The accordionist's son

Summary Note

As David Imaz, on the threshold of adulthood, divides his time between his uncle Juans ranch and his life in the village, where he reluctantly practices the accordion, a tradition that his authoritarian father insists he continue, he becomes increasingly aware of the long shadow cast by the Spanish Civil War. Letters found in a hotel attic, along with a silver pistol, lead David to unravel the story of the conflict, including his fathers association with the fascists, and the opposition of his uncle, who took considerable risks in helping to hide a wanted republican. With affection and lucidity, Bernardo Atxaga describes the evolution of a young man caught between country and town, between his uncle the horse-breeder and his political father. The course of Davids life changes one summer night when he agrees to shelter a group of students on the run from the military police.

General Note

First published in Basque in 2003 under the title Soinujolearen semea; First published in Spanish in 2004; English translation first published in 2007.