We are proud to announce the forthcoming launch of Spanish Rose, Yorkshire Thorns, Catalan author Marta Cardona's first novel in English.
The novel follows the fortunes of Maria Salvans who, wearing a white satin gown in a Catalonian church surrounded by pine trees, marries James, putting faith in their future together despite her and her family’s doubts. The couple emigrate to Yorkshire to work at a grand house on the outskirts of Leeds, but Maria’s hopes of a better turn to disappointment. England can be a cold and unwelcoming place, and the romance soon fades as her husband proves to be feckless and selfish, more interested in repairing cars than taking care of his growing family.
Faced with betrayal by those around her, Maria calls upon her endurance and resourcefulness to raise her children and keep a roof over their heads, eventually finding a strength and independence that she would never have thought possible. Marta Cardona vividly brings to life the atmosphere of Leeds and Huddersfield in the 1950s and 60s. Yet Maria’s own inner thoughts and stuggles are just as clearly portrayed, by a powerful and authentic Catalan voice.

The book is published on April 30th 2008, and pre-orders are being taken at our online shop.

Marta will be signing copies of Spanish Rose, Yorkshire Thorns at Waterstone's, the Kingsgate Centre, Huddersfield, on 17th May at 1pm.

Full details below:

Waterstone's Bookshop
Unit 12/13
Kingsgate Centre
King Sreet
Huddersfield
West Yorkshire
HD1 2QB

Tel: 01484 430701