'Zumalacárregui' Summary

José Fago, a young man caught in the throes of the First Carlist War, finds himself drawn into the turbulent world of politics and violence. His loyalties are tested as he witnesses the rise of Tomás de Zumalacárregui, a charismatic and ruthless Carlist leader who has rallied the people of Navarre and the Basque Country against the young Queen Isabel II. Zumalacárregui, a skilled military tactician, utilizes guerilla warfare to challenge the more powerful forces of the queen. The novel chronicles the dramatic battles, political machinations, and personal struggles that unfold against the backdrop of this brutal conflict. Fago, caught between the opposing forces, must make difficult choices as he navigates the moral complexities of war, loyalty, and sacrifice. The novel provides a detailed and evocative portrayal of the social and political turmoil of Spain during this tumultuous period, highlighting the enduring power of conviction, the human cost of war, and the fragility of peace.