Homeland

Praise

“It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book so persuasive and moving, so intelligently conceived, a fiction that is also an eloquent testament to a historical reality.” —Mario Vargas Llosa, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature

“Deftly plotted . . . full of suspense . . . rich with detail.” —The New York Review of Books

“A powerful novel which has a strong claim to be the definitive fictional account of the Basque troubles. . . . Aramburu skilfully spins . . . short, punchy chapters that dart back and forth in time” —The Economist

“A story of personal and tribal loyalty. . . . It is an uplifting tale, beautifully crafted and full of feeling.” —The Guardian

“Magnificent. . . . The cast is sprawling—with both matriarchs, husbands, five children, spouses, grandchildren—but each’s story is realized masterfully, as the characters look to escape violence however they can, be it exile, alcohol, or love. Aramburu’s remarkable novel is an honest and empathetic portrait of suffering and forgiveness, home and family.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
 
“Once I caught the rhythm, I came to think of [Homeland] as exhibiting a kind of sophisticated tidal pattern, with each ebb and flow—present to past, past to present, splayed over 125 chapters and nearly 600 pages—leaving behind new clues in the sand.” —Manuel Roig-Franzia, The Washington Post
 
“Homelandhas reminded Spain of the dormant power of literature to shake up society.” —Politico Europe
 
“A humane, memorable work of literature. . . . Aramburu recounts the lives of ordinary people shattered by events that are ongoing in Spain today even years after ETA has suspended its armed campaign.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
 
“Monumental. . . . As humorous as it is heartbreaking, Homelandexplores how various factions of Basque and Spanish society were violently pitted against one another for 50 years.” —The Millions
 
“[A] literary plea for regional reconciliation. . . . The psychological complexity of [Aramburu’s] characters, especially the women, creates dramatic intensity. One of the first literary novels to directly address the ongoing consequences of Basque sectarian violence.” —Booklist