Her story is so much more than a tale of war, tremendous courage, and loss. It is one of the greatest love stories in history.
In 1803, Agustina Saragossa, born in Barcelona, Spain, and the youngest daughter of a bladesmith, sneaks around the military barracks, yet not to snag a husband as everyone thinks. She loathes the privileged officers and untrained peasants who call themselves soldiers. Her only purpose is to remain abreast of all military secrets as Napoleon Bonaparte swiftly rises through the French ranks.
The chance meeting between Agustina and Spanish Sergeant Juan Roca enrages her while he is instantly struck by the dark-haired beauty with fire in her blood. Relentlessly, he pursues her, despite her fury, or perhaps because of it, and the sparring begins between them.
As the war between the British and French progresses, Spain becomes trapped in the middle until Napoleon deviously orders the invasion of their country. And Agustina and Juan fight together risking their lives for the freedom of their people and their homeland.
Her story is so much more than a tale of war, tremendous courage, and loss. It is one of the greatest love stories in history.
In 1803, Agustina Saragossa, born in Barcelona, Spain, and the youngest daughter of a bladesmith, sneaks around the military barracks, yet not to snag a husband as everyone thinks. She loathes the privileged officers and untrained peasants who call themselves soldiers. Her only purpose is to remain abreast of all military secrets as Napoleon Bonaparte swiftly rises through the French ranks.
The chance meeting between Agustina and Spanish Sergeant Juan Roca enrages her while he is instantly struck by the dark-haired beauty with fire in her blood. Relentlessly, he pursues her, despite her fury, or perhaps because of it, and the sparring begins between them.
As the war between the British and French progresses, Spain becomes trapped in the middle until Napoleon deviously orders the invasion of their country. And Agustina and Juan fight together risking their lives for the freedom of their people and their homeland.
El Primero
Zaragoza, Spain
May 1, 1856
Lucia hurried to the front window of her parents’ meat market and peered outside. “There she is again, Mamá! Every morning the old woman strolls barefooted around the Portillo and so proudly with her head held high and a contented smile on her face. You would think she carried the world in her pocket.”
Isabel smiled as she continued working behind the counter. “Oh, but she does, my daughter. Yet, not in her pocket. It is draped about her neck and pinned to her blouse.”
Lucia squinted trying to see what she spoke of. “I only see those gaudy necklaces and brooches.”
“They are anything but gaudy. Those are precious medals of heroism gifted to her by the highest courts of Spain.”
Lucia looked over at her mother and laughed. “You are poking fun, Mamá. She is an old woman and so penniless, she cannot even afford a pair of shoes! I know she lives in that tiny cottage on the outskirts of town. Eugenio and I followed her once. She walks and walks then just sits upon her porch all day. She is no one special.”
Isabel shook her head, untied her apron, and joined her daughter. When she glanced out the window and saw the woman, it took her a moment to speak. “I have told you so often, Lucia, do not judge by your eyes alone. There is so much you cannot see. That dear woman is deserving of our utmost respect and devotion.”
Lucia frowned. “For what?”
“For her remarkable heroism during the most devastating war in our history. If not for her, we Spaniards could not hold our heads up so high with pride.”
Lucia fell silent for a moment, puzzling over her words. “You never mentioned her to me before.”
“I have been waiting for the right time to tell you. You are barely fourteen. Yet perhaps the time has come. She was only a few years older than you when her story begins.”
“Please, Mamá, tell me now.”
Isabel watched the precious woman walk over to the riverside and toss a few seeds to the ducks and gulls. She remembered when her mother first told her the story and how captivated she was by it. Finally, she wrapped her arm around her daughter and looked into her beautiful brown eyes.
“Her story is so much more than a tale of war, tremendous courage and loss. It is one of the greatest love stories you will ever hear. And it cannot be told without including the latter, which is why I waited. But you, especially, will find it fascinating, Lucia. Already, I see similar fire and passion in you.”
Her mother’s words captured her attention and she was bursting with curiosity. “What is her name?”
“Agustina Raimunda Saragossa. While she is no one, she is everyone. Come. Your father and brother will be fishing for a few more hours. Let us sit at one of the tables and I will fill your ears with such a beautiful story you will never again look upon that old woman as you did today.”
Gail Meath brings a legend to life in this beautiful historical romance/thriller based on the life of Agustina Raimunda Maria Saragossa, or Agustina de Aragón, also known as "The Spanish Joan of Arc." We learn the true story of Agustina’s heroic acts during the First Siege of Zaragosa, her life as a soldier and prisoner, and her romance with her beloved Juan Roca. Set in Barcelona and then Zaragosa, and other points in Spain, we meet Agustina as a girl and then follow her into womanhood, motherhood, and war.
The author’s meticulous research into the life and customs of early 1800s Spain is obvious, as Agustina’s world comes alive. The reader will feel as if they are there, visiting the marketplace and working alongside Agustina in her father’s bladesmith shop. The love story between Agustina and Roca is very well done, and their passion and dedication to each other are painted across every page.
When danger arrives in the form of the Napoleon-led French Army, we can see the bloody battles and the savagery of the enemy, as well as the bravery of the Spanish people, as they fight off onslaught after onslaught. The terrible price of war is shown again and again, and the reader will weep along with Agustina as she faces unspeakable loss. The author’s knowledge of the topic is impressive, and I learned so much about Napoleon’s attacks on and eventual takeover of Spain. Although Agustina is famous for her acts during the First Siege of Zaragosa, she was also a mother, soldier, and prisoner of war, and it all comes alive in this novel. The ending is absolutely intriguing, and not to be missed.
I require two things from historical fiction. The first is that I be transported to the time and place being described. There is no question I felt transported to marketplaces, battlefields, and even prison in this fantastic novel. The second is that I learn something, and this book introduced me to Agustina herself, and then taught me much about the Napoleonic wars.
Agustina De Aragón introduces us to a compelling real-life legend, takes us into her world, and shows us the realities of war. It is a must read for fans of strong female characters. If you have never heard of Agustina, this book will introduce you in an unforgettable way.