In a nutshell, this book is about Spanish Republicans having to fight against Fascism more or less on their own as the British and Americans decided not to help their cause. The book relies a lot on highlighting the stories of everyday people and their fight. This was a very good book, well informed and detailed in views and opinions. But what also really sells the book in its content is the comprehensive bibliography at the back of the book, if you want to learn more about the subject you couldn’t go wrong with following the suggestions here. I must admit this part of WW2 wasn’t one of my strongest points, but I can say that I have really enjoyed learning about the Spanish cause. A book I would say would appeal to those wanting to improve their WW2 knowledge, certainly one for those improving on their basic knowledge.

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UK Historian

"An interesting account of one of the least explored aspects of WW2."

Edward James - Historical Novels Review

This is an interesting and compelling book which sheds important light on the way the Spanish Civil War linked to the Second World War through the actions of highly motivated and tough men who had survived one war and sought to further their cause in another, often with tragic consequences. Recommended.

David Barras - Western Front Association - Northumberland branch

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A brilliant thoroughly researched book on a little known subject (which is not saying much, since anything to do with Spain is virtually ignored within the Anglosphere). The fate of the defeated Spanish Republicans following the Spanish Civil War. Many died in Nazi concentration camps. A few formed their own battalions within the French resistance, well known for their ferocity and resourcefulness. Some became master spies or the parents of outstanding citizens and artists. Even Churchill recognised that through no fault of their own, Spanish Republicans, who were, by default, supporters of democracy, were among the most hard done by cohorts during the Second World War.

Well worth a read if you are interested in the interstices of contemporary European history.

NetGalley, Maria Cambra Brown

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A compelling overview of the political consequences of the " Retirada" and the role played by the refugee community in exile on the other side of the Pyrenees Mountains in France after 1939. I live in Figueres and I grew up in Perpignan in the 70s surrounded by many eyewitnesses of the Republican debacle and its aftermath and this solid and well researched study was a poignant journey into my family's history and its fight against fascism on both sides of the border.
Highly recommended and a must read for anyone interested by the Spanish Civil War.

NetGalley, Jean Luc Estrella

Spanish Republicans and the Second World War is a useful addition to the library of books about the Spanish Civil War and its consequences. It balances the broad outline of what happened with the activities of individual men and women who were determined to carry on the fight to overthrow fascism, no matter that circumstances often seemed to be against them. It’s clearly written, has extensive notes and a bibliography. It tells an ultimately unhappy story in terms of dreams of freeing Spain from tyranny being dashed when Britain and America backed away from intervening. But it is inspiring in drawing attention to the very real sacrifices that were made by people who nursed those dreams through years of exile and war.

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Penniless Press

As the title suggestions, the main portion of this work is focused on the activities of Spanish Republicans in WW2. There are some interesting - and often tragic - tales here.

The book also spends some time discussing the Spanish Civil War itself, and the policies of National Spain during the war, including the activities of the 'volunteer' Spanish units sent to fight on the Eastern front.

Those who wish to know more of the less publicised elements of WW2 should find plenty of interest here.

NetGalley, Adam Windsor