Welcome to my sixth blog! This week I read “The Time of Doves” by Mercè Rodoreda. The story intricately tells the story of Natalia, who endures two marriages against the tumultuous backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. Natalia is initially attracted to Quimet after a chance encounter in a square, but their marriage is fraught with difficulties as Quimet joins the army during the war, leaving Natalia to take care of the children all by herself. Quimet's death further deepened her descent into poverty, prompting Natalia to consider the unthinkable: ending her own life and that of her children. Antonio became a beacon of hope in this dire situation, ultimately leading to a more prosperous life for Natalia after her marriage. As her children grow up, Natalia returns to the square and unearths repressed emotions from her past. The story profoundly demonstrates Natalia's resilience as a mother and prompts people to reflect on the traditional boundaries of marriage and the role of women ...