Discovery of 'La Tía Tula' by Miguel de Unamuno

Miguel de Unamuno (1864-1936), a towering figure in Spanish literature, is recognized for his versatility as a novelist, poet, playwright, and philosopher. His work, imbued with profound inquiries into existential themes such as faith, identity, and the conflict between reason and passion, is characterized by its exploration of human complexity.

Before diving into "La Tía Tula", I had read "Niebla" last year and loved it ! I was captivated by the mix of philosophical questions and the personal, introspective narrative of the main character, Augusto Pérez, in his quest to understand his own existence. Both works by Unamuno made me laugh and touched me with some of the more tragic aspects of their stories.

"La Tía Tula" is a classic of Spanish literature where we meet three main characters with profound psychological complexity: Gertrudis (Tía Tula), Ramiro, and Rosa. Gertrudis, nicknamed La Tía Tula, is a charismatic figure and the pillar of the story. She is constantly striving to be perfect and maintain her purity, even at the cost of others. As a devout Catholic, she believes that family is the perfect foundation of any society. Ramiro, her brother-in-law, is an easily dominated man filled with sorrow for not being with his true love. Rosa, a very vulnerable woman, is greatly influenced by her sister.

Tula chooses not to marry but takes on motherhood in an unconventional way, raising her deceased sister’s children and going to live with Ramiro. This arrangement complicates the family dynamics further. By refusing to conform to societal expectations of marrying and starting her own family, Tula redefines what it means to be a mother and an independent woman in a traditional society. I found her character particularly interesting due to her determination and tenacity.

If I had to mention an aspect that I found somewhat less captivating, it would be the end of the novel. Although consistent with the rest of the narrative, the conclusion sparked less interest for me compared to the rest of the story. It leaves me with unresolved questions regarding the fate of the characters, especially concerning Tula’s final choices. Despite this reservation, I wholeheartedly recommend reading "La Tía Tula." This classic by Miguel de Unamuno offers a rich and deep exploration of timeless themes and features a protagonist with a strong personality.