Arroz y Tartana (Spanish Edition)

Rice and luxury. Appearances and ruin. The fragile world of the bourgeoisie.

In Arroz y Tartana, Vicente Blasco Ibáñez offers a sharp and vivid portrait of Valencian society in the late 19th century. The story centers on Doña Manuela, a twice-widowed woman obsessed with maintaining a life of luxury and social status despite her declining fortune. Determined to secure advantageous marriages for her daughters and uphold the family’s standing, she spends far beyond her means, dragging her household into mounting debt. Meanwhile, her pragmatic son Juanito and more cautious relatives clash with the reckless pursuit of appearances and risky speculation in the emerging stock market.

This original Spanish Edition presents Blasco Ibáñez’s complete, unabridged text in its native language, showcasing his early mastery of costumbrista realism, social critique, and memorable characters in one of his first major Valencian novels.

• The original Spanish Edition
• First published in 1894
• The first novel in Blasco Ibáñez’s celebrated Valencian cycle

Available in multiple formats:

• Paperback & Hardcover: Elegant print editions presenting the complete, unabridged Spanish text, ideal for your bookshelf.
• Ebook: DRM-free EPUB compatible with Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and all major e-readers.
• Audiobook: Professionally narrated in Spanish, complete and unabridged, perfect for immersive listening.

A compelling classic for readers who enjoy realistic depictions of society, family drama, and the clash between tradition and modernity.

About the Author

Vicente Blasco Ibáñez (1867–1928) was a Spanish novelist, journalist, and political activist. He achieved international fame with works such as Los Cuatro Jinetes del Apocalipsis and Sangre y Arena. Celebrated for his vivid realism, dramatic intensity, and bold social commentary, Blasco Ibáñez remains one of Spain’s most influential authors of the early 20th century.