Winter in Madrid

In Winter in Madrid, C. J. Sansom tells a gripping tale of espionage and lost love set against the backdrop of wartime Spain.

Set against the backdrop of post-Civil War Spain, Winter in Madrid delves into the lives of individuals caught in a web of political intrigue and personal turmoil. The year is 1940, and the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War has left Madrid in ruins. The city is rife with desperation, as its citizens grapple with starvation while the specter of war looms ever closer with the advancing German forces. Amid this chaos, Britain stands isolated, and General Franco weighs the decision to abandon his neutrality in the conflict that is engulfing Europe.

Harry Brett, a war veteran haunted by his experiences at Dunkirk, is reluctantly drawn into the world of espionage for the British Secret Service. His mission is to reconnect with a former schoolmate, Sandy Forsyth, who has become embroiled in shady dealings in Madrid. As Harry navigates this dangerous landscape, he is forced to confront his past and the memories that continue to haunt him.

At the same time, Sandy's girlfriend, Barbara Clare, embarks on her own perilous journey. A former Red Cross nurse, she is determined to find her lost love, Bernie Piper, a dedicated Communist who disappeared during the harrowing battles of the Jarama. Winter in Madrid by C. J. Sansom weaves a poignant narrative that captures the essence of a tumultuous era, exploring the weight of choices made in the face of overwhelming odds.