Miguel de Unamuno's Three Exemplary Novels and a Prologue is a unique and thought-provoking collection. In the prologue, Unamuno himself argues fiercely against the popular novels of his day, setting the stage for his own brand of intense, psychological storytelling.

The Story

The book contains three separate novellas. In 'Two Mothers,' a wealthy, childless woman makes a shocking arrangement with a younger man to have a child, leading to a lifelong battle of wills. 'The Marquis of Lumbría' is a dark drama about family honor, obsession, and revenge within a decaying aristocratic house. Finally, 'Nothing Less Than a Man' follows a strong, silent man named Alejandro and his wife, Julia, as their marriage becomes a tense struggle for identity and power. Each story strips away social pretense to examine the raw, often contradictory, drives of its characters.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how real the people feel, even in their most extreme moments. Unamuno doesn't just tell you what they do; he makes you understand why they feel they must do it, even when their logic is flawed. These aren't heroes or villains, just humans trapped by their passions, pride, and the stories they tell themselves. Reading it feels like being a confidant to their deepest, most private thoughts.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for readers who love character-driven stories and don't mind a bit of philosophical weight. If you enjoy authors like Dostoevsky or the intense inner worlds of Henry James, you'll find a lot to love here. It's not a light beach read, but a compelling, sometimes uncomfortable, look at the human spirit. You'll finish it thinking about the characters—and yourself—for a long time.