Froth: A Novel

"Froth: A Novel" by Armando Palacio Valdés is a story about the high-society crowd in Madrid during the late 1800s, where fancy appearances hide real problems with class and social status. The book is a fiction piece that follows Clementina, a stylish main character, who, along with other complicated characters, are all caught up in trying to meet society's expectations while chasing their own dreams. The novel starts on a bright, sunny street where Clementina, dressed in her best, catches the eyes of everyone she walks by, including a young man who is intrigued by her. As she moves through the busy city, we see her proud personality and how she tries to create a certain image for herself. The story then moves to the fancy parties and gatherings she attends, introducing us to her friends, family, and rivals, especially her husband, Julian Calderón, painting a picture of funny and tense relationships that shows just how shallow life can be for those living in Madrid's upper class.