The Novel on the Tram

Benito Pérez Galdós

Jun. 2022 · DigiCat

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This is a short story of a man who gets on a tram to return some books to a friend. He runs into a gossipy friend who starts telling him about what may or may not be a true story. The friend, a doctor, tells him about a stunning countess who has an imprudent admirer and a scheming butler. The narrator hardly listens to the tale until the doctor reveals the butler's mysterious hold over the countess. After his interest is aroused, the man is left hanging when the doctor leaves the tram without finishing the story. The narrator realizes the newspaper he has covered the books in has a feuilleton printed that seems to pick up the doctor's story. He reads it and, despite some variations with the doctor's tale, begins to imagine characters from it entering and exiting the tram. He overhears bits and pieces of stories on his return tram ride and assumes they are part of the countess' tale and several unexpected events follow. What happens later with the man unfolds later in this intriguing and unique story.

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Benito Pérez Galdós (1843–1920) was a prolific Spanish novelist, playwright, and chronicler, who is considered one of the most important figures of Spanish literature. Born in Las Palmas, in the Canary Islands, Galdós moved to Madrid, where he devoted himself to literature, becoming a primary voice in the Realist movement in Spain. His capacity to reflect the complexities of contemporary society makes him an enduring influence on Spanish narrative art. Pérez Galdós's body of work was immense and covered a range of genres, but he is best remembered for his 'Episodios Nacionales,' a series of historical novels that provide an insightful and detailed depiction of 19th-century Spanish society. Among his most notable works is 'The Novel on the Tram' ('La novela en el tranvía,' 1871), which showcased his innovative style and ability to craft compelling narratives around seemingly mundane events. Galdós's work is characterized by its keen social observations, richly drawn characters, and intricate plotting. His literary style combined realism with a strong social critique, earning him comparisons to contemporaries such as Émile Zola. Despite his death over a century ago, Galdós's novels continue to be celebrated for their relevance and readability, securing his legacy as one of Spain's literary masters.