The House of Ulloa is a masterful 19th-century novel by Spanish writer Emilia Pardo Bazán, blending gothic atmosphere with sharp social critique. The novel follows a naïve young priest, Julián, who is sent to the crumbling estate of the Marquis of Ulloa in the Galician countryside. There, he witnesses the moral decay of the aristocracy, a corrupt household, and a world ruled by superstition and violence. As Julián attempts to restore order, he becomes entangled in a tragic web of power struggles, doomed romance, and class conflict.

Why Read This Book

• A Gothic Classic: Features a dark, atmospheric setting reminiscent of the works of Emily Brontë and Honoré de Balzac.
• Rich Social Commentary: Offers a critique of Spain’s declining aristocracy, superstition, and gender roles.
• Engaging and Dramatic Plot: Filled with intrigue, scandal, and complex characters.
• One of Spain’s Greatest Novels: Written by one of the most influential Spanish writers of the 19th century.

About the Author

Emilia Pardo Bazán (1851–1921) was a pioneering Spanish novelist, journalist, and literary critic. She was one of the first writers to introduce Naturalism to Spanish literature and was known for her bold depictions of class struggles and women’s rights. A passionate advocate for female education, she broke barriers as a woman in a male-dominated literary world.