Different: A Story of the Spanish Civil War
Written by Mónica Montañés
Illustrated by Eva Sánchez Gómez
Translated by Lawrence Schimel
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2022, 79 pp
ISBN: 9780802855985

Set in the Spanish Civil War, Different presents the profound impact of historical and political turmoil on children’s lives. This book vividly portrays the fear and oppression imposed by the war and an authoritarian political establishment. It narrates the story of two siblings, Paco and Socorro, whose lives encounter adversities when their father is forced to flee Spain because of his political beliefs. Forced to conceal their identity in an environment where political dissent is forbidden, the children endure extreme hardships. Their lives again change when they travel halfway around the world and reunite with their father in Venezuela. In their new home, they find joy in a place where their differences still exist but do not create fear.

This story presents the concept of difference in various aspects. Paco and Socorro are different in that Paco is a boy and Socorro is a girl. Paco assumes the role of head of the house and stays with his mother, while Socorro is left alone in a relative’s pueblo. Paco has a hearty appetite and is even tempted to steal a classmate’s lunch. In contrast, Socorro shows a strong aversion to eating. This difference is amplified through the narrative technique of alternating chapters to tell Paco and Socorro’s story. This book also presents the profound impact of political and ideological differences on children’s ordinary lives. Due to their father’s political perspectives, Paco and Socorro are subject to adversity, poverty, and a need for secrecy in their lives, forcing them to conceal their identities.

This story highlights the resilience of children. While young children are often regarded as innocent and in need of protection (Young-Bruehl, 2012), Socorro and Paco are acutely aware of their surroundings. Socorro is aware of the unspoken judgments at school about her father’s political beliefs. Her narrative states, “They made me feel it” (p. 24), showing how adults use their power and position children as powerless. Despite the challenges, Paco and Socorro maintain their integrity and strong will. Paco resists the temptation to steal his friend’s lunch. Socorro does not succumb to her difficult circumstances. Her determination and hope drive her to excel academically.

This book stands out for its meticulous attention to historical detail. The book encapsulates the era of the Spanish Civil War by providing detailed historical information. It also offers political interpretation by using politically specific terms, which are rare in children’s literature. Furthermore, the Spanish Civil War has rarely been presented in children’s literature so this book broadens the repertoire of war narratives. The interrogation of the context of the Spanish Civil War offers insight into the intricate international relations of the era and enhances global understanding. The appended historical context and resources at the end of the book significantly increase its educational value. The book is a helpful resource for understanding the compelling narrative and a gateway for young readers to interrogate and grasp the complexities of historical conflicts and their lasting impacts.

This book pairs well with The Composition, written by Antonio Skármeta and illustrated by Alfonso Ruano (2000), which portrays life under a dictatorship in Chile through the eyes of Pedro, a nine-year-old boy, who is asked to spy on his parents. Breaking Stalin’s Nose by Eugene Yelchin (2011) is also a good companion. The book follows ten-year-old Sasha, whose world is shattered when the secret police arrest his father during the Stalin era in Russia. Reading these books together offers readers insights into the complexities of ideology and politics and their impact on the lives of ordinary people. Different can also be read alongside Mexique: A Refugee Story from the Spanish Civil War, by María José Ferrada and Ana Penyas (2018), about a ship full of children sent from Spain to Mexico during this war.

Mónica Montañés is a multifaceted writer with a journalism, playwriting, and screenwriting background. This book was inspired by her family’s experiences during the Spanish Civil War and their eventual move to Venezuela.

Eva Sánchez Gómez’s dramatic oil-pastel illustrations add a rich layer of emotional depth to the narrative. With their somber tones, these illustrations effectively capture the mood and experiences of the characters, offering visual empathy for their journey. This collaboration has resulted in a book that tells a powerful story and visually captivates its readers, making Different a unique and impactful read.

This book was translated from Spanish by Lawrence Schimel and received the Mildred L. Batchelder Honor in 2023.

Reference
Young-Bruehl, E. (2012). Childism: Confronting Prejudice against Children. Yale University Press.

HeeYoung Kim, West Texas A&M University

© 2024 by HeeYoung Kim

WOW Review, Volume XVI, Issue 3 by Worlds of Words is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Based on work by HeeYoung Kim at https://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/xvi-3/3/

WOW review: reading across cultures
ISSN 2577-0527