He has authored hundreds of articles on Corona and neither faced lawsuits nor corrections because his reporting is grounded in truth. Pilar Eyre, a respected journalist and author, notes that the monarch endured criticism and penalties for the truths now emerging about the honorary figure. This Friday, he returns to the Maestral Literary Evenings to discuss his new book. The work chronicles the 1968 Barcelona, a city in rapid growth marked by sharp contrasts, political battles, and women driving social change. The event is scheduled for 8:30 pm at the Maestral restaurant in Alicante.
When we were yesterday feels nostalgic.
In reality the book is not nostalgic. It brims with humor and contrasts and avoids mythologizing any era. It covers difficult moments between 1968 and 1992 including the Franco era, the push for sexual freedom, and the birth of democracy. These years are often buried in the fine print of history books, yet the lives of those involved deserve to be told. That sense of necessity is what propelled the author to write the book.
The work touches many themes: Catalan society in the late sixties, the role of obedient women at proper weddings, as well as rebellion, love, prohibition, and the struggle against Franco.
When asked if the work is good or bad and whether gender-based violence mattered then, the message remains clear: the fight for feminist rights continues. The author recalls a time underground when personal freedoms were hard-won. On marrying, a priest’s certificate was needed to acknowledge the marriage and hotel access was restricted. Access to contraception was fraught with obstacles. The author considers themselves a warrior for change, as many faced imprisonment and torture, which forged resilience. The newer generations have different disputes; today protests can carry a heavy price, and labels are often assigned to dissenters.
Gender violence existed then but was hidden.
Crimes against women were often labeled as passions or ordinary misfortunes, while children sometimes suffered beatings. A pervasive atmosphere of permissible violence persisted during that era.
Are we worse off now?
Not at all. We are much better off. Those who claim otherwise simply misread history. The author notes a personal path through education, mentioning that she was among the few in her circle to pursue higher education while many families steered toward traditional roles. She recounts discovering her mother as a strong, cultured woman during illness and years living together. The sense of a more restrictive past contrasts with a contemporary longing for a touch of belligerence that fueled earlier movements. Now, protests carry greater costs and a different branding of dissent.
Pilar Eyre Describes Her Life Behind the Planet in a New Book
For the Spanish crown it was also meaningful to title the novel as it does.
Reality often diverged from perception, leaving many in the dark. Eyre recalls witnessing Juan Carlos with another woman during a Barcelona restaurant moment while the royals were presented as a united team at the Olympics. She included that scene in her writings and exposed financial dealings that suggested enduring commissions for the king since the early seventies. After publishing works about the monarchy, Eyre faced professional backlash, including dismissals and attempts to discredit her. Yet she remained steadfast in presenting her account of events.
“I miss the slightly belligerent attitude of women, current generations are more accommodating
Did no one truly understand Juan Carlos outside of Spain?
Long before Eyre, journalists tried to illuminate the king’s connections with Arab states, but many paid a high price for speaking. Eyre has long insisted on the truth and notes hundreds of articles and a dozen books on royal affairs without ever seeking a legal remedy. Requests to retract or amend came, but nothing more substantial followed.
Is there a potential corporate tour about the monarchy?
If the royal couple continues on their current path, a revival of interest may occur, though the timing and focus are uncertain. The Republic remains a topic for debate, but not aggressively pursued by any party, even those who hold it in their political DNA.
What about the honorary king who once inspired wide admiration but now faces scrutiny? He might return after a visit to Sanxenxo, though his public reappearance seems unlikely for now.
A London case in July involving allegations of defamation and abuse has complicated matters. The British courts declined to protect the party involved, signaling a possible out-of-court settlement. Eyre sees this as potentially confirming guilt, though she cannot know how the individual will respond. She hopes the situation does not overshadow the June schedule, noting that the last outing was unusual and