This book is meant for people who are learning Spanish. It contains a vocabulary and review questions (quizzes) at the end of each chapter. If you are looking for the original text, don't buy this book. This is only an edited version, sort of children's talk.

Marcelino pan y vino is the perfect book that "hiddenly" describes the time of the dictatorship of General Franco. All the most characteristic features of Franco's dictatorship are included in Marcelino pan y vino. -Censorship- Marcelino pan y vino doesn't use any bad word or any sex scene is described. -Propaganda- Marcelino pan y vino is the carrier of the most important values in Franco's times. -Religious values-The role of the Catholic Church is seen as essential since without the church the history of Spain wouldn't exist. -Patriotic/family values-The Spanish family fulfill a political function. To be a strong country there is the need for strong and numerous families. Families that will support Spain with all their heart and will never let Spain down.

I think this is the perfect family book to read with your kids. To a child the book is going to sound like a big fairytale: no violence, lots of love and some funny characters (Friar Papilla and the mayor). Children will also be able to recognize themselves through the eyes of Marcelino. For the adults, this book is going to be the perfect way to get together with all the family to spend some time with their kids and to learn about Spanish history. I read Marcelino pan y vino when I was a little child and I loved it. I read it again couple of weeks ago and it recaptured my heart.

After removing the huge amount of censorship that existed in Spain during the dictorship of General Franco there was a realease of tension. This is evident in comparing Jamon Jamon(Ham Ham) and Marcelino Pan y Vino(Mareclino Bread and Wine). The first example was done after the removal of the censorship; therefore, not only are there things that would never be acceptedby the government, but moreover, Jamon Jamon takes that extra step by making a parody of everything that is typically Spanish. An example of this is having two people fighting with legs of Jamon. Ham being something which Spain is known for like Canada is known for hockey. I thought that it was very funny; just imagine having two people fighting over the love of a woman with two hockey sticks. On the other hand we have the book in question Marcelino Pan y Vino which was made during the censorship. This implies that only things that the government thought to be acceptable was allowed. For example there would be nothing against the government or the church. The author gave the government exactly what they wanted. It was made right after the civil war in Spain and the country needed help with it's small population and the rebuilding of Spain; therefore, the author makes everyone have a big family and everyone helping one another. An example of this is the town people helping the monks rebulid the monastery. This worked well because the effect was that people had more children and a lot of the children born at the time were named Marcelino. I enjoyed both of these two works for two different reasons. I liked Marcelino Pan y Vino because it is unbelieveable that it had such a strong effect to have people name their children Marcelino. However, I would have to give my preference to Jamon Jamon because of the evident Freedom of Speech and Expression taht was lacking in Marcelino Pan y Vino. It is hilariously funny. It is very interesting learning the culture and history of Spain studying works like this. Even though Jamon Jamon may not be for everyone because some people might no understand the humor and just think that it is some strange European thing. An example of this "weirdness" is the breasts of a woman referred to as having the taste of a Ham omelet. I highly recommend Jamon Jamon and Marcelino Pan y Vino to anyone with an open mind and is looking for a really fun way to learn a little bit about the history and culture of Spain.