Snackz logo
The Time of the Doves

Mercรจ Rodoreda

220 Pages
1980

The Time of the Doves

Below is just an AI summary! If you really want to learn something:

โšก Free 3min Summary

The Time of the Doves - Summary

Set in Barcelona during the tumultuous period of the Spanish Civil War, "The Time of the Doves" tells the intimate story of Natalia, a simple shop-tender whose life becomes entangled in one of history's most devastating conflicts. Through her innocent eyes, we witness the transformation of a young woman who begins as a naรฏve dreamer and evolves into a survivor of war's harsh realities. The novel masterfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and resilience, as Natalia navigates through personal relationships and societal upheaval, all while maintaining her connection to the symbolic doves that represent her inner freedom and hope.

Key Themes

1

Innocence vs. Experience

The gradual erosion of Natalia's naivety as she confronts the brutal realities of war serves as a powerful metaphor for Spain's collective loss of innocence during the Civil War. Her journey from a simple shopkeeper to a hardened survivor mirrors the transformation of an entire generation.

2

Female Resilience

Through Natalia's character, the novel explores the extraordinary strength of ordinary women during wartime. Her ability to endure personal tragedy while maintaining her humanity showcases the often-overlooked female perspective of war and survival.

3

The Power of Symbol

Doves appear throughout the narrative as potent symbols of peace, freedom, and hope. Their presence and absence mark crucial moments in Natalia's life, representing both the fragility of peace and the enduring human spirit.

FAQ's

The author employs doves as the central symbol, representing peace, innocence, and freedom. Their presence throughout the narrative serves as a barometer for the psychological and emotional state of the protagonist and her surrounding world.

The story is told through the eyes of a common shopkeeper, offering a ground-level view of how ordinary citizens, particularly women, experienced and survived the war, rather than focusing on political or military aspects.

Natalia's transformation from an innocent young woman to a resilient survivor parallels the broader societal changes in Spain during the Civil War, making her personal journey a microcosm of the national experience.

Enjoyed the sneak peak? Get the full summary!

Let's find the best book for you!

Get book summaries directly into your inbox!

Join more than 10,000 readers in our newsletter

Snackz book
Snackz logo

The right book at the right time will change your life.

Get the books directly into your inbox!

โœ… New Release

โœ… Book Recommendation

โœ… Book Summaries

Copyright 2023-2025. All rights reserved.