This novel is an ode to tolerance and the liberation of the soul, narrating the story of a man whose passion led him to immerse in life. Miguel Delibes takes us to 16th century Spain in this award-winning novel, a recipient of the prestigious Premio Internationale, Spain's highest literary award. It depicts the time when Martin Luther posted his 25 theses on the church door, sparking a movement that divided the Roman Catholic Church. At this moment, a child was born whose destiny was shaped by the political and religious revolution that took root in Europe. His mother died during childbirth, and his father, blaming him, grew distant. Minervina, the nurse and caregiver, was his sole source of affection. Despite a harsh upbringing, the child became a successful merchant and joined the Reformation movement spreading covertly in the Iberian Peninsula, a Catholic stronghold where the Spanish Inquisition hunted and oppressed reformists with terrifying actions. Through the tale of Salcedo, Delibes vividly portrays this historical period in Spain, accurately reconstructing the cultural and social atmosphere of Europe during a historical phase that marked an unforgettable chapter in the dark history of religious tyranny and Europe's history.

Publishing house: Dar Al Tanweer for Printing, Publishing and Distribution Number of Pages: 432 Year of publication: 2015