I have never been a fan of Historical Fiction, until I finished this book. It very well described the impact of the Spanish Civil War to the Basques and the people around the world during that time. The first part of the story was mainly about the lives of the main characters followed by more named characters and different story lines adding up to the build-up of the plot.



The various integration of snippets about Picasso and his painting was a brilliant touch...very subtle and and the author made it sure that it will never take the shine from the main characters and the story itself. The only down-side for me is the ending being slightly predictable, it's like reading the last few chapters and knowing what will happen next every time you turn the pages.



I've laughed, smiled and shed a tear...you can't help but be drawn to the lives of the characters, Boling did a good job in making sure that you feel every ounce of emotion being manifested through his words.



Guernica will no longer just be a place for me. I will now hold it with anticipation in my heart that I may someday see it more than just a painting or a novel.