'Letras Hispanas': New review of "Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer (1850-1919): Her Personal Letters, Short Stories, and Journalism"
Congratulations to Ana Isabel Simón Alegre (Adelphi University), the writer of the book "Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer (1850-1919): Her Personal Letters, Short Stories, and Journalism" for receiving a review from Beth Bernstein (Texas State University) published in 'Letras Hispanas', Volume 21.1, 2025, pp. 154-156:
To say that Ana I. Simón Alegre created a window into the world of the transatlantic author Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer would be an understatement. Simón Alegre has not only created a window but has flung open the door to Gimeno de Flaquer’s universe, inviting readers on an immersive tour, which expertly aids readers in understanding this important author’s life, literature, feminist activism, and broader contributions to the contemporary literary canon […] This carefully and thoughtfully translated collection, paired with Simón Alegre’s comprehensive commentary and historical notes in the context of Gimeno de Flaquer’s life, the author’s personal life and experiences, literary criticism, and the Spanish language of the time, serve as an extraordinary portal to help us clearly see and understand the works of Gimeno de Flaquer and the complex history she experienced as an extremely intelligent and forward-thinking woman who lived in multiple countries. Simón Alegre has done extensive, meticulous research, and has left no stone unturned to include all essential information for a multi-faceted, extensive critical edition of the writings of Gimeno de Flaquer. Simón Alegre takes every small detail into account to make sure that the reader understands the greater historical context and significance of Gimeno de Flaquer’s varied works. […]
This book’s universal appeal stems from its ability to serve various audiences. University students, professors, and the general public, who are interested in learning more about Hispanic literature by nineteenth-century women authors, will find this volume a valuable resource for studying transatlantic literary history and women’s writing. Even skilled Spanish speakers may struggle with the original editions due to their historical context and antiquated language, making this annotated and translated collection especially useful. Beyond academia, the book also attracts general readers interested in discovering overlooked female authors from the nineteenth century. […]
[Extract from book review on the journal 'Letras Hispanas', Volume 21.1, 2025,, pp 154-156. Reviewer: Beth Bernstein (Texas State University) https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9kqffujypkj0vfap10hx7/SAlegre_LH_Vol21.1_2025.pdf?rlkey=4zwnh34qrrgrihzwvln9io2vb&st=7pnwkngk&dl=1 ]
The book is available to order here: Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer (1850-1919): Her Personal Letters, Short Stories, and Journalism
This book explores how Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer’s evolution as a writer was closely linked to the development of her political-literary project, in which a feminist activist agenda plays an important role. This critical edition contributes to existing research on Gimeno de Flaquer by examining a collection of texts that have not been studied in-depth.
This monograph-length publication is the first one to feature a translation of significant portions of Gimeno de Flaquer’s work. 'Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer (1850-1919): Her Personal Letters, Short Stories, and Journalism' includes ten letters that Concepción Gimeno wrote to the Spanish actor and theatre entrepreneur Manuel Catalina y Rodríguez (1820-1886), seven short stories, and a selection of her seventeen most representative newspaper articles.
Edition 1st
ISBN 978-1-64889-871-6
Published in December 2023
Page last updated on May 8th 2025. All information correct at the time, but subject to change.
