Like much of Blasco Ibanez' early fiction, The Torrent is based on characters and situations that in many respects typify his native province of Valencia. This work differs from others in the Valencian cycle because of the author's choice of characters. His central concern here is with the family of a powerful local landowner and political boss rather than with the workers of the land. The family is autocratic, hypocritical, cruel, and self-serving.

They are destined to perpetuate these qualities into future generations missing out on the opportunity to experience true love and happiness. On the political level, they will fail to secure and advance the future of the country.

The novel serves to expose the ruling class as rigid and ineffectual.

The general backdrop of this tale, as with others in this group, is the countryside around the city of Valencia.

This book, in particular...