Kisses on Bread

This area of Madrid is similar to many others. On wide and narrow streets, in large and small apartments live men and women whose fates are intertwined in the whirlpool of the economic crisis. It threatens to destroy the usual way of life, but Spaniards have never been submissive to fate. The residents of the area hold on to ancient traditions and principles: to share the last piece, to maintain humanity, and not to let the system turn you into a victim.

The polyphonic novel by Almudena Grandes is a tribute to the resilience of those whose struggles remain outside the official chronicles. The heroes experience moments of confusion and solidarity, anger and tenderness. In difficult circumstances, they unite and demonstrate strength of spirit — like their grandmothers and grandfathers, who kissed bread in memory of a tragic past and gratitude for each day lived.