Ghosts of Spain by Giles Tremlett

An excellent history book for people that don't read history books. Tremlett tells a vibrant story of Spain since the Spanish civil war - essential reading for anyone with an interest in Spain

Giles Tremlett, Spanish correspondent for the UK's Guardian newspaper, gives an historical account of Spain like only a journalist could - from eyewitness accounts taken from his extensive travels around Spain.

I disagreed with some of Tremlett's social commentary, but I smiled at other parts - Tremlett knows Spain very well and recounts his experiences in the country with great enthusiasm.

The book begins with three chapters on the Civil War and its effects on modern-day Spain. Then the pace suddenly changes with an analysis of 'How the Bikini Saved Spain'. If you're expecting a book just on the Spanish Civil War, you'll be disappointed, but Ghosts of Spain is actually a better book by delving into some interesting elements of Spain that are rarely addressed elsewhere and certainly not in a single book. At times, Tremlett attempts to cover a little too much and spreads himself a little too thinly - the chapter on flamenco, for one, could have been a book on its own. However, there are already numerous books on flamenco - there is no other book quite like this one.