The Spanish Bow

**DEBUT FICTION** I was almost born Happy. Literally, Feliz was the Spanish name my mother wanted for me. Not a family name, not a local name, just a hope, stated in the farthest-reaching language she knew—a language that once reached around the world, to the Netherlands, Africa, the Americas, the Philippines. Only music has reached farther and penetrated more deeply. In a dusty, turn-of-the-century Catalan village, the bequest of a cello bow sets young Feliu Delargo on the unlikely path of becoming a musician. Anarchist Barcelona and the court of the embattled monarchy in Madrid teach him his first serious lessons in creativity, principle, and passion—and their consequences. When he meets up with the charming and eccentric piano prodigy Justo Al-Cerraz, their lifelong friendship and rivalry orchestrate a tumultuous course for them both. Over the span of half a century of creative struggle and international turmoil that sees them paying house calls on Picasso one year and being courted by dictators the next, they make glorious music together, and clash over virtually everything else: love, politics, and the purpose of art. When the tensions propelling a war-torn world toward catastrophe bring Aviva, an Italian violinist with a haunted past, into their lives, Feliu and Justo embark upon their final and most dangerous collaboration.

Literature & Fiction

Romano-Lax, Andromeda

United States

Houghton, mifflin, harcourt

"I was almost born Happy." So begins The Spanish Bow and the remarkable history of Feliu Delargo, who just misses being "Feliz" by a misunderstanding at his birth, which he barely survives. The accidental bequest of a cello bow from his dead father sets Feliu on the course of becoming a musician, unlikely given his beginnings in a dusty village in Catalonia. When he is compelled to flee to anarchist Barcelona, his education in music, life, and politics begins. But it isn’t until he arrives at the court of the embattled monarchy in Madrid that passion enters the composition with Aviva, a virtuoso violinist with a haunted past. As Feliu embarks on affairs, friendships, and rivalries, forces propelling the world toward a catastrophic crescendo sweep Feliu along in their wake.The Spanish Bow is a haunting fugue of music, politics, and passion set against half a century of Spanish history, from the tail end of the nineteenth century up through the Spanish Civil War and World War II.

Harper Paperbacks

In a dusty, turn-of-the-century Catalan village, the bequest of a cello bow sets young Feliu Delargo on an unlikely path. When a local landowner’s wrath threatens his family, the Spanish bow leads Feliu to anarchist Barcelona, then on to the court in Madrid, where a music master’s daughter gives him his first lessons in the art of love. There he meets up with the charming and eccentric piano prodigy Justo Al-Cerraz and begins the lifelong friendship and rivalry that will orchestrate a tumultuous course for them both. As a war-torn world careens toward catastrophe, they make splendid music together and clash over women, politics, and almost everything else. Then Aviva, an Italian violinist with a haunted past, enters their lives, and Feliu and Justo embark upon their final and most dangerous collaboration.  Inspired by the life of Pablo Casals, The Spanish Bow illuminates the competing demands of art and conscience during the Spanish Civil War and World War II. It is a deeply imagined tale of the passions that accident bestows–and the sacrifices history exacts.

Random House Audio |

The definitive guide to the Kenai Penisula. Enjoy mountain peaks and blue glaciers, rushing rivers and aquamarine lakes, coastal islands, abundant wildlife, and king-size salmon.

Alaska's Kenai Peninsula: A Traveler's Guide

Travel

Alaska Northwest Books

Sea Kayaking in Baja

Sports & Outdoors

Water Sports

Wilderness Pr

Here are 40 hikes and walks, all within a 520-mile stretch of rugged coastline known as the "Inside Passage." The author provides historical, cultural and natural points of interest as well.

Walking Southeast Alaska: Scenic Walks and Easy Hikes for Inside Passage Travelers

Hiking & Camping

How to Rent a Public Cabin in Southcentral Alaska covers every public cabin and hut in Southcentral Alaska, a triangular region whose west point is Kodiak Island, east point is Cordova (Prince William Sound), and north point is Denali State Park. Andromeda Romano-Lax comprehensively describes 105 public cabins for rent, with 49 of the more accessible and popular cabins highlighted and described in greater detail. You will also find 12 easy-to-read maps of the areas covered and photos of each cabin. Each listing includes: A complete description of each cabin, including type of structure, sleeping facilities, and cooking, heating, outhouse, and water availability. Detailed information on rental procedure, cost, capacity, and dates available. Directions to each site, scenery descriptions, wildlife-viewings, and recreational opportunities.

How to Rent a Public Cabin in Southcentral Alaska: Access and Adventures for Hikers, Kayakers, Anglers, and More (How To-- (Berkeley, Calif.).)

Food, Lodging & Transportation

Explore the Baja coast with Andromeda Romano-Lax as she guides you on the best paddling trips around the Baja peninsula. Each route has a map and a trip summary, including length and directions, plus information on climate and conditions and the latest regulations and camp registration requirements. An essential resource for anyone planning to visit the fishing villages and isolated beaches of Baja.

Adventure Kayaking: Baja

Where Mountains, Ice, and Ocean Meet! At the edge of the Kenai Peninsula lies a land where the ice age lingers. Nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield, Kenai Fjords' crowning feature. Wildlife thrives in icy waters and lush forests around this vast expanse of ice. Native Alutiiq relied on these resources to nurture a life entwined with the sea. Today, shrinking glaciers bear witness to the effects of our changing climate. Of the many 'must see' destinations in Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park is certainly at or near the top of the list. The 600,000 acre Park features dramatic fjords, calving glaciers, and the massive 300 square mile Harding Ice field. The waters of Kenai Fjords are teaming with marine wildlife like stellar sea lions, harbor seals, Dall porpoises, sea otters, humpback, killer and minke whales.

Kenai Fjords National Park

History

Americas

Alaska Natural History Assn

Chugach National Forest: Legacy of Land, Sea, and Sky

ALASKA NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Romano-Lax, Andromeda. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Romano-Lax, Andromeda

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Romano-Lax, Andromeda. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Spanish Bow

The Spanish Bow

The Spanish Bow

Alaska's Kenai Peninsula: A Traveler's Guide

Sea Kayaking in Baja

Walking Southeast Alaska: Scenic Walks and Easy Hikes for Inside Passage Travelers

How to Rent a Public Cabin in Southcentral Alaska: Access and Adventures for Hikers, Kayakers, Anglers, and More (How To-- (Berkeley, Calif.).)

Adventure Kayaking: Baja

Kenai Fjords National Park

Chugach National Forest: Legacy of Land, Sea, and Sky