The Hive by Camilo José Cela
"The Hive" is a novel set in post-Civil War Spain, during the harsh years of Madrid's postwar recovery. It provides a gritty and realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by ordinary citizens in a society marked by deprivation and repression. The narrative is non-linear and fragmented, featuring a vast array of characters from various social classes, whose lives intertwine in a depiction of the bleakness and despair of the time. The book was initially banned in Spain due to its critical view of Franco's regime.
The 1096th greatest book of all time
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This book is on the following lists:
- 69th on The 100 Best Novels of the 20th Century (Folha de São Paulo)
- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (The Book)
- Harold Bloom's The Western Canon (The Western Canon (Book) by Harold Bloom)