Victus: The Fall of Barcelona

by Albert Sánchez Piñol May 11, 2014

11 de septiembre is a special date. It is the National Day of Catalonia which commemorates the end of the Siege of Barcelona, that tragic day when the valiant defenders of the city were forced to finally give in to the army of Philip V of Spain. This fall marks the 400th anniversary. Widespread support for Catalonian independence continues and is, arguably, closer to reality than ever.

“Victus: The Fall of Barcelona” is a depiction of the events that led to defeat on September 11, 1714. Albert Sánchez Piñol has written an intricate tale, chock full of depictions and elaborations of the myriad events that led to the final outcome. It highlights the elaborate political and military fortunes and alliances that had the tendency to shift and change at a moment’s notice, rarely for readily apparent reasons. The reader learns a great deal about the inner workings of military strategies and tactics. We see the importance of cooperation between civic and military leaders and the disaster that ensues when that co-operation is lacking.

Piñol cleverly divides his book into 3 Acts: Vini, Vidi and Victus. Memorable characters and events, both real and fictional, are sprinkled throughout. While each section has its charm, I most enjoyed the first. Our irresistible protagonist, Marti Zuviria, begins a picaresque journey when he is unexpectedly chosen to study at the feet of a leading military architectural engineer. He is put through a most arduous education, emerging on the other end as a Master, though one still in search of “The Word”.

As much as I enjoyed this impressive book, I was not totally sold on its tone. While I understand that it is in the grand tradition of Iberian epics to have a tongue-in-cheek overlay, I would not have minded if Piñol had made an exception with “Victus”. It may well be that the irreverent, deprecating banter will appeal to a wide readership. Zuvira’s tasteless taunting of the book’s scribe felt especially gratuitous. I would simply have preferred a more reverent tone.

“Victus” is a timely, entertaining and educational work of historical fiction. I recommend it to readers who care both about what has happened in this fascinating region, as well as what may happen in the near future.

Thank you, Harper and Edelweiss, for the opportunity to read and review “Victus” in advance of its U.S. publication. Much appreciated.