Contigo Pan y Cebolla by Manuel Eduardo de Gorostiza

(0 User reviews)   1304
By Richard Baker Posted on Jan 9, 2026
In Category - Pioneer History
Gorostiza, Manuel Eduardo de, 1789-1851 Gorostiza, Manuel Eduardo de, 1789-1851
Spanish
Hey, have you ever read a book that feels like a lively dinner party where everyone's hiding something? That's 'Contigo Pan y Cebolla' (With You, Bread and Onion). It's a Spanish play from the early 1800s that's way more fun than it sounds. Think of a clever young woman, a clueless older man who wants to marry her, and a secret lover in the mix. It's all about love, money, and the crazy games people play to get what they want. I breezed through it in an afternoon and was grinning the whole time. It's a sharp, witty comedy that proves some human dramas never get old.
Share

Just discovered a gem from the 1800s that reads like it was written yesterday. 'Contigo Pan y Cebolla' is a Spanish comedy that's all about cleverness winning the day.

The Story

The plot is a classic setup. A wealthy but foolish older man, Don Pedro, wants to marry the young and sharp-witted Doña Inés. She, however, is in love with a poor but worthy young man named Don Carlos. The title, which means 'With You, Bread and Onion,' is Inés's way of saying she'd rather live in poverty with her true love than in luxury with the wrong person. The whole play is the hilarious and clever scheme she cooks up, with the help of her maid, to outsmart Don Pedro and get her happy ending.

Why You Should Read It

What surprised me is how fresh it feels. Doña Inés is a fantastic character—she's not a passive heroine waiting to be saved. She's the mastermind. The dialogue is snappy and full of double meanings. It's a fun reminder that the battle of wits between young love and old money is a story we still love to see. Gorostiza doesn't preach; he just lets his clever characters drive the action and make you laugh.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who enjoys a smart, fast-paced comedy. If you like Jane Austen's social maneuvering or the playful deceptions in Shakespeare's lighter plays, you'll feel right at home here. It's also a great, accessible peek into 19th-century Spanish theater. Don't let the age of the book fool you—this story has a very modern heartbeat.



📢 Open Access

You are viewing a work that belongs to the global public domain. Knowledge should be free and accessible.

There are no reviews for this eBook.

0
0 out of 5 (0 User reviews )

Add a Review

Your Rating *
There are no comments for this eBook.
You must log in to post a comment.
Log in

Related eBooks