In general, the word “regret” is used in a negative sense. But I use it in a positive sense as emotional empathy.
“Nada” by Carmen Laforet is one of the famous Spanish novels. It was published in 1945 (some sources say 1944). The author received the Premio Nadal (literary prize).
The novel is based on her experience. Between 1936 and 1939, there was the Spanish Civil War. She was born in 1921 and soon moved with her family to the Canary Islands. At age 12, she lost her mother, and her father married another woman. She didn’t like a new mother, so she left and moved to Barcelona. She studied psychology at the university and law at graduate school. During graduate school, she devoted herself to writing, and the book became successful.
The story is narrated by the main character, Andrea. The government has awarded her a scholarship, and she studies in Barcelona. She was excited about a new life. But living with her grandmother, uncles, and aunt was in shambles due to family conflict and domestic violence.
She makes a friend at the university, but Ena has another reason to be close to her…
The story is realistic. The time was under the Francoist State (1936-1975).
I read for the first time in 2004. My major was Spanish at a Japanese university. Back then, Japanese translation was not available. The first English translation was published in 2007.
Students translated from Spanish to Japanese, and they presented in the literature class. I was one of them. The translation was very difficult. I didn’t know many words and expressions.
This book inspired me. She described beautifully the scenery and her personal growth in writing. The next year, I went to Spain.
By the way, do you know how many children studied at school during the early 19th century? Only half of children in the US went to school. This is still a larger percentage than in European countries.
The public school is a relatively new invention.
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5 responses to “Have you ever regretted reading a book — which one and why?”
What a fascinating and deeply personal reflection! I especially liked your opening thought about “regret”—using the word not as a burden of the past, but as a form of emotional empathy. That gives the word a much gentler and more meaningful dimension.
Your story of discovering Nada is equally interesting. Reading Carmen Laforet’s novel in Spanish as a university student, struggling with unfamiliar words and expressions, and actually participating in translating it for your literature class must have been quite an experience.
At the time, the woman writer who received the award was unusual. She was young, 23 or 24. As a woman, I liked the book. That’s because it was written from a woman’s perspective.
The Japanese translation was published later. I wanted to read when I was a student…😅
What a fascinating and thoughtful post! ❤️ Your experience with Nada shows how a book can inspire us far beyond the pages, even leading you to Spain. I really enjoyed learning about your journey and the history behind the novel.
Thank you. Time flies. It really makes me realize…😅
You’re most welcome 🤗