Romancing Spain

He looks back thirty years to when he first met the woman he married and thinks how romantic he was (and still is) as he informed her that she is his Sancho Panza. Aparo reminded Lamar that Panza was squat (she is not he swears) and dumber than Quixote for following his lead. Now three decades later, three offspring later he ponders whether he fell in love with the Spanish culture as epitomized by his beloved Aparo or by falling in love with Aparo he fell in love with the Spanish culture. He knows even now the clash between his in your face Kentucky Protestant upbringing and her a gentile Catholic Spaniard. Thus as a sort of second honeymoon, the pair retrace the roots of their love by traveling the countryside together while the author ponders whether he was ROMANCING SPAIN when he courted Aparo or romancing Aparo and found Spain; either way Lamar Herrin knows that three decades ago he found his soulmate. This terrific lyrical biography combines a beautiful declaration of love with a wonderful look at Spain from an American expatriate and the wife he still cherishes. Readers will appreciate the travelogue on three levels: a true love story and salute to his wife, a guide to Spain, and a deep philosophical debate. Mr. Herrin's thought provoking question as to whether it is Spain, which shaped his beloved, or Aparo is delicately and eloquently developed so that the audience will ponder what dynamics shaped the roots of those they cherish. ROMANCING SPAIN is an insightful romantic philosophical treasure. Harriet Klausner

Lamar Herrin (Professor of Creative Writing and Contemporary Literature, Cornell University) presents Romancing Spain, a memoir and love story about his relationship with the Spanish woman whom he married 30 years ago. Obstructed by a church and bureaucracy, Lamar nevertheless pursued her, earning her love and trust even as he adjusted to the complexities of an Iberian nation steeped in centuries of tradition. Enthusiastically recommended reading, Romancing Spain is a simply beautiful and inspiring true-life story of love, romance, perseverance and eventual triumph which is brilliantly presented with emotion and empathy.