The Swan Of Vilamorta

Emilia Pardo Bazan (1852-1921) stands as perhaps the Spanish speaking world's greatest woman novelist. Along with Galdos and Clarmn she was one of the three most important writers of late 19th century Spain. An intellectual of astounding breadth, she was the leading exponent of the Naturalist literary school in her country - as attested by her numerous theoretical writings on the subject - and was an outspoken feminist. Her many novels introduced Naturalism into Spanish literature. The Swan of Vilamorta (originally published in 1891) was among those about social decay in her native Galicia.

"The Swan of Vilamorta" by Emilia, condesa de Pardo Bazán As a woman of the arts, the countess was a talented and prolific writer. In this book, she takes readers to Spain in a tale about romance, mystery, and beauty. Taking place in the fictional Vilamorta, readers are taken on a dramatic adventure where rumors tear people apart and ruin reputations but where redemption is still possible for those who look for it.

Behind the pine grove the setting sun had left a zone of fire against which the trunks of the pine trees stood out like bronze columns. The path was rugged and uneven, giving evidence of the ravages wrought by the winter rains; at intervals loose stones, looking like teeth detached from the gum, rendered it still more impracticable. The melancholy shades of twilight were beginning to envelop the landscape; little by little the sunset glow faded away and the moon, round and silvery, mounted in the heavens, where the evening star was already shining. The dismal croaking of the frogs fell sharply on the ear; a fresh breeze stirred the dry plants and the dusty brambles that grew by the roadside; and the trunks of the pine trees grew momentarily blacker, standing out like inky bars against the pale green of the horizon. [pg 002] A man was descending the path slowly, bent, apparently, on enjoying the poetry and the peace of the scene and the hour. He carried a stout walking-stick, and as far as one could judge in the fading light, he was young and not ill-looking. He paused frequently, casting glances to the right and to the left as if in search of some familiar landmark. Finally he stood still and looked around him. At his back was a hill crowned with chestnut trees; on his left was the pine grove; on his right a small church with a mean belfry; before him the outlying houses of the town. He turned, walked back some ten steps, stopped, fronting the portico of the church, examined its walls, and, satisfied at last that he had found the right place, raised his hands to his mouth and forming with them a sort of speaking trumpet, cried, in a clear youthful voice: "Echo, let us talk together!"

Emilia Pardo Bazan (1851-1921) was a Spanish novelist, journalist, poet, critic, editor and professor known both for introducing realism to Spanish literature and as a standard bearer for women's rights. This novel was first published in 1885.

Emilia Pardo Bazn (1852-1921) stands as perhaps the Spanish speaking world's greatest woman novelist. Along with Galdos and Clarn she was one of the three most important writers of late 19th century Spain. An intellectual of astounding breadth, she was the leading exponent of the Naturalist literary school in her country - as attested by her numerous theoretical writings on the subject - and was an outspoken feminist. Her many novels introduced Naturalism into Spanish literature. The Swan of Vilamorta (originally published in 1891) was among those about social decay in her native Galicia.