This book begins with a murder - the mother (Aurora) killing her 17-year-old daughter (Hildegart). Hildegart was a political, feminist child-genius in Spain. Her major activity occurred between 1928-1933. She was a planned superwoman of her mother who raised her specifically to fulfill a political mission. The author has done an excellent job of portraying the socialist movement of the period and the roots of Aurora's project. There is the usual gap between words and deeds, the political deals, the self-serving compromises etc. But most of all there is a mother on a mission, ignoring and overriding anything for Hildegart that is outside Aurora's goal.

Beautifully written, this book is very appropriate to our times. It shows in a sympathic way the dangers of fanaticism.

I read this book in the late 80's. It made a deep impression on me. I have been searching for it again since that time. I dont have an actual copy yet but I am so glad to know the book hasnt been forgotten. It should be required reading....perhaps it already is.

This true story is very simple told, but it's rather well written by Erich Hackl, the probably most famous Austrian author. I agree that's a good and important book, but I just don't like such sad, true stories about World War 2.