A First Hand Experience of the Spanish Civil War - an Editorial Review of "On the Precipice of the Labyrinth"

Book Blurb:

"The book is charming for all its detail on Spain and Snowden has written a masterful portrait of 1930s American youth," according to an editorial review. The novel takes place in the late 1930s and involves William Benning, a young American man who finishes college and has had a strong introduction to the Spanish language. Benning graduates from the University of Virginia in 1937 and has learned about what is happening in Europe in general, and Spain specifically, during that tumultuous decade. His interest in continuing to learn the Spanish language and see for himself what is happening in Spain compels him to begin the improbable journey.

His adventure in Spain proves to be captivating and meaningful, but it gradually becomes more intense and precarious. Meanwhile, Spain is experiencing a Civil War that has deeply divided the country and involved unprecedented violence and suffering. Benning travels through northern Spain where he encounters three young Spaniards, and together they embark on a journey that results in life-altering events.

Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/FiJxzW

Author Bio:

Brian Snowden was born in 1950 in Quantico, Virginia but considers Charlottesville to be his home town as his parents were Charlottesville natives. Snowden spent more than twenty years traveling internationally for work and has lived in France, Spain and Peru. He has lived in ten US states stretching from New Jersey to Hawaii and Illinois to Florida. Snowden has traveled to more than 45 countries, speaks Spanish with native fluency and is conversant in Italian. He has been an avid reader since early childhood, and has read a wide variety of works in English, Spanish and Italian, and many other works in translation. His first book was published fifteen years ago in England. It is called "Carnsbury Abbey" and is available on Amazon. His second book, "A Delicate Imbalance" is also available on Amazon as a eBook. Snowden recently completed his third novel, titled "On the Precipice of the Labyrinth", which is the story of a young American who travels to Spain during that country's Civil War. The new novel should be available in paperback and eBook formats in early 2022. Snowden recently retired as a professor at a small mid-western college and resides in West Chester, OH.

Editorial Review:

When something is fresh in your memory, it seems a good time to write things down. I actually have some things written down— - some are names, and some are places. However, I have discovered something valuable in all my years on earth. A person simply cannot see events, important ones, profoundly at least, when that person is so close to those events, especially in a temporal sense. That is the odd thing about time. It is not until some time has passed, although I have never known how much time is required exactly, that I can begin to see some of the truth of key events.

William Benin, a Spanish teacher at a small liberal arts college in south-central Virginia, feels that it is the right time to write about the experience that irrevocably altered the course of his life forever.

“On the Precipice of the Labyrinth” by Brian Snowden is a captivating story that powerfully chronicles William’s harrowing experiences during the Spanish Civil War, leaving an indelible mark on readers and deepening their understanding of this tumultuous period in history.

A rich and immersive reading experience is created through the author’s skilful combination of descriptive writing and dialogue. The vocabulary is carefully selected, balancing everyday language with more sophisticated terminology where appropriate, thus cultivating an authentic atmosphere that resonates with the setting. Through an observant and reflective tone, the narrator fosters immediacy, pulling the reader into the story’s unfolding events with gripping tension and emotion. Nevertheless, it is essential to address the author’s frequent incorporation of Spanish dialogue throughout the novel, which is accompanied by direct translations into English. Despite the Spanish setting benefiting from occasional Spanish phrases, too much written Spanish slows the pace and lessens the story’s impact. The pace of the story is also slowed by the author’s lengthy descriptions of the tantalising allure of food. Each meal becomes an extended vignette, rich with sensory details that momentarily pause the progression of the plot. Additionally, when William encounters new people, the story again slows, as he fervently recounts the journey he has undertaken thus far—a tale the reader is already familiar with. This repetitive storytelling could have been streamlined; the author might have captured the essence of these exchanges in a few vivid yet succinct sentences. By doing so, the narrative could retain its inviting depth without sacrificing the momentum of the story. The story also contains several plot inconsistencies. For instance, Malu has a broken arm, but in her next appearance, her arm is not broken.

