Resumen
Cádiz (1873) is another volume in Benito Pérez Galdós’s celebrated series Episodios Nacionales.
The novel is set during the Siege of Cádiz (1810–1812), when the city became the stronghold of Spanish resistance against French occupation during the Peninsular War.
Cádiz also served as the birthplace of the Cádiz Cortes, where Spain’s first liberal constitution was drafted in 1812.
The story continues to follow the young protagonist Gabriel Araceli, who finds himself amid the tense political and military atmosphere of the city.
Galdós portrays Cádiz not only as a site of struggle and hope but also as a symbol of freedom and modernity.
Through Gabriel’s experiences, the novel vividly depicts the clash between tradition and reform, as well as the resilience of ordinary citizens during a time of upheaval.
Blending romance, intrigue, and patriotism, Galdós masterfully uses the city of Cádiz as a stage where Spain’s fate and identity are being reshaped, making the novel both a gripping narrative and a historical reflection.