If you pick up De tal palo, tal astilla, you're stepping into the rural, mountainous world of 19th-century Spain, a place where tradition isn't just a custom—it's the law.

The Story

We follow Pablo, a young man who comes back to his village after getting a liberal education in the city. He's thoughtful, kind, and full of new ideas. Waiting for him is his father, Don Pedro, a harsh, stubborn man who rules his family and his land with an iron fist. Don Pedro believes in absolute obedience, old-fashioned honor, and that a son should be a perfect copy of his father.

The conflict is immediate. Pablo falls for Nita, a gentle girl from a humble background. Don Pedro has already chosen a 'suitable' bride from a wealthy family to secure a business alliance. Pablo's modern views on love and personal freedom slam directly into his father's unbending will. The question hangs over every page: Will Pablo submit and become the son his father demands, or will he find the courage to be his own man?

Why You Should Read It

First, Pereda makes you feel the setting. The mountains of Santander are almost a character themselves—beautiful, imposing, and isolating. You understand why these traditions have held sway for so long.

But the real magic is in the characters. Don Pedro isn't a simple villain; he's a product of his world, genuinely believing his way is the only right way to protect his family's legacy. Your heart aches for Pablo, caught between his love for his father and his need to breathe freely. It's a family argument that echoes through time. Anyone who's ever debated with their parents about their future will see a piece of themselves here.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for readers who love classic literature with deep emotional roots. If you enjoyed the family tensions in Pride and Prejudice or the societal pressure in Madame Bovary, but want a distinctly Spanish flavor, this is for you. It's also a great pick if you're interested in the moment when the old, rural world started crashing into modern ideas. Fair warning: it's a novel of its time, so the pace is deliberate, meant for soaking in the atmosphere and the moral dilemma. Give it a chapter or two to settle in, and you'll find a powerful, timeless story about the hardest choice of all: choosing yourself.