I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I have also enjoyed the series... but less.
I really doubt that the purpose of the author was to discuss the Basque conflict. To me, this is not a story about ETA, it is a story about families living amidst the conflict, and having to suffer the unwanted consequences of the conflict.
In a way, I believe this is a tribute to the strength of women, Basque women. Both Bittori and Miren are very strong characters and the pillars of their families. Arantxa, despite her disability, is instrumental in the story's outcome. Even in the last episode, Bittori passes the "baton" to her daughter.
Perhaps, I would argue that it was not necessary to treat so many topics at a time. I am not sure that some of the parallel plots add value to the story, and what was the intention of the author. For instance, it appears that the author implies that being homosexual saved Gorka from radicalization; and similarly, that Arantxa's stroke is a divine punishment to the family derived from the brother's sins.
The cast is mainly Basque, and that provides the series a lot of credibility. However, it is not credible that they vastly speak in Spanish, and Basque language is basically not heard. Still regarding credibility, the series succeeds in transporting the viewer to the locations and decades.
Overall, a worth-watching show. For those who don't know much about these very sad decades of Euskal Herria and Spain, it might trigger an interest to learn more.
I really doubt that the purpose of the author was to discuss the Basque conflict. To me, this is not a story about ETA, it is a story about families living amidst the conflict, and having to suffer the unwanted consequences of the conflict.
In a way, I believe this is a tribute to the strength of women, Basque women. Both Bittori and Miren are very strong characters and the pillars of their families. Arantxa, despite her disability, is instrumental in the story's outcome. Even in the last episode, Bittori passes the "baton" to her daughter.
Perhaps, I would argue that it was not necessary to treat so many topics at a time. I am not sure that some of the parallel plots add value to the story, and what was the intention of the author. For instance, it appears that the author implies that being homosexual saved Gorka from radicalization; and similarly, that Arantxa's stroke is a divine punishment to the family derived from the brother's sins.
The cast is mainly Basque, and that provides the series a lot of credibility. However, it is not credible that they vastly speak in Spanish, and Basque language is basically not heard. Still regarding credibility, the series succeeds in transporting the viewer to the locations and decades.
Overall, a worth-watching show. For those who don't know much about these very sad decades of Euskal Herria and Spain, it might trigger an interest to learn more.