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CHOICE Review

Relatively little is known outside of Spain about the works of Spanish female writers. Several recent studies in English (by Lucia Fox-Lockert, R.C. Manteiga, N.M. Valis) have helped to rectify this situation, but, because of the somewhat limited scope of these collections, many of the lesser-known women writers have been overlooked. Bibliographical studies like Carolyn Galerstein's Women Writers of Spain (1986) are intended for general reference and do not address the works of these writers in any detail. This book is the first to catalog as well as analyze the works of nearly every known 20th-century Spanish woman writer. It covers four generations and examines more than 300 works. The authors are grouped chronologically, beginning with the turn-of-the-century generation and including the most recent novelists publishing in the vernacular languages. Some of these have firmly established literary reputations; others are unknown even among Hispanists. Perez's book saves these lesser-known women writers from the strong tradition of critical neglect, which has relegated them to obscurity. Brief biographical sketches of the authors and information regarding the political, social, and artistic trends of the times provide the context within which these works are examined. Most of Perez's comments are limited to observations concerning plot, theme, and character. Nevertheless, there is some attempt at critical analysis, especially in her treatment of some of the better-known novels. Her organization and clarity of expression add to the book's overall readability. A good reference for the student and the nonspecialist. -R. C. Manteiga, University of Rhode Island