a shared history (Plaza & Janés, 2023) is a book by Julia Navarro spanning multiple genres. From the essay, the history and the chronicle, to the biography. Because it is an intimate story in which the Spanish writer reflects on the role of women in history and the influence that men have had on her.
From a female point of view It seeks as a priority to find the common ground that allows the rapprochement between men and women. Being impossible to ignore the woman any longer, neither can the man be disdained. This book is therefore an encounter story in history in which both participate.
A Shared Story: A Story of Encounter
in search of concord
a shared history It is a quite personal story by the author, one of her most intimate books that Julia Navarro must have thought about a lot. It combines reflections, fictional stories and other real ones from women in history. He embarks on a journey in which harmony prevails above all, but also memory and justice.
It is a work of inclusion at a time when some groups are determined to separate the other half of the population. But the truth is that they cannot achieve complete equality without them. To go back to doing the same thing that has been done to women for so many years is to take steps backwards that neither do they allow the full picture to be seen nor do they allow the recognition and true autonomy of women. But that is another story.
Julia Navarro narrates the experiences of women with social circles in which there were also men, and some of them eminent (and vice versa). Search for the meeting point between the shared history of two constantly separated sexes for the subjugation of the feminine by the masculine throughout history. Something ridiculous and paradoxical, since women and female characters abound and have always been there, although most of the time they have been forgotten, neglected or pointed out in a bad way.
With them, without them, for them, in front of them
Likewise, the great male characters in history have had the support, the company or a female counterpart. He speaks of Cleopatra and also of César or Marco Antonio, of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, of Helen of Troy and of Paris, or of writers as transcendent as Simone de Beauvoir or Virginia Woolf paired with Jean-Paul Sartre and Leonard Woolf, respectively. of course too we find many other writers, as well as scientists, queens, characters who motivated political and social changes...
The lives of women in anonymous or intra-history history, as well as History in capital letters, have flowed parallel to those of men. What happens is that women have been an impetus for them, and from the opposite position, they have restricted the will and opportunities of women In most cases. Navarro, however, does not present this as a fight, but rather as evidence that in recent decades society has been changing faster than ever. Although there is still a long way to go, especially in places where there is no welfare state.
Julia Navarro claims the role of women in the past, but assuming a joint perspective that looks towards the present and future time. As the subtitle says, it is a vision from all angles "with them, without them, for them, in front of them", and with a very entertaining and moving style, taking the opportunity to get closer, in addition to the political field, to the world of literature, philosophy, science or art.
Conclusions
The masculine company that the women in the story had influenced them in a logical way. This book is a tribute and an important step to know to what extent men affected them in their performance as professionals and in their human development. It is an interesting text measured from the point of view of the author, who makes use of her books, studies, and meditations that she shares with readers in her desire to show a story in which everyone had a place, although most of the time they were not always represented equally. a shared history it's a live tour with simply incredible women who have made their way with more trips than pats.
About the author
Julia Navarro (Madrid, 1953) is a journalist and writer known for her eminently historical novels. Although she has spent half her life analyzing current affairs in Spain and has worked for various formats and media such as Europa Press, SER chain o COPE. Among his work there are also journalistic and political books that have thoroughly reviewed the Spanish Transition.
As far as his novels are concerned, they have been published in dozens of countries and Tell me who I am (2010) has been adapted into a television series. Other works of fiction are The Brotherhood of the Holy Shroud (2004) Fire, I am already dead (2013) You will not kill (2018) o From nowhere (2021). Likewise, among the awards she has received are the City of Cartagena Award, the City of Córdoba Award or the Quéleer Award.