The Summer of the Spanish Woman Hardcover – October 1, 1977

This is the best novel ever written by an author who has passed and is missed. It is the sort of great fictional saga that is almost never found anymore among more modern authors. It is historical fiction and I would not call it a romance since romance is hardly secondary to the story. It is a story about starting over, learning a new life, and many forms of love, and respect. The main character Charlotte, who often goes by "Charlie" to her family and friends, who starts out as a wild, barely basically educated, Irish girl, takes you through her own learning process as though you are right there with her. The story is richly detailed and teaches you much about the development of fine Spanish sherry, at a time when so much change was going on in wine making and in Spain itself. The historical period is tumultuous, covering World War I, the development of the Spanish civil war, and to a lesser extent the Irish rebellion that began in 1916 as well. The twists and turns keep coming. The villains, and the lovers, are not what they first seem, and the heroine makes us walk through her own discoveries of their real characters. Even the weakest characters turn out to have surprising skills, insights and strengths. The ending is a surprise, but it earns respect for the fictional heroine and the author who created her. This is a novel mostly about strong women and both men and women are complex. Hollywood starlets who really want to prove themselves would fight over the roles of the women in this novel if given the chance.

Not my favourite novel by this author whose work I normally enjoy. I found it slow going in places and the ending was quite abrupt I thought. The historical aspect was interesting and quite engrossing, the Spanish culture and wine making. The characters themselves weren't as rounded or appealing which is a trade mark of this author's work and the romance itself felt underdeveloped. It is well written but didn't hold my attention as with other books by the author.

I started out enjoying this book, but about half way through I was getting bored with all the details about growing grapes, making sherry and the civil war in Spain. I was determined to finish the book and finally did. It was interesting, but too slow moving and just not for me.

I first read Gaskin's books in the 1970's and loved them. Now I am in my late eighties and with greater maturity I enjoy the quality of her books even more. I wish more present-day authors could write as well!Jo

I was mesmerized. by this story. The characters beautiful yet flawed beckon us to read on and on. I felt the best of the Spanish sun, could taste the sherry, hear the Spanish flamenco.....oh how I would love to know how it ended!

Good story - held my interest from the beginning, but the abrupt ending makes me feel like I'm left hanging and wanting more. The book ends with so many issues left unsettled; I wish there was a sequel to answer/resolve them. Other than that, I enjoyed the book.

A very interesting book with a lot of backgound into the history of the wine making industry in Spain. I enjoyed the characters. The author made them appear knowable and real. However the abrupt ending made me turn the last page several times, looking for more.

Although this started slowly, the book was excellent. I couldn't put it down and admire how well Catherine Gaskin weaves a story into the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War.I highly recommend this book.