Told from William’s perspective, the story intimately reveals his experiences as he travels through Spain. This choice of point of view significantly enhances the reader’s connection to William, fostering a sense of authenticity that suits the narrative well. The reflective and introspective writing style elevates the storytelling, with William’s thoughtful and intelligent voice often incorporating self-deprecating humour and a budding desire for members of the opposite sex. His somewhat analytical nature shines through the precise language he uses, while descriptive language and dialogue animate the narrative, fostering reader-character connection. Moreover, the consistent tone captures the increasing seriousness of the situation in Spain and William’s understanding of it. This perspective is particularly effective in establishing William’s role as an outsider (American) navigating a new culture and a very complex political scenario.

William initially appears naïve and idealistic about Spain. He has learned the language from his Cuban neighbours and is determined to visit Spain to improve his language skills and immerse himself in the culture. However, Spain is in the middle of a civil war, and despite numerous warnings from people in America, France, and even Spain, he remains resolute in his plans. There is a sense of entitlement about his character, which makes him come across as both ignorant and arrogant at times. His decision to visit Spain, despite the warnings, endangers others, yet he is undeterred. After witnessing a politically motivated shooting involving a family, he had just hitched a ride with moments before, he is shocked but still committed to pursuing his desires. Immediately after the murders, William goes out to dinner with a man he had just met. His focus quickly shifts from the shooting to the food he is eating and the women in the club. His actions and thoughts, particularly his attraction to Spanish women right after the shooting incident, feel jarring and insensitive given the tense atmosphere in the country.

“You are going to Spain now? Don’t you know what is happening there? There is a war going on. You should not go to Spain. Stay here in France…”

The narrative is enriched by the unique depictions of three other key characters: Manolo, Valeria, and Malu. Once a driven medical student, Manolo now confronts the shattering of his ambitions amidst the social turmoil. He is desperate to become a doctor and therefore still helps out at the local doctor’s clinic and the Municipal Hospital. Secluding herself at the Huelgas Convent after being attacked, Valeria, now a nun, is beginning to doubt her decision to withdraw from society. Her internal struggles create a complex character, eliciting sympathy and curiosity in the reader. Malu stands out as the most compelling character in this tale. Her socialist ideals are intensely passionate, and she’s driven to bring about significant change in her country. Although fiercely idealistic, her strength and bravery are balanced by a delicate vulnerability, making her relatable. Though her character is inconsistent at times, Malu’s captivating presence adds excitement and urgency to the story, making her a vibrant focus for the reader.

“It sounded strange to me too,” said Malu. “I don’t think I like this driver, Ignacio. It’s nice that he is giving us a ride to Soria, but I have a negative feeling about him.” Valeria sat quietly and didn’t offer an opinion.

“I guess it doesn’t matter, after all,” I said. There isn’t anything he can do to us, is there?”

“Maybe, and maybe not,” Malu said. “I don’t trust people, and when I think someone is suspicious, that is important to me.”

“What do you suspect?”

“Maybe this guy is a Falangist, or ex-military man. I don’t know, but I am not comfortable. ”

There wasn’t anything else for me to add. Besides, I knew I was a foreigner in this country, and I didn’t understand the subtle differences between all the groups. Malu was a savvy person, and I felt that she had a much better feel for the situation than I did. I didn’t know what exactly Malu’s concerns were, but the fact that she felt that way was enough to make me feel uneasy.

The tumultuous era of 1930s Spain is depicted with remarkable clarity and depth. Snowden’s extensive research delves into the intricate political landscape, the shifting social dynamics, and the diverse geographical features that defined this period. By weaving together these elements, the portrayal not only highlights the historical significance of the time but also brings to life the rich cultural tapestry that underpinned the experiences of the characters in this story.

Once the novel comes to its conclusion, the reader can really appreciate the older William that is introduced at the beginning of the novel, before he begins his memoir. His experiences in Spain significantly impact the rest of his life, and it seems that he has never really moved on. The younger William dreams of love and marriage as well as adventure, the old William is resigned to the fact that he will always live alone, and never be surrounded by family, and this is how he prefers it. The reader can only hope that by the end of the story, William has a sense of closure on his past.

Brian Snowden’s captivating novel, “On the Precipice of the Labyrinth”, unveils a richly woven coming-of-age tale, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. Through evocative prose, it explores the trials and triumphs of youth as they navigate a world fraught with conflict and uncertainty, illuminating their resilience and growth in the face of adversity. By addressing the suggested improvements, Snowden can further enhance the narrative’s flow, character development, and emotional impact, resulting in a truly compelling reading experience.

Four Stars from The Historical Fiction Company

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