
‘Spanish Lavender’ is for anyone who loves historical fiction combined with romance. Elizabeth, Alex, and Juan are three young people trying to escape the horrors of the Spanish Civil War in Malaga.
When they think Juan is dead, Elizabeth and Alex return to England where they marry each other.
Fast forward 70 years later, Elizabeth’s granddaughter, Kate, returns to Spain to discover the truth about her real grandfather, Juan.
Get ‘Spanish Lavender’ on Amazon.
The Silver Teacup: Tales of Cadiz
Transport yourself to Cadiz, the oldest city in Europe, with this delightful collection of 14 tales that take place in different eras in history.
You’ll get to know the city’s streets, plazas, and beaches, as well as its people, historical events, and overall atmosphere.
So whether you are planning a trip to Cadiz, are looking for travel inspiration, or have already visited and want to reminisce, give this book a read.
Get ‘Tales of Cadiz’ on Amazon.
The Most Magnificent Mosque
I had the pleasure to visit Cordoba‘s iconic mosque during my Andalusia road trip, so I was happy to find this fiction book about it.
‘The Most Magnificent Mosque’ demonstrates the power and beauty of co-existence by following the story of three boys – Samuel (Jewish), Miguel (Christian), and Rashid (Muslim).
After pranking the locals, they are punished and forced to work in the mosque’s gardens as cleaners, which makes them appreciate this magnificent place.
Years later, King Fernando wants to demolish the mosque and turn it into a church, and the three reunite to save it.
Get ‘The Most Magnificent Mosque’ on Amazon.
Orange Blossom Days
Set in a holiday apartment complex in southern Spain – La Joya (‘The Jewel’) – ‘Orange Blossom Days’ follows the lives of several apartment owners and the relationships that are formed between them.
Talking about family problems, betrail, ambition and pride, friendship, and love, this book makes an entertaining holiday read.
Read reviews and get ‘Orange Blossom Days’ on Amazon.
The Lady and the Bandit
A mix of romance, adventure, and a whole lot of humor, this is a surprising novel that will literally make you laugh out loud.
Set in the 19th century in southern Spain, ‘The Lady and the Bandit’ follows Pepita – a woman who escapes her own wedding – and Rafael that wants to bring her back in exchange for money.
With the passion that grows between the two and the dangerous people going after them, you’re guaranteed an interesting plot topped with a big dash of comedy.
Grab a copy of ‘The Lady and the Bandit’ on Amazon.
The Poet’s Wife
Spanning over 50 years from 1920, ‘The Poet’s Wife’ is a powerful novel that takes place in Granada. It narrates the story of one family before the Spanish Civil War, during the war itself, and afterward during Franco’s rule.
What makes it extra interesting is the fact that it’s told from three perspectives of three strong women – the matriarch Luisa, her daughter Isabel, and her granddaughter Paloma.
Get yourself a copy of ‘The Poet’s Wife’.
Death by Flamenco
Set in Seville, ‘Death by Flamenco’ is a part of a lovely cozy mystery book series featuring tour guide Lana Hansen.
In this book, she leads a group of travel bloggers to southern Spain, and she is also about to speak at a travel conference.
But when a well-known travel writer, who publicly insults her and her clients, is found dead, she is the main suspect. Will she find the real murderer?
Get yourself a copy of ‘Death by Flamenco’.
Looking for more ways to transport yourself to Europe? Check out these:
Best Books Set in Northern Spain
The Sun Also Rises
By Carol from Wandering Carol. Follow her on Instagram.
If any novel puts Pamplona and the running of the bulls on the map, it was ‘The Sun Also Rises’ by Ernest Hemingway.
Written in 1926, it’s a classic piece of travel literature from the era between world wars, and highlights Gertrude Stein’s widely-quoted term the ‘Lost Generation.’
Jake, a war-scarred journalist living in Paris, is in love with Lady Brett Ashley, who seems incapable of faithfulness.
It’s a tale of wild nights and jaded characters, and the plot culminates in Pamplona, where Jake and his friends go for the week-long Festival of San Fermin, drawn by the celebrations, the bullfights, and the running of the bulls.
The power of Hemingway’s portrayal of Pamplona, his admiration for the Spanish culture, and his spare evocative style paint a portrait of Spain that is both alive and sincere.
Get ‘The Sun Also Rises’ on Amazon.
