Halma

by Benito Pérez Galdós

"Halma" by Benito Pérez Galdós is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around doña Catalina de Artal, a member of the Spanish aristocracy, who faces significant hardships following her marriage to the German diplomat, Conde de Halma-Lautenberg. The narrative explores themes of familial duty, love, suffering, and the clash between personal aspirations and societal expectations. The opening of "Halma" presents Catalina's intricate familial and marital background, detailing her noble lineage and the trials she endures as she marries against her family's wishes. After marrying the count, they experience a tumultuous life filled with poverty and illness, leading to emotional and physical struggles following her husband's demise. The narrative sets the stage for her complex relationships with her family, particularly her brothers, and hints at her desire to commit to a life dedicated to spirituality and altruism, even as societal pressure looms over her choices.