Benito Pérez Galdós is often called the Spanish Dickens, and in this short novel, you can see why. He had a genius for sketching the lives of ordinary (and extraordinarily flawed) people in Madrid. 'Torquemada en la hoguera' is a perfect example—it's compact, powerful, and utterly human.

The Story

Francisco Torquemada is a loan shark. He’s notorious for his ruthless deals, his joy in others' misfortune, and his cold heart. The people around him—his tenants, his debtors—despise him. His entire existence is built on accumulating wealth, and he's very good at it. His one vulnerability is his young son, Valentín, a bright boy he idolizes. When Valentín becomes critically ill, Torquemada's world cracks open. Desperate and terrified, he tries to bargain with fate. He starts giving money away to beggars, paying for masses, performing random acts of charity—not out of kindness, but as a superstitious transaction. He's trying to buy his son's health, to balance the cosmic scales for a lifetime of sin. We watch him squirm, hoping his cruel logic might just work.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a masterclass in character. Torquemada is awful, but Galdós makes you understand him. His panic isn't noble; it's selfish and frantic. You don't root for him, but you are pinned to the page, watching a trapped animal. The tension doesn't come from action, but from this internal war between a man's nature and his impossible desire. The setting of old Madrid feels alive, a chorus of voices judging our main character. It’s also shockingly quick to read. Galdós doesn't waste a word. Every scene builds the pressure until you have to see how it ends.

Final Verdict

This is for anyone who loves a deep, psychological character portrait. If you enjoy stories about complicated, unlikable people facing a moral crisis (think of Scrooge, but grittier and without the ghosts), you'll be hooked. It's also a fantastic entry point into classic Spanish literature—it's short, impactful, and doesn't require any historical homework. Perfect for readers who want a classic that moves at a modern pace and leaves you with a big, haunting question about human nature.