Set in early 20th century Madrid, this novel follows two shoemakers whose shops sit directly across from one another. Belarmino is a thinker, trying to build a grand philosophical system he calls 'Apologetics.' Apolonio is a dreamer, a failed playwright who sees life as a tragic drama. Their rivalry is petty and deep, spanning decades, fueled by professional jealousy and a fundamental clash of how they view existence itself.

The Story

The plot is deceptively simple. We watch these two men live their parallel lives—working, obsessing, and quietly failing. The real tension isn't in big events, but in the small, accumulated moments of spite and accidental kindness. Their conflict gets tangled up with the lives of Apolonio's adopted daughter, Angélica, and a young man named Fernando. The story asks whether a lifetime of opposition can ever lead to understanding, or if some walls are just too high to climb.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this book because it treats its characters with such gentle humor and deep respect. Pérez de Ayala doesn't make fun of their grand ambitions; he shows how those dreams give their ordinary lives meaning. You'll smile at their stubbornness and maybe see a little of yourself in their struggles. It’s a book about how we all build our own private worlds, and what happens when those worlds collide.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who enjoy rich character portraits over fast-paced plots. If you like stories about everyday people with big, messy inner lives—think a Spanish cousin to some of Chekhov's characters—you'll find a lot to love here. It’s a thoughtful, often funny, and ultimately moving look at rivalry, philosophy, and the quiet tragedy and comedy of being human.