
On an unforgettable October day, the despised Calomarde falls from power, making way for José Cafranga’s rise. Amid the public celebrations, the well‑meaning D. Benigno suffers a mishap that leaves his leg broken, turning personal misfortune into a source of humor. The narrative follows Benigno’s witty friend Cordero, who muses that every joy is balanced by a pang, framing the accident as a lesson in resilience.
Confined to his bed, Benigno remains oddly upbeat, exchanging sharp repartee with Cordero while they tend a modest fire and reminisce about family and folly. The prose paints storm‑laden skies, rustling leaves, and the slow, solemn rhythm of a world in transition, juxtaposing grand political shifts with intimate domestic scenes. Their banter reveals a friendship that thrives despite the lingering ache of a broken bone, offering both satire and heartfelt reflection. Listeners will be drawn into this blend of historical humor and human warmth, eager to see how the characters navigate the unfolding changes.
Language
es
Duration
~8 hours (461K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Chuck Greif from digital text and images generously made available by La Biblioteca Virtual Miguel de Cervantes
Release date
2006-01-02
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1843–1920
One of the great novelists of 19th-century Spain, he turned the streets, politics, and everyday lives of Madrid into vivid fiction. Best known for the vast Episodios nacionales and novels such as Fortunata y Jacinta, he wrote with warmth, sharp observation, and a deep feel for ordinary people.
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