The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse / Los cuatro jinetes del Apocalipsis

by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez

The novel, set in 1914, France, details the vicissitudes of the First World War. Due to their political differences, two families, both branches from the same family tree, face off.  After the death of patriarch Julio Madariaga, the Hartrotts leave Germany and the Desnoyers to France. The families fight on opposing sides in WWI. The novel travels through the Dantesque scenes of a Europe torn apart, where the only thing that survives is the desire to live.

Se trata de una novela ambientada en 1914, en Francia, y narra las vicisitudes de la Primera Guerra Mundial.  Debido a sus diferencias políticas, dos familias provenientes de un tronco común, se enfrentan. Tras la muerte del patriarca, Julio Madariaga, los Hartrott se marchan a Alemania y los Desnoyers a Francia. Ambas familias terminan combatiendo en bandos opuestos en la guerra. La novela discurre por los escenarios dantescos de una Europa rota, donde la única cosa que sobrevive es el deseo de vivir.

The group will meet Wednesday, June 10, 7-8:30 pm, 3rd Floor, Seminar Room, Main Library. Attendees have the option to read in English and/or Spanish. Discussions may also be in English and Spanish. Attendees do not have to be bilingual. Copies of Vicente Blasco Ibáñez’s The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Spanish: Los cuatro jinetes del Apocalipsis) will be held at the 2nd floor Readers Services Desk one month before the discussion. Call to register at (847) 448-8620!