A Historical Novel of Love and War by Nick Padron
The things we do for others that we won’t even do for ourselves…
It’s1937 and besieged Madrid lies in near ruins, its people struggling under nightly bombardments. Into this uncertain world, enter three Americans assigned with the task to find and exhume the remains of Robert Jordan – a member of the International Brigade killed in action – and bring him home for proper burial in the States. They are Jordan’s uncle and the two-man team hired for the job: the amoral but winsome Major Williamson and their interpreter, John, who tells us the story.
Set over the course of three days, amid vivid depictions of wartime Madrid, we follow the team through the violent drama that surrounds Robert Jordan’s exhumation, the human cost of the undertaking, and John’s and Maripaz’s, the beautiful piano teacher he meets during an artillery attack, fateful escape from Spain. More than a wartime tale of suspense set in a crumbling world, The Exhumation is a story about the meaning of loyalty, of love and loss, and finally, the unending search for a lasting ideal.
Advance Praise for THE EXHUMATION
*…an accomplished piece of writing. The author conveys the atmosphere of Madrid during the Civil War capturing the sense of dislocation that existed in the face of the Fascist onslaught. He develops the characters with a sense of assuredness giving the feeling that these are real people. In particular, the gravedigger who could become a literary classic… © Copyright Zoetrope.com
*… masterful and accomplished writer … brought the setting of the Spanish Civil War vividly to life... Erica Silverman, N.Y.
*…The historical and political backdrop of The Exhumation made for an engaging story .. it immediately draws you into the action of the plot, as well as the places that the characters traveled to and fought in. Padron has successfully constructed an exciting plot and quite compelling characters.” Robert H. Pruett, editor, and publisher
*…a thought-provoking concept … the Spanish Civil War and military aspects were meticulously researched … strong direct narrative .. the mood was consistent … Lydia Sharp, publisher
*… masterful grasp of suspense … the multiple locations felt rich and all-encompassing … real confidence in prose and dialogue,” Harriet Wade, publisher
*…The Exhumation … lovely writing and storytelling,” James Abbate, editor
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