The final in a three-part biographical series on Isabel Llano, the quintessential Spanish beauty, focuses upon her early years in Barcelona as she struggled to maintain her identity as an “undesired woman.” As a sixteen-year-old, Llano hid her gender for two years in order to attend hello school, a gay establishment that discriminated against lesbians and encouraged anonymity. Her courage in coming out despite the disapproval of her parents, colleagues, and community made her the focus of subsequent literature. This book explores her life from childhood to adulthood, delving into her work and her influences both professional and personal.
In a poignant exploration of identity and relationships, the author reveals the different ways in which women of different heights have coped with their feeling of gender identity. She considers the ways in which a height difference can affect or limit careers, family, and love relationships. While the author repeatedly states that her own experience with heights was far from enlightened, the book does allow her audience a glimpse of what life might be like for those who suffer from such condition. The author is careful to show how an unhappy marriage, abusive relationships, and suicidal tendencies can affect her decisions, making her story an intriguing portrait of the inner workings of human nature.
In Part II, “Sorce of the Red Comet,” Isabel Llano takes her story in another direction. Returning to her birth town of Gasteiz, Spain, the author discovers the hidden world of “disco de la romantia” (or red romances), drag shows, and cabaret clubs where she meets not only her future husband Raoul, but also his best friend, Paco. The author also delves into her long and painful personal history, tracing her familial roots, and her sometimes-insane choices. Lastly, the author examines her death and seeks to give light to the questions plaguing us all as we age. In sum, this collection is a great gift for anyone who appreciates a charming and lively tale of personal growth. While this isn’t your grandmother’s Spain, it’s a fun read, rich with historical detail, and loaded with laughs.