The Anemone and the Boar by Mónica Maffía tr. Sophie Stevens

In Spain in 1936, three women – Paquita, Encarnación and Carmen – come together every week to present a dynamic radio programme about life, culture, news, politics and art. They delight in reciting poetry, provide updates on international events and discuss the stars of theatre and cinema – from
Carlos Gardel to Federico García Lorca. But the political situation is changing quickly and at this volatile period in Spain’s history, there is increasing pressure on artists and activists who are targeted by repression and censorship. As censorship, violence and conflict become increasingly present in their daily lives and their work at the radio station, the three women, each with differing political views, affiliations and motivations, must decide how to respond. Will they give up their jobs on the programme? Will they join the resistance movement? Will they go into exile? Can they find ways to subvert censorship and help other artists?