Book Reviews

HOLY GHOST

Michael Santo

Excellent Story of the Spanish Civil War
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2023

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Very effective synopsis of the Spanish Civil War. Historical fiction with three featured characters all playing vital roles in effectively telling the story of this vital time in European History. The complexities of this time period (1936-1939) are integrated into a compelling story which illustrates the difficulties the various regions of Spain faced during this period. Great read- well done KD Conway. Looking forward to reading the trilogy.
Mike S.

Jane Casler

Holy Ghost is about the Spanish Civil War but it is also a stark lesson for our times.
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2021

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I could write a book about this book. K.D. Conway’s Holy Ghost is a masterwork of historical fiction. The emotional response it elicits from the reader. The compelling characters. The plot twists. The lyrical writing. The tension between good and evil. The history lessons that endure today. The skillful use of foreshadowing.

The book is about the Spanish Civil War but it is also a stark lesson for our times: how history repeats itself. The descriptions of the animosity, polarization, and divisiveness of the Spanish people in the 1930s uncannily mirrors what’s happening here and now in the U.S. I think many Americans do sometimes wonder if we may be heading toward civil war.

The author deftly avoids the usual black and white, “goodies vs. baddies” outlook on war and forces the reader instead to recognize the grays. His use of three young Spaniards (Basque, Catalonian, Catholic conservative) to elucidate the complexities of the Spanish Civil War is genius. An example is Xavi, a young priest who risks his life to help people on both sides of the war. Despite his democratic leanings, his separatist Basque upbringing, and his contempt for Fascism, he sides with Franco’s Nationalist victory in the end after seeing the dysfunction and anarchy on the Republican side.

Far from a dull history text, Holy Ghost is a page-turner. You learn about the Spanish Civil War through the eyes and actions of three young Spaniards with vastly different backgrounds and political leanings—Montsie, a beautiful young Catalonian woman who becomes an activist and journalist; Xavi, a charismatic young Basque who enters the priesthood despite his attraction to Montsie; and Jaime, a wealthy young Catholic who supports the conservative Nationalist agenda.

The three meet as students at Salamanca University a few years prior to the civil war and, despite their differences, become lifelong friends. Montse and Xavi long for a more democratic Spain in line with Republican revolutionaries, while Jaime joins Franco’s Fascist Nationalist army. Yet their close friendship holds, unlike the many fractured friendships due to politics in our country today. However, as the three young people become enmeshed in the civil war and the brutalities committed on both sides, they are forced to reexamine their own beliefs, their preconceptions, and the moral complexities of war.

There are no stock characters in this book. Even the minor characters are beautifully fleshed out—one of the many reasons, I believe, that Holy Ghost would also make for a binge-worthy TV series.

This is K.D. Conway’s first book. I can hardly wait for the second.

C. Danson

Discover the Spanish Civil War in a very balanced and humanistic way
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2021

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Amazing book told through very compelling characters that provide you with an in-depth understanding of the complexities of the Spanish Civil War. In his first novel on the subject, Conway taps into the deep seeded emotions and turbulence that literally can tear families apart and turn friends to foes. This gripping novel spans the important areas of conflict within this beautiful country while exposing the deep cultural passion that drive the views and responses in each region during this time. A true combination of history lesson and cinematic drama. A compelling read throughout and leaves you wanting for more. Can’t wait for his next novel.

Ella

So pleased I purchased it
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2021

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Great book about the Spanish Civil War! I fact checked historical events and characters and all seems accurate. The fictional characters are full of personality and you will want to know what happens to them next, very engaging. Wonderful way to learn more about such important time in history. You will learn, you will cry, you will laugh, you will want more.

Kevin. Baine

A historical novel set during the Spanish Civil War
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2021

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Holy Ghost’s exotic physical descriptions of Spain and well researched historical details provide the backdrop for the story of three college classmates navigating life during Spain’s civil war. Conway’s narrative is a both a compelling tale and a history lesson; you won’t want to put this book down. I can already imagine the lives of Jaime, Montserrat, and Xavi becoming a riveting television mini-series!


T Williamson

Riveting Novel and history lesson all in one
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2021

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Holy Ghost is an amazing combination of history of the Spanish Civil War with fictional characters that come to life in the book.
It is both educational and entertaining.
I can’t wait for the next chapter/book, I would highly recommend reading this book. I have bought several for friends and they agree.

julia douglas

A compelling historical novel of the Spanish Civil War.
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2021

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This vibrant and heart-breaking novel follows the history of The Spanish Civil War, 1936 to 1939, through the lives of 3 university students from different areas and cultural backgrounds of Spain. The young woman , Monserrat is a Catalon; the young man, Xavi, is a Basque, and the third person is a young man ,James, from Rioja and a traditional Spaniard. Their lives overlap throughout the war and they are witnesses to conflict, violence, friendship, love, desecration and ultimately redemption. The novel features leading historic figures of the day :General Franco, the philosopher Unumono, and various prominent bishops all drawn in an accurate historic setting. It is a page-turner.

James

Fantastic Book
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2021

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A really great read! So many enjoyable characters to feel invested in, and such a vivid portrayal of an all too little discussed period in world history. The blending of fictional and historical characters was very well done, and this book will leave you wanting to book the next flight to the Basque country.