The Accordionist's Son

A magnificent family epic, haunted by the shadow of the Spanish Civil War, by award-winning Basque author Bernardo Atxaga.

As a young man, David divides his time between his uncle's ranch and his life in the village, where he reluctantly practices the accordion on the insistence of his authoritarian father. This title explores the life of David Imaz, a former inhabitant of the Basque village of Obaba, now living in exile and ill-health on a ranch in California.

The Accordionist's Son is a remarkably powerful and accomplished novel, exploring the life of David Imaz, a former inhabitant of the Basque village of Obaba, now living in exile and ill-health on a ranch in California.

As a young man, David divides his time between his uncle's ranch and his life in the village, where he reluctantly practises the accordion on the insistence of his authoritarian father. Increasingly aware of the long shadow cast by the Spanish Civil War, he begins to unravel the story of the conflict, his father's association with the fascists and his uncle's opposition and brave decision to hide a wanted republican.

Caught betweeen the two men, the course of his own life is changed forever when he agrees to shelter a group of students on the run from the military police.

Translated by Margaret Jull Costa.