Inés González Lozano's first novel is a history of a non-existent republic in an imaginary geography. The Madrid native was born in Madrid 47 years ago, and her parents were labor lawyers and PCE activists.

Her father died when he was writing the novel and perhaps that is why it came out sadder than he had thought, she says. “I am a defender of lying, even if the world perishes, but it can relieve your pain at times, as long as you know how to control it,” she adds.