It is important to have a respite from the rigors and realities of our lives from time to time, (in fact regularly.) To accomplish the same, I suggest a great escape novel that begins in a dusty, turn of the century Catalan village, where the bequest of a cello bow sets young Feliu Delargo on an unlikely path....

This is the first novel by Andromeda Romano-Lax. “The Spanish Bow” is a beautifully written story. Andromeda‘s intelligent artistry shines through deep and intriguing characters, in a wonderfully conceived tale encompassing the life of an acclaimed cellist. Surrounded by war and unrest, desire, and music, this novel is filled with human observation and insight. I hope it receives the accolades it absolutely deserves.

Born in 1892, Feliu Delargo’s life journey leads him from Campa Seco to Barcelona, the Spanish court in Madrid, Germany, and an escape to France. As political unrest tears lives, families, and countries apart, Delargo battles his own conscience for understanding and direction.

“The Spanish Bow” is loosely based on the life of cellist, Pablo Casals. In a desire to write something hopeful, Andromeda, inspired by the cello, was drawn to Casals, a cellist known for his stance against fascism. But, from the start there were aspects of Casals’ life that didn’t fit the story she wanted to tell, and aspects of other musicians’ lives that did.

Research provided Andromeda with a rich overlap of incident and experience, showing her that Casals’ life as a musician and public figure was not altogether unique. Andromeda took this perspective as a doorway to other places and other lives, through which she says she found a broader canvas and more room for digression.

Andromeda’s protagonists ask themselves: Is this what I should be doing with my life? In difficult times, is art an indulgence or a necessity? Must I sacrifice my own happiness to what is going on around me? (every mom is an artist) And, who will remember me?

Although, the main protagonists are fictional, many of the smaller roles are filled with real life characters, such as: King Alfonso XIII and Queen Ena of Spain, Manual de Falla, Sir Edward Elgar, Pablo Picasso, Varian Fry, Francisco Franco, Adolf Hilter, Bertolt Brecht, and Kurt Weill. Andromeda says this was partly to enhance the appearance of reality, and partly for personal entertainment. She felt free to take liberties with all of them where it suited the needs of her story.

Andromeda’s descriptive writing is rich and meaningful. You can sense the past century surroundings, and feel Delargo‘s pensive air. “The Spanish Bow” is sure to please.