A lyrical novel following an idealistic student who explores the power of literature in Franco's Spain. It's the summer of 1963 and León Egea, a cocky nineteen-year-old student and aspiring author, has just finished his first year studying literature at the University of Granada and is starting a summer job as an encyclopedia salesman. León, infuriated by the injustices in Spanish society under the Franco dictatorship, comes to find that literature can speak the truth when the reality is clouded. In this coming-of-age novel by renowned Spanish writer Luis García Montero, León discovers that, under the repressive Franco dictatorship, people, places, and events are not always what they seem. But literature, words, and names open paths to discovery, both personal and political. Through lyrical fast-paced narrative, Someone Speaks Your Name explores literature as a foundation for understanding human relationships, national character, discrete differences between right and wrong, and for pursuing the path forward. As León's professor tells him: "Learning to write is learning to see."
Luis Garcia Montero Book order
Luis García Montero is a celebrated poet and Professor of Spanish Literature whose works delve deeply into the landscape of human emotion and literary tradition. His poetry, often drawing inspiration from everyday life and intimate experiences, explores the complexities of relationships and the ephemeral nature of existence with unvarnished honesty. Through his imaginative and evocative prose, the author unearths universal truths about love, loss, and the search for meaning in an ever-changing world. His writing offers a compelling reflection on the nature of poetry and its place in our lives.






- 2023
- 2013
The World So Often: Poems 1982-2008
- 158 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Luis García Montero, a prominent Spanish writer and poet, has made significant contributions to literature through his essays, fiction, and journalism. His accolades include Spain's National Poetry Prize and the National Critic's Prize, highlighting his influence in contemporary poetry. This anthology, "The World So Often," marks his debut in English, showcasing selections from his eleven poetry collections. Montero's work reflects his deep engagement with themes of identity and culture, making him a vital voice in modern literature.
- 2013
A Form of Resistance: Reasons for keeping mementos
- 62 pages
- 3 hours of reading
Amid Spain's economic challenges, the author reflects on how small mementos and everyday objects can combat despair. Through personal stories tied to items like a Zippo lighter and vinyl records, he explores the universal connection to memory and identity. This prose work emphasizes the importance of preserving history against the backdrop of capitalism's destructive forces, echoing themes from Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. The book, now available in English, showcases García Montero's insights on resilience and the enduring power of memory.