Life and Death of a Spanish Town
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 First edition | |
| Author | Elliot Paul |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Modern History |
| Publisher | Random House Publishers |
Publication date | 1937 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 427 (first edition) |
Life and Death of a Spanish Town[1][2] is a book by Elliot Paul based on his actual experiences of living in the town of Santa Eulària des Riu[3] on the Spanish island of Ibiza, at the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. The book was published in 1937 by Random House Inc, of New York.
Synopsis
The book is set in and around the small town of Santa Eulària des Riu, on Ibiza, where Paul had lived since 1931.[3]
The first part of the book describes the town and many of the characters who live and work there. He details their family lives, their hopes, their aspirations, and their politics. He provides details of the people at work and at play and describes how he becomes part of the community of the town. Paul also writes of other expatriates who have made their homes in and around the town.
The second part of the book starts with Paul and his family returning to Ibiza after some time away. The narrative is set in 1936[1] in the week leading up to the outbreak of hostilities on Ibiza during the Spanish Civil War[1] and describes the events that eventually lead to Paul, his family and other refugees from the violence, fleeing the island. It tells the story of civil disobedience, collaboration, and the violence that split a once-happy community, but the narrative finishes before the tragic turn of events reaches its conclusion.
The postscript, written by Paul, dated 14 June 1937, details events following his departure from Ibiza and describes his hopes and fears for his friends on the island and a way of life that he thought would change forever.