First published in 1966 Juan Marsé"s novel Last Evenings with Teresa is finally published in English- Nick Caistor's translation is excellent.

This is a fascinating read exploring the societal /cultural barriers differences between the lives in Barcelona in the mid 1950s- a time of revolution and oppression.

This is the story of the "interloper", Manolo Reyes, the son of a cleaner working in an Andalusian palace; raised in the surroundings of semi-opulence. After the denial of 'escape ' by a visiting French bourgeois family, he decides to leave the south and move to Barcelona where his older brother lives- a life of petty crime begins. Up in the hills of Monte Carmelo, he struggles to get by and works under the watchful eye of the 'Cardinal'.

A chance encounter whilst 'gate-crashing' takes him into the world of Teresa Serrat- a young woman of privilege fighting against her family with the ideals of beating the divisions in society and over throwing the regime with her university friends- the ideals of the young and privileged- the señoritos.

Manolo befriends Teresa"s 'servant" , Maruja, and begins a journey into this 'other world' ; one that he desires to escape from the daily struggle. When tragedy strikes, Manolo and Teresa's worlds grow closer- she under the misunderstanding that he is some type of activist.

Marsé pulls you into the world of Manolo - the poverty of the outreaches of Barcelona and Teresa- the entitlement of the rich within the city and coast.

Emotions towards Manolo as a character constantly change - he will divide readers but equally is Teresa using him as means of rebellion against her family- a curiosity.

This is novel that is clearly a social commentary of the time. What becomes of the two characters and Manolo's desire for change is what keeps the book a powerful read. An image of James Dean ( Rebel without a Cause ) kept appearing - there was a film made of the book in 1984.

Marsé is regarded as one of Spain's top novelists and this book is certainly part of a legacy that confirms this.