Chasing Shadows
Set in both 2016 and 1314 along the Camino the Santiago, ‘Chasing Shadows’ tells the parallel stories of Amy and Luke, a young blind woman and her guide, and Luc and Aimee, a Templar knight and another knight’s widow.
As they go on this journey across northern Spain, there’s a lot of healing, self-discovery, and of course, romance.
Read reviews and grab yourself a copy of ‘Chasing Shadows’.
All This I Will Give to You
Although it’s an international best-seller, I think ‘All This I Will Give to You’ is a love-it or hate-it kind of mystery book. It follows Manuel, whose husband Alvaro has been killed in a car accident in Galicia.
Arriving in Northwest Spain, he soon finds out that Alvaro was an important man that came from an aristocratic family, that his death might not be an accident, and that he and his family are keeping many more secrets…
Get ‘All This I Will Give to You’ on Amazon.
Gloria
‘Gloria’ is a book that takes place in Spain after the Alhambra Decree (the explosion of practicing Jews from Spain).
It narrates the love story between Gloria, a young Catholic woman from a tiny village in northern Spain, and Daniel, a young Jewish man that appears in her life after his ship has sunk.
In an era of Catholic fanatism, the book tells their impossible love story as well as its tragic consequences.
The Dangerous Summer
By Michelle from The Munching Traveller. Follow her on Instagram.
Most would be familiar with the 1954 Nobel Prize Winner, Ernest Hemingway, but not many have read ‘The Dangerous Summer,’ one that was said to be his final work (with a lot of help, of course).
The book itself is honestly, quite hard to get through, especially with the long introduction by James A. Michener who sets out to define the bullfighting terms used in Hemingway’s work. But to truly appreciate the work, one must understand the “history” that goes behind ‘The Dangerous Summer.’
The book, where Hemingway voluminously describes the world of Spanish bullfighting and his own experiences, was supposedly a non-fiction piece for a magazine.
The unpublished manuscript remained until 26 years after his writing as his suicide had halted the editing process.
The end result after all the edits was an interesting mix of non-fiction and novelistic narrative about the two rival Matadors.
He portrays the vibrant Spanish food and drinking culture, the beauty of the Spanish suburbs, as well as a lot of what goes behind the bullfights.
But to animal lovers, beware; you may be put off by the vivid descriptions of the cruel deaths of the bulls!
Get a copy of ‘The Dangerous Summer’.
Guernica
‘Guernica’ is for those who are looking for historical novels set in Spain and want to learn more about the Basque Country.
Through passionate Basque characters, it narrates the story of Guernica, a town that was bombed by the Germans in 1937.
The bombing was an act of supporting Franco and practicing Germany’s Blitzkrieg warfare method. It also inspired one of Picasso’s most famous works, ‘Guernica.’
The Peregrino Trilogy
By Julie from Why Not Ju. Follow her on Instagram.
The Peregrino trilogy was written by Cuban writer Cecilia Samartin and the first book was published way back in 2005. Still, these continue to be some of the best books that take place in Spain I’ve ever read.
The trilogy consists of ‘Señor Peregrino,’ also published under the name ‘Tarnished Beauty,’ ‘La Peregrina, ‘ and ‘Los Peregrinos.’
The three books are beautifully written, and the characters’ stories and their fates are intertwined. The first book takes place in Los Angeles, where Jamilet gets to know an old man while working in a mental hospital.
He tells her a story about his youth and adventures on the pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago. The two next books build on the first book. One goes back in time to old Spain, and one continues to follow Jamilet.
Get Tarnished Beauty on Amazon.
Shadows, Shells, and Spain
Another book about the Camino de Santiago is ‘Shadows, Shells, and Spain.’ Jamie Draper is a man in search of his missing wife, Pam, who has abandoned him without any explanation.
He finds a letter from her in which she asks him to walk the Camino de Santiago if he wants to know more about the reasons for her departure.
The book combines Jamie’s journey with the history of the Camino and the places you can visit along the way, so if you’re also looking for travel inspiration, add this book to your reading list.
Get ‘Shadows, Shells, and Spain’ on Amazon.
Tread Softly
‘Tread Softly’ is the third book in J.J. Marsh’s series about detective Beatrice Stubbs, but this time the setting is northern Spain. Beatrice is on a sabbatical, but she encounters a journalist that pulls her into yet another case.
If a crime thriller set in Spain doesn’t sound tempting enough to read, maybe adding mouth-watering descriptions of Spanish wine and delicacies will do the job.
