International Brigadiers during the Spanish Civil War

Adam Hochschild’s recently published nonfictional account of the Spanish Civil War, Spain in our Hearts, is both well written and fast paced. Hochschild presents the war through the eyes of various journalists, militiamen, and a sprinkling of medical personnel and businessmen. By integrating the stories of famous writers such as George Orwell and Ernest Hemingway, and talented military leaders such as Bob Merriman and George Watt within the backdrop of numerous turbulent conflicts, Hochschild succeeds in bringing the factual accounts of Spain’s war to life. It is exciting and often a page turner as the readers explore accounts of gripping adventures, invaluable friendships, and heart rendering love stories; while in addition, they learn about a war that is not well known to most Americans.

Adam Hochschild’s book https://www.amazon.com/Spain-Our-Hearts-Americans-1936-1939-ebook/dp/B011H55NQC

Hochschild’s title choice is symbolic of those who came from numerous countries to fight against the spread of Fascism and to restore a democracy in Spain. Most were willing to sacrifice their lives for Spain and this cause. Pablo Neruda was a Chilean poet who had been appointed to the consulate in Barcelona and was soon transferred to Madrid. The Republican troops printed his poetry in an old monastery on the eastern front of the war and distributed copies to the young men at the front lines to spark hope and determination. Ravaged by the horrific increasing atrocities at the hands of the Fascists, Neruda wrote a heartfelt collection of Spanish Civil War poems entitled Spain in Our Hearts. In the book’s preface, Neruda included the following quote: “My book was the pride of these men [the Spanish loyalists] who had worked to bring out my poetry in the face of death. I learned that many carried copies of my book in their sacks, instead of food and clothing. . . . Soldiers fell and my books were spilled on the highway.”

Albert Camus was greatly moved by the plight of the Spanish Loyalists and used Neruda’s anthology title. Camus wrote: “Men of my generation….have had Spain in our hearts…..It was in Spain that men learned that one can be right and still be beaten, that force can vanquish spirit, that there are times when courage is not its own reward.”

My book, Searching for Barton Carter has been published within the year. It is written in a similar format and is a compliment to Hochschild’s book. However, Searching for Barton Carter explores the massive volunteer effort throughout the world to help the people of Spain. Britain displayed a massive effort throughout the Parliament as well as the labor unions. All British workers gave a percentage of their wages, no matter how meager, to Spain. The Parliament sent physician, truck drivers, supplies, and money to Spain and developed and funded numerous organizations in support of the Spanish people. Many European countries, Australia, and the United States followed suit, as they too had Spain in their hearts. Barton Carter, a young American in his early twenties witnessed this massive volunteer effort and saved 4000-5000 children’s lives. At the age of twenty-three, he ultimately sacrificed his own life for this cause along with 700 other young Americans.

Barton and Three British Truck Drivers
Volunteering for Duty in Spain

I am indebted to Hochschild for writing this well researched and beautifully written account of the Spanish Civil War. In marketing my book, my publicist found little interest when advertising it as a book about the Spanish Civil War. However when promoting Searching for Barton Carter as a work about a young American hero, the hits were numerous. Hochschild, who is a bestselling and award-winning author, has brought this important war to light and for this, many of us are grateful. As history repeats itself in Syria, we can learn by studying the civil war in Spain!

I will post a blog I wrote a few months ago comparing the two civil wars. The similarities are frightening!