The time between seams

The time between seams

The time between seams (2009) is a novel by the Spanish writer María Dueñas. It is a very well-crafted narrative about the vibrant life of Sira Quiroga, a young dressmaker who left Madrid a few months before the Civil War. Meanwhile, for the reader, the author's approach to a critical historical context in Spain and Europe is revealing.

For this reason, this book has an undeniable importance as a testimony of that time (apart from the nostalgia it transmits). Altogether, the plot of love and pain, plus the description of the reality of that time through a fairly rich and interesting sequence, make it one of the most outstanding works written in the Spanish language of the new millennium.

Summary of The time between seams

Initial approach

Sira Quiroga is a young and charming dressmaker who received an important inheritance from her father, who vehemently recommends fleeing Spain. The 30s pass, on the eve of the Civil War, Sira can feel the violence in the environment. Additionally, the young lady falls madly in love with Ramiro, although he decides to emigrate to the capital of Morocco.

For the reasons mentioned, the damsel goes to Tangier following the path of her beloved. However, their calculations did not appear prevarication, deception and evil on the part of Ramiro. Consequently, Sira finds herself abandoned in Northwest Africa and robbed by this infamous man (as well as in debt).

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The resurgence

Sira manages to overcome despite the harsh circumstances; He decides to resume his trade as a dressmaker in order to survive, and even falls in love again. In that way, she she befriends several clients… Those new friendships related to politics in the midst of a warlike context of great magnitude unleash a radical turn of events.

Later, Sira Quiroga decides to serve as a spy for the allied forces and participates in a significant way in events of World War II. Although at the end of the narrative it is evident that the protagonist only wants to live in peace, more turbulence awaits her at her destination. However, these events are explained in Sira, the second part of The time between seams (released April 2021).

Analysis on The time between seams

A very authentic historical novel

In this book, the author considers an ambitious literary project, impossible to count lightly on the assumed historical references. Consequently, the inclusion of real characters and events that occurred in the 30s in Spain are essential for the narrative.

In addition to this —through the experiences of the protagonist—, Dueñas masterfully explains the context of the Second World War. For this, the writer makes use of descriptions and references that show her vision about the most important war conflict in the history of mankind. Where the purpose is to keep the tragedy of the war latent in the reader's memory.

Important theme in the novel

Obviously, when faced with a historical novel, it is impossible not to grant crucial relevance to the context in which the events are narrated. Therefore, The time between seams keeps the reader following the life of Sira Quiroga, while showing the gaze of war. In other words, the war theme in the human condition runs through the entire story.

What's more, the protagonist - under the code name Arish Agoriuq - becomes a key player in English espionage during World War II. In parallel, complex tactical aspects of the war are exposed that go beyond the inevitable catastrophe. In addition, the approach to the Spanish Civil War explains how the social environment became due to the conflict.

Television adaptations

The excellent public acceptance plus the barrage of favorable reviews led to The time between seams was brought to the small screen. For this reason, In 2013, the Antena 3 television station recorded a series of the same name that has lasted 17 episodes to date. and has accumulated multiple awards.

In addition, The series has an international cast led by actors of the stature of Adriana Ugarte, Peter Víves and Hanna New, among others. Each episode of the series has required an average budget of half a million euros, mainly due to the period settings and costumes.

The beginning of a franchise?

In any case, it has been money very well spent, since the viewership levels of the first season never dropped below 11%. Inclusive, the eleventh episode, "Return to Yesterday", was seen by around 5,5 million viewers (27,8% tuned in on January 20, 2014).

Finally, with the launch of Sira (2021) María Dueñas has opened the door to more deliveries starring Sira Quiroga - Arish Agoriuq. Given the popularity and commercial numbers obtained on the small screen, Spanish-speaking audiences would not be surprised if new episodes of the series appear.

About the author, María Dueñas

She is a Spanish teacher and writer born in 1964, in Puertollano, Ciudad Real province, Spain. Before starting your literary career, Owners He did academic life in teaching for more than twenty years at the University of Murcia. Similarly, the Puerto Rican woman has a doctorate in English Philology and has had highly recognized cultural and research activities in the Iberian nation.

Currently, María Dueñas lives in Cartagena, is married to a university professor and has two children. In parallel, highlights the intellectual activity that came with the publication of his first novel in 2009: The time between seams. Because of this, it became famous throughout Europe and part of the rest of the world.

Impact The time between seams

This novel It became a best-selling publication, translated into almost forty languages ​​and turned into a television series by the Antena 3 channel. In the same way, thanks to this title Dueñas received several decorations. Among them, the City of Cartagena Prize for Historical Novels (2010) and the Culture Prize 2011 (literature category) of the City of Madrid.

After twelve years of being published, The time between seams accumulates more than five million sales internationally. But, as if this were not enough, the novel has been published at least seventy times throughout Europe and other places in the world.

The other books of María Dueñas

The popularity of The time between seams was used by the Spanish writer to promote her next written publications. More, undoubtedly, Mision Forget (2012) La templanza (2015) and The Captain's Daughters (2018)They have their own particular charm and are well crafted. In fact, Mision Forget y La templanza they have also been adapted for television.