The Marquis of Peñalta (Marta y María): A Realistic Social Novel

"The Marquis of Peñalta (Marta y María): A Realistic Social Novel" by Armando Palacio Valdés is a story likely from the late 1800s that looks at tough questions about society and doing what's right, told through the life of a girl named María in a Spanish town. As María grows up, she deals with love, what she's supposed to do, and giving up things for others, all while living in a place where old customs and religion are very important. The book starts by showing us the town where María lives, the different kinds of people there, and fancy houses where parties happen. María is young and pretty, but she struggles with what she wants and what everyone expects of her. This causes problems for her as she tries to figure out what she believes and what choices to make as she gets older. The setting is full of details that give hints about the book's main ideas: figuring out who you are and finding your true purpose, even when society is pressuring you.