Benito Pérez Galdós 
Marianela [EPUB ebook] 

Benito Pérez Galdós (1843–1920) was a Spanish novelist and realist writer, regarded as one of the most significant literary figures in Spain during the 19th century. Born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, he moved to Madrid in 1862, where he began his literary career and became part of the intellectual circles of his time. Galdós is best known for his episodic series ‘Episodios Nacionales, ‘ which vividly depicted Spanish history from the perspective of the common people, bridging the gap between history and fiction. His works are considered a precursor to social realism in Spanish literature, often highlighting the societal issues of his era. Galdós’s ‘Marianela’ is a poignant exploration of beauty, love, and social injustice. The novel tells the tale of Marianela, a destitute and unattractive young woman living in the fictional town of Socartes, who thrives in an emotional connection with a blind man she guides and loves, whose perceptions change drastically upon gaining his sight. The book offers insights into the perceptions of beauty and the stark contrasts between the superficial and the spiritual. Galdós’s mastery of character development and social commentary is present throughout his oeuvre. His literary artistry earned him a nomination for the Nobel Prize in Literature on four separate occasions, further cementing his place within the pantheon of European realist novelists (Pattison, 2019).