'Montes de Oca' Summary

Montes de Oca is the eighth novel in the third series of Benito Pérez Galdós' Episodios Nacionales. It takes place in Madrid during the regency of María Cristina following the death of Fernando VII. The novel follows the story of Santiago Ibero, a young man who becomes involved in the political struggles of the time. The novel opens with Ibero arriving in Madrid to study law. He quickly becomes involved in student politics and joins a group of young liberals who are opposed to the government of María Cristina. Ibero's involvement in politics leads him to meet a wide range of characters, including the powerful general Espartero and the young queen Isabella II. As the political situation in Spain becomes more unstable, Ibero is forced to make difficult choices about his own loyalties. He must decide whether to continue to support the liberals or to join the Carlists, who are fighting to restore the absolute monarchy. Ibero's choices will have a profound impact on his own life and on the future of Spain.