The Madrid Review

27/08/2026

Today on our blog we have a review of ‘Unwritten’ by Laura Camacho Frias - a twisty family story of secrets, identity and love.

26/08/2026

Long ago, I used to post the passing of notable people here on my dads page, its probably been close to 10 years. Today, I pay tribute to one of my tennage crushes. I only met her once and managed to get past my "crush" long enough to know her kind words and gentle smile were as genuine as a morning sunrise. The inexhaustible contributions to the world as a musician and philanthropist will never be fogotten. Heaven as gained a truly worthy Angel today. Rest well Dolly Parton, there will always be a place in our hearts for you.

Charles Berry Jr.

24/08/2026

17/08/2026

In our latest story for paid subscribers (new content every Monday) we look at how La Desbandá became one of the Spanish Civil War’s forgotten civilian tragedies.

11/08/2026

On the blog today an interview with Mark Elliott as his debut - Stick It Up Yer Jumpah - a punk memoir in lyrics, poetry, memories and stories from a life spent in the underground, is released by London-based Cybirdy Publishing.

We take a closer look at Elliott’s uncompromising writing, his years with Short Bus Window Lickers, Butcher Baby and Reptile Dysfunction, and the humour, anger, freedom and humanity behind the book. We also spoke to Mark himself about punk, writing, fatherhood, memory and what keeps him going at 59. “Punk showed me freedom in the truest sense of the word,” he says.

Read the full review on The Madrid Review today. The link's in our Stories - it's free to read.

https://themadridreview.com/f/stick-it-up-yer-jumpah-mark-elliott%E2%80%99s-punk-life-in-lyrics

From squats and benefit gigs in London’s hardcore underground to a first book built from memory, music, loss and defiance, the Window Licker looks back without much interest in polishing the past. By James Hartley.

07/08/2026

When English-language readers think of contemporary Spanish fiction, fantasy is rarely the first genre that comes to mind. Yet for more than twenty years, Laura Gallego has been one of Spain's most influential and bestselling authors, inspiring a generation of young readers and helping establish fantasy as a major force in Spanish publishing.

Often compared in Spain to the cultural impact of Philip Pullman, Sarah J. Maas and Cassandra Clare, Gallego has sold more than five million books across more than forty titles. Her Memorias de Idhún trilogy became the defining fantasy series for many Spanish teenagers during the 2000s, proving that an original Spanish-language fantasy could rival imported bestsellers.

Despite widespread translations into numerous languages, her work remains largely unknown to English-speaking readers. Why has one of Spain's biggest literary success stories never truly crossed into the English-language market?

Our latest article explores Gallego's remarkable career, the lasting influence of her fiction, the publishing economics behind her limited visibility in English, and why now may be the right moment for English-language publishers to take another look.
https://open.substack.com/pub/themadridreview/p/the-spanish-queen-of-fantasy-books?r=2k593n&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true



Laura Gallego

Introducing Laura Gallego. By James Hartley.

05/08/2026

Announcing MAD about Books – a new English-language reading group in Madrid.

No set book. Just bring something you've recently read or are reading, and enjoy talking about books with fellow readers.

Details:

Announcing a new English-language book group in Madrid! MAD about Books: A monthly gathering for people who enjoy reading and talking about books in English. There is no set book to read. Simply bring a book you have just finished or are currently reading, whether fiction, non-fiction or poetry. The...