The Spanish Love Deception

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Chapters 6-12

Chapters 13-21

Chapter 22-Epilogue

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Character Analysis

Catalina “Lina” Martín

Lina is the narrator and protagonist of The Spanish Love Deception, a 28-year-old Spanish national who moved from northern Spain to New York City with a master’s degree-level internship after completing engineering school in Spain. She is a mid-management team director for InTech, an engineering services provider. Lina is bright, driven, and appreciated by her team. She chronically overworks, in part because two of her employees are on maternity leave. She lives in the famous Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn in a small studio apartment.

A major impetus behind Lina’s transition to the U.S. was her disastrous relationship with former college professor, Daniel. Though there was nothing illegal about their relationship—as Lina was no longer Daniel’s student at the time—they became the subject of malicious gossip and rumors. Daniel severed ties with Lina, who thought they were deeply in love. Lina (the maid of honor) is forced to see Daniel (the best man) again as her sister, Isabel, is marrying Daniel’s brother, Gonzalo.

While Lina comes across as a level-headed, high achiever, in reality, she is extremely emotional. She does her best to keep her emotions under control, refusing to express anger at coworker Gerald’s sexist remarks or hint that she finds her aloof colleague, Aaron, attractive. Neither does she let her family know how anxious she feels about participating in the upcoming wedding. The only person who understands the depth of Lina’s emotions is her coworker and friend, Rosie—and later, Aaron.

Aaron Blackford

A team director at InTech, like Lina, Aaron comes off as an emotionless workaholic who is strictly about business. From his first day, he made a poor impression on Lina, rejecting her casual welcome gift. Put off by this, Lina refers to Aaron as “Mr. Robot” and tells Rosie that he has no heart. Aaron’s performance, however, has elevated him above his peers, as he is about to take the place of Jeff, the directors’ supervisor.

As the novel progresses, readers learn that Aaron, who is extremely tall and fit, was once a highly regarded college football player who decided not to pursue a career in football. In turn, his father and coach, Richard, cut ties with him. The estrangement between father and son began a year before, when Aaron’s mother Dorothea died of cancer. Now, Richard is also dying of cancer in their hometown of Seattle.

Dark-haired with deep blue eyes, Aaron is pursued by women throughout the novel—but is secretly in love with Lina. He regrets pushing her away at the outset, a decision he made because he knew she would distract him from his new job. However, during the span of the story, he decides to win Lina’s love. Aaron overhears and acts on her need for an American date. In Spain, he supports and even rescues Lina from time to time—only to find himself being saved by her presence in Seattle.

Rosie

Insightful and loyal, Rosie is the epitome of a supportive “best friend” character. She is devoted to Lina, despite the latter disagreeing with her and sometimes refusing to meet for meals and gossip. Through the conflict and neglect, however, Rosie remains steadfast, expressing loving interest in every part of Lina’s life. Though Lina might refuse to meet with Rosie, when the former has an emotional crisis, the latter comes to her apartment, watches sad movies, and cries with her. When Gerald refuses to stop harassing Lina, Rosie stands up to him and demands he leave her alone.

Rosie is not only a supportive friend but a wise individual as well. She immediately picks up on Lina and Aaron’s feelings for each other as well as the needs of clients. When there is an emergency with a client, Rosie is the person whom the director summons. When Gerald is eventually fired, she is elevated to his director position.

Gerald

Aside from Lina’s conflicting feelings, Gerald is her main obstacle in the novel. He is described as overweight and sweaty, wearing clothes that are a size too small. His comments are divisive and typically tinged with hostility. Gerald is especially toxic toward Lina, due to his misogyny. Generally disliked, Gerald is only able to hold onto his job because he has friends in positions of authority.

Gerald only appears in two scenes, but other characters refer to him in many chapters—proving a character whose toxicity extends beyond his physical presence.