These are my favourite Top 10 Books about Spain:

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1) South from Granada by Gerald Brenan

In South from Granada, Gerald Brenan offers a captivating portrait of life in the remote Spanish village of Yegen, nestled in the Sierra Nevada, where he lived between 1920 and 1934. This part-autobiography, part-travelogue explores the unspoiled beauty of southern Spain, vividly capturing its landscapes, festivals, and local customs before the upheaval of the Civil War. Brenan's time in Yegen was also marked by visits from members of the Bloomsbury Set, including Lytton Strachey and Virginia Woolf, who brought with them the intellectual vibrancy of their circle. The book also touches on his connection with Dora Carrington, whose tragic love for Strachey added an emotional layer to his experiences. Through rich detail and elegant prose, Brenan preserves the essence of rural Spain, offering a glimpse into a world of rivalries, superstitions, and a way of life now lost to time.

2) Gaudi by Gijs van Hensbergen

Gijs van Hensbergen’s biography of Antoni Gaudí offers a critical exploration of one of the 20th century's most influential and eccentric architects. At the time of his death in 1926, Gaudí was celebrated for his daring and original works, which broke traditional boundaries and helped shape modern architecture. As a precursor to other iconic Catalan figures like Picasso and Dalí, Gaudí's masterpieces, such as the Sagrada Família, continue to captivate the world with their exotic and bold designs. Van Hensbergen's book delves into Gaudí's life, creative genius, and profound connection to his homeland, Catalonia. If you are travelling to Barcelona, you have to visit the Sagrada Familia, and this book gives you a wonderful insight into the genius Gaudi.

3) Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

In The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, a young boy named Daniel stumbles upon a mysterious novel in the hidden "Cemetery of Lost Books" in post-war Barcelona. His choice, a book by Julian Carax, sets him on a thrilling journey as he grows older, encountering enigmatic figures who are strangely interested in his find. One night, Daniel meets a sinister man who seems to step straight out of the novel, determined to destroy every remaining copy of Carax's work. What begins as a literary intrigue soon unravels into a suspenseful quest to uncover the truth about Carax’s life, death, and those connected to his haunting story.

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is the first book in The Cemetery of Forgotten Books series. There are four books in the series, though they can be read in any order as each novel stands alone within the larger narrative. The books are:

1. The Shadow of the Wind (La sombra del viento) – 2001
2. The Angel's Game (El juego del ángel) – 2008
3. The Prisoner of Heaven (El prisionero del cielo) – 2011
4. The Labyrinth of the Spirits (El laberinto de los espíritus) – 2016

Each novel is connected by characters and the "Cemetery of Forgotten Books," weaving together mystery, history, and literary intrigue in the atmospheric setting of Barcelona.

4) People of the Book: A compelling historical fiction novel of wartime resilience by Geraldine Brooks 

In People of the Book, Geraldine Brooks masterfully intertwines history and narrative, focusing on the remarkable journey of the Sarajevo Haggadah, a Jewish prayer book with a storied past that leads back to Spain in 1492. As book conservator Hannah Heath travels to war-torn Sarajevo to restore this precious manuscript, she unravels the secrets embedded in its pages, revealing a tale of resilience and survival amidst the backdrop of the Spanish Inquisition and the expulsion of Jews from Spain. The Haggadah's miraculous journey through history, preserved against all odds, mirrors Hannah's own transformative experience in Sarajevo, where her encounters—especially with the courageous librarian Ozren Karamen—challenge her understanding of art, love, and the enduring impact of war. Brooks’ meticulous research breathes life into this gripping narrative, making it a poignant exploration of cultural heritage and human connection.

5) Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell

In Homage to Catalonia, George Orwell provides a powerful and personal account of his experiences during the Spanish Civil War, vividly capturing the fervent atmosphere of revolutionary Barcelona. He describes the city as a hub of hope and ideological passion, where ordinary Spanish men and women fought bravely for their beliefs. Orwell’s narrative unfolds against the backdrop of iconic locations, highlighting the vibrancy and chaos of the time as he navigates through the streets filled with the spirit of revolution. The contrast between this initial optimism and the brutal realities of the frontlines, where he experienced the horrors of war firsthand—including a near-fatal bullet wound—underscores the book’s themes of betrayal and disillusionment. Through his sharp observations and reflections, Orwell sheds light on the complexities of a nation in turmoil, making Homage to Catalonia a poignant testament to the struggles for freedom and justice in Spain.

6) For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

In For Whom the Bell Tolls, Ernest Hemingway immerses readers in the rugged beauty of the Spanish Sierra, where a guerrilla band prepares to detonate a crucial bridge during the Spanish Civil War. Set against the backdrop of the towering pine forests, the story follows Robert Jordan, a young American volunteer tasked with the dangerous mission. As he navigates the treacherous terrain, he encounters the harsh realities of war and forms deep bonds with his comrades. In this isolated mountain setting, he also meets Maria, a young woman who has fled from Franco's forces, igniting a poignant romance amidst the chaos. The stark landscapes of Spain—where the struggles of the Republican fighters play out—serve as a powerful reminder of the personal and collective sacrifices made during this tumultuous period in history.

7) Spain by Jan Morris

Jan Morris’s Spain is a vivid exploration of the country’s landscapes, history, and spirit, capturing the dramatic essence of its towns and regions. From the grandeur of cities like Seville and Madrid to the rugged beauty of the hills and plains, Morris delves into Spain's unique blend of pride, tragedy, and splendor. First published in 1964, this evocative work is a testament to the enduring allure of Spain, painting a rich portrait of its people and culture. Morris, who was known as James Morris before undergoing a transgender change in the 1970s, brings a deeply personal perspective to her travel writing, making Spain not only a reflection of the country’s history but also of Morris’s own evolving identity. Through her keen observations, Spain’s majestic cities and historical significance come to life, offering readers a timeless guide to its profound beauty.