Waiting for Amy
The Camino is a great route for self-discovery, and this book captures it so well.
‘Waiting for Amy’ is an inspiring novel set in northern Spain, where Wade, a 69-year-old retired teacher, decides to walk the Camino de Santiago to experience a spiritual awakening.
Out of all the people he meets along the way, it is a man named Diego who helps him confront his past and reevaluate his present.
Grab a copy of ‘Waiting for Amy’.
Best Books on Spain’s Islands
The Island Villa
I love a good dual timeline story, and ‘The Island Villa’ is a unique one because it’s set on the small Mediterranean island of Formentera in the present day and the 1700s.
It follows Charlotte, who just lost her husband, James. When she receives a letter from him saying he bought her grandmother’s childhood villa on Formentera, she sets off the see the house.
That’s when she also finds out her grandmother’s sister is still living on the island, and so she begins to uncover her family’s secrets and fascinating history.
Read reviews and get ‘The Island Villa’ on Amazon.
A Summer Reunion
Not your usual summer read, ‘A Summer Reunion’ follows a group of four women in their early 60s.
When Amy finds out her husband is unfaithful to her and her company, she decides to contact her three friends from high school, whom she hasn’t seen in decades since she was unrightfully expelled.
In hopes of getting some kind of closure, the four gather in a villa on the island of Mallorca, each one coming with her own baggage and secrets.
Get ‘A Summer Reunion’ on Amazon.
The Drago Tree
If you’re looking for a novel set outside of Spain’s mainland, consider ‘The Drago Tree.’
It portrays the story of Ann, a woman who runs away from a traumatic situation in her life in the hope to find peace on the island of Lanzarote (one of the Canary Islands).
As she wanders around the island and explores its treasures, her exotic escape becomes a journey of self-discovery.
Get a copy of ‘The Drago Tree’.
Clarissa’s Warning
For a more mystical plot, check out ‘Clarissa’s Warning.’ It portrays the story of a young woman who buys an ancient ruin on the island of Fuerteventura.
She wants to restore it and make it her new home, but her aunt warns her of the danger. As she continues with her renovation plans, mysterious and spooky things start happening.
Read reviews and get ‘Clarissa’s Warning’ on Amazon.
Tenerife Tall Tales
I bet you don’t expect to find dinosaurs, talking seals, and black holes in fiction books set in Spain. However, ‘Tenerife Tall Tales‘ is a bit different. It is a collection of 17 quirky, funny, and witty short stories set on and around the island of Tenerife.
If you’re looking for an ‘out of the box’ fun book to read, grab a copy of ‘Tenerife Tall Tales’ (which even has two sequels – ‘More Tenerife Tall Tales’ and ‘Even More Tenerife Tall Tales’).
The Tale of Senyor Rodriguez
Taking place in the 1960s in Mallorca, ‘The Tale of Senyor Rodriguez’ tells the story of Thomas Sebastian, a conman on the run.
He finds a hiding place in the house of the late Señor Rodriguez and creates a new life for himself. To be exact, he embraces the life of Señor Rodriguez, but the lines between reality and lies become blurry.
If you love thrillers with a touch of comedy and surprising endings, this might just be the book for you!
Get ‘The Tale of Senyor Rodriguez’ here.
More on Mallorca:
- Is Mallorca worth visiting
- Best breakfast and brunch in Palma de Mallorca
- Free things to do in Palma de Mallorca
- Mallorca off the beaten track
- 7-day Mallorca itinerary
- Mallorca packing list
Looking for more Spain travel inspiration? Check out these travel quotes about Spain and travel quotes in Spanish.
Novels Set in Other Parts of Spain
Don Quixote
By Diana from The Elusive Family. Follow her and her family on Instagram.
The classic novel ‘Don Quixote’ by Miguel de Cervantes is one of the most well-known Spanish books ever written. ‘Don Quixote’ is divided into two parts.
It follows the story of a man from La Mancha in central Spain as he goes on adventures with his horse Rocinante, to help the poor.
Along the way, he meets some people who transform his journey, including a peasant woman, angry citizens, dukes and duchesses, and many more characters.
The novel is rich in a variety of themes including moral and ethical concepts and provides suspense, adventure, love, mystery, and humor.
The contrast between the ideal and reality is an ongoing theme and provides the reader with perspective as each character in the novel has its own viewpoint enriching the reader’s experience.
Buy the book ‘Don Quixote’ on Amazon.
