El Arbol de La Ciencia

Far from the glory of the Conquest of the Americas in the XVI Century, by the late XIX Century Spain was one of the most backwards countries in Europe (at least its Western and Central parts). People who had read and/or travelled abroad despaired of the mentality that kept them from being a major player in the world. This disenchanted and sad story is about a young man, Andres Hurtado, from a middle-class family, who is in a deep search for meaning and a philosophy that will help him to a better understanding of the world and the path to a good life. Hurtado is rather a gloomy guy, with few friends. He decides to study medicine and through a companion from school he meets that rarest of jewels in that Spain: a young woman of independent character, a free spirit submerged in poverty but with an entrepreneurial mind. Lulu is far from pretty, but she has a sense of humor and a liberal view of life. Hurtado and Lulu start a friendship that doesn't develop into love until much later. They are separated on account of Hurtado's family and work affairs. First he travels to Valencia to take care there of a younger sick brother; then he receives a position as physician in a remote town in La Mancha, where he is further disappointed of humanity in general and the Spanish in particular, due to the petty gossip, bad faith and backstabbing that he observes and experiences. When he returns to Madrid, he rediscovers his uncle Iturrioz, also a medicine man. Iturrioz appears in at least two other novels by Baroja, and is a fascinating character. Hurtado spends many an evening with him, talking about philosophy, which make some of the best parts of this book. Iturrioz defends Anglo-Saxon pragmatism (Mill, Bentham), while Hurtado is the champion of German Idealism (Kant, Schopenhauer). Iturrioz's philosophy is clearly that of a man of experience, without many illusions about humanity or religion, while Hurtado's is that of a young man emotionally disturbed and searching for an elusive meaning. Hurtado also meets again with Lulu and there begins the end of this deep and good novel. Baroja is a good writer, clear, concise and with sharp dialogues. The characters are compelling and the philosphical background gives the novel an added value.

Baroja is a gifted writer, a genious of his time. He portrais the "real spain" better than any other spanish author of his time. The storie takes place during a decadent time in Spain but it also rings true for any other place at any other time. This book is fascinating in that it closely follows the "philosophical attack" of its main character. It offers no solutions, but is provides insightful and thought provoking alternatives. Although not the focused of the book, it has one of the most realistic, best love stories I have ever read. If you like to question the ways of the world, and how you fit in it, this book is a must!!

"El Arbol de la Ciencia" is, perhaps, the most accomplished book by Pio Baroja. The structure of the book, with the central dialogue separating the two parts of the life of the main character is perfect to show the mounting charge of frustration, of impotence when Andres Hurtado tries to face life in a decadent society. The novel contains, as many other of Baroja's, lots of autobiographical references. The influence of Nietzsche and Schopenhauer is heavy, specially in the central part of the book. The style, as ever, is direct, quick, full of disgressions; but this time the story has been wisely set. Lots of supporting characters contribute to the plot. It is a utter exercise in deception, seen from te point of view of a young man who has read too much. Everybody dissatisfied with life should read at 18 years, before going to college or getting the first good job. Lovely descriptions of old Madrid. A must for any Spanish Books reader.