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About the Book
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Awards:
Return to Pamplona was awarded Best Historical Fiction, 3rd place, from Bestsellers World 2024. Synopsis: A sweeping historical saga of romance, mystery and political intrigue set against the tumultuous backdrop of Spain’s postwar reckoning. When Richard, a visiting academic, falls for Terese, a Basque activist, their forbidden love collides with the politics of a fractured nation. Terese’s subsequent journey to escape Spain is haunted by the shadow of her missing uncle. She fails to arrive at a rendezvous with Richard. Years later, a discovery compels Richard back to Spain’s intrigue, determined to uncover the mystery behind Terese’s disappearance--a quest that could change everything he thought he knew. A deeply engaging blend of romance and history, this nuanced portrait of a nation grappling with its fascist past is still painfully relevant in our current geopolitical moment. Comparable novels: Carlos Zafon’s Shadow of the Wind invokes the shadows of Franco’s legacy. Ruta Sepetys’ The Fountains of Silence is set in the deafening silence of Francoist Spain. All the Light We Cannot See concerns resisting the darkness that seeks to extinguish light. For readers who loved these novels, Return to Pamplona's secrecy, forbidden love and intrigue in Francoist Spain tackles the same dark themes of repression, using relationships, loss and introspection to examine both personal and historical truths, blending passion and suspense in creating an atmospheric mystery that lingers long after the last page Inspiration: A compelling personal encounter during Spain’s post-war transformation inspired this romantic mystery. A native of Northern Ireland, the author remains a frequent and observant traveler. |
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Reviews
“a deeply moving narrative…the journey of Terese Burguera, a spirited Spanish Basque and her lover, Richard Samuels, an English academic…fraught with danger, political strife, and the haunting shadow of her missing uncle…The narrative highlights the personal struggles of individuals caught in socio-political upheaval. I couldn’t put this suspenseful tale down until I turned the final page. 5 Stars” R.DZEMO, Author, Readers’ Favorite
“Fans of sweeping historical sagas will find much to admire in Meehan’s ambitious RETURN TO PAMPLONA, an engrossing exploration of the mysteries of the heart and the unfinished business of nations . . .transportive, thought-provoking . . . an atmospheric tale of star-crossed love and Spain’s postwar reckoning. . . offers a deeply engaging blend of romance and history . . . political intrigue set against the tumultuous backdrop of post-civil war Spain… a keen eye for historical detail and a knack for …the sights, sounds, and textures of postwar Spain, conjuring a vivid sense of place and time…an impressive feat of historical research and poetic scene-setting. Where the novel shines is in its nuanced portrait of a nation grappling with its fascist past, a theme still painfully relevant in our current geopolitical moment. Fans of sweeping historical sagas will find much to admire in Meehan’s ambitious debut.” Edward Sung IndieReader
"captures the beauty and atmosphere of Spain, the intensity of a love affair and impact of an authoritarian regime.”
Patty C. Bruton
Patty C. Bruton
"Return to Pamplona is a moving and transfixing novel with historical intrigue that will have its readers turning the pages into the early hours of the morning ,... an intriguing, unique historical romance novel that captivated me… a journey that is full of captivating and moving moments… Return to Pamplona captured my attention immediately thanks to the wonderful characters and moving plot…like a present was being unwrapped before my eyes, and the more the pages turned, the more excited I got for the finale…a gripping historical romance that is guaranteed to keep readers entertained for hours on end.
5 stars Aimee Ann Red Headed Book Lover
5 stars Aimee Ann Red Headed Book Lover
“confident prose and strong dialogue ... The layers of secrecy and betrayal keep readers turning pages… a striking and realistic tale of love and culture. 5 Stars” K.C.FINN, Author
"an intriguing blend of adult fiction, historical drama, and thriller… draws you in emotionally… Some experiences are so strong that they leave a mark that stands the test of time…a compelling image of how individual lives intertwine with broader cultural currents." Timea BARABAS, Author
“seamlessly blends a passionate romance, a thrilling mystery, and historical intrigue … evocative, conveying the depth and intensity of the characters' emotions …well crafted, …, making it a thoroughly immersive read for fans of historical fiction and romance. 5 Stars ” M. Chaturmutha