The Hideaway
Combining wanderlust, romance, and self-discovery, ‘The Hideaway’ is set in the Valencian Community region.
It narrates the story of Juno, a broken-hearted woman who goes to Spain to Villa Naranja – a house in the province of Alicante – after finding out shocking news about the man she loved.
With time, she gets to know the local way of life, learns about herself, and even finds new love.
Read reviews and grab a copy of ‘The Hideaway’.
A Death in Valencia
A crime novel that also involves paella? Yes, please! ‘A Death in Valencia’ is not only about investigating the murder of a famous paella chef but about religious and political issues in Valencia and Spain in general.
One of the issues the book talks about is the problem of the El Cabanyal neighborhood, the old fisherman’s quarter that was about to be demolished (and today it is actually a protected area!).
Get ‘A Death in Valencia’ on Amazon.
Read more about Valencia:
- Free things to do in Valencia
- Alternative things to do in Valencia
- Tips for visiting Valencia
- Las Fallas festival guide
The Yellow Rain
Following Andres, an old man who’s the last habitant in the village of Ainielle in the Pyrenees, ‘The Yellow Rain’ is a powerful book that provokes thoughts about life and death.
As he’s basically waiting for his own death, Andres recalls the life he had, his family, and his friends. Though it can get quite sad and even depressing, it’s difficult to put down this book that takes over your soul.
Get ‘The Yellow Rain’ on Amazon.
The Summer House by the Sea
Whether you’re sitting on the beach and soaking up some sun or just missing summer, ‘The Summer House by the Sea’ will put a smile on your face.
It tells the story of Ava and her brother Rory, who had just lost their grandmother and have decided to spend the summer in her house in Spain (in the fictional village of Mariposa).
Both siblings have personal issues they’re trying to hide, so they put their energy into restoring the magic of the local Cafe Estrella, which was once the heart of the village.
As you might imagine, the more time they spend in Spain, the more they learn about their family and rediscover themselves.
Get a copy of ‘The Summer House by the Sea’ on Amazon.
City of Good Death
‘City of Good Death’ is set in Girona, a city in Catalonia that’s located about 100 km (a little over 62 miles) from Barcelona.
You’ll be introduced to Elisenda Domenech, the head of the city’s Serious Crime Unit, as she’s trying to solve the murders of hated people in Girona where the victims are used to stage scenes from the city’s myths.
This intriguing mystery will surely keep you hooked from start to finish, so you’ll be happy to know that it has two sequels – City of Buried Ghosts and City of Drowned Souls, also taking place in Girona.
Get ‘City of Good Death’ on Amazon.
For Whom the Bell Tolls
By Alli from Expat Alli. Follow her on Instagram.
My partner and I both love reading Hemingway, and on a trip to Spain, we decided to try and find a copy of his book ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls‘ since we were going to be traveling through the area where the book takes place.
The story is told through the eyes of an American who is fighting Fascist forces during the Spanish Civil War. While on a mission to blow up a bridge, he meets a team of guerrilla fighters, including a woman he falls in love with.
Hemingway’s characters have so much depth, and he had the amazing ability to make you feel like you’re in a place without actually being there.
The combination of a war story and romance made it a great read for both my boyfriend and me. If you’re dreaming about Spain, or just want to read an extremely well-written book, I recommend giving this novel a read.
Get a copy of ‘For For Whom the Bell Tolls.’
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I’m planning a trip to Barcelona in April 2023 and found your list of books awesome as i’m a reader of history. I would like to recommend a book by James Michener…”The Drifters” set in the late 1960’s. Tremendous book on this time period in Spain.
Thank you for the recommendation!
Seven Noble Knights by J K Knauss definitely transports you to Spain, north and south. Whether you’re nostalgic for Cordoba or the north, or would like to get to know some of the characters of the legends of Spain, this is a novel that will absorb you!
Thanks for the recommendation!
Awesome round-up! if we can’t travel, reading about it is such a good alternatives!
Thanks! And agreed!
Such a helpful list for book lovers! Spain is incredible, I can’t wait to be able to return until then I’ll lose myself in one of these books.
Thanks! Hopefully, we’ll be able to go back soon!
What a great reading list! I haven’t been to Spain (yet), I’m saving this for later as I love to read 😍
Glad you liked it! I hope you feel inspired 🙂
WOW, what a thorough list. This blog is amazing for all the armchair/mental travel we are forced to do curing social distancing.
Thank you! At least nobody can say they don’t have time to read right now haha