Decir que "La Regenta" es la historia de cómo unos personajes, inconformes con su mundo, anhelan trascenderlo y son vencidos en el intento es tan cierto como insuficiente porque, en el fondo, este conflicto se halla en todas las novelas del realismo europeo. Lo verdaderamente singular en "La Regenta" es la inmensa complejidad y riqueza de matices con que el conflicto se produce. Escrita entre 1883 y 1885, fue un éxito desde el primer momento, a pesar del silencio o la reacción negativa de buena parte de la crítica periodística. Consciente de la plenitud y madurez de su novela, el propio Clarín en una carta a un amigo confesaba su emoción por haber acabado "a los treinta y tres años una obra de arte".
Joan Estruch Tobella Libros
The Roman Catholic organization Opus Dei has sparked intense debate, facing accusations of being a "secret society," a "cult," and an "ecclesiastical mafia" that employs mind-control tactics and intimidates critics. Despite this, it enjoys powerful support, notably from Pope John Paul II, who championed its founder, Monsignor Escriva de Balaguer, whose beatification drew 200,000 followers in 1992. Joan Estruch, through extensive interviews and Opus Dei's literature, crafts an authoritative portrait of this enigmatic group. He delves into Escriva's life, revealing details often omitted from official biographies, such as his reaction to Vatican II, his desire for aristocratic status, and his complex character—ambitious yet sincere. Estruch also clarifies that Opus Dei was founded in 1939, not 1928, and its origins are intertwined with Franco's regime. He argues that the Jesuits, often seen as rivals, initially inspired Escriva, suggesting that their conflicts stem from shared traits. This exploration tracks Opus Dei's transformation from a local movement in Madrid to a global entity with 75,000 disciplined members wielding significant influence. First published in Spain in 1993, this work serves as a reliable resource on Opus Dei's history, ideology, and role in the Church, appealing to those intrigued by its mystery and the Catholic Church's contemporary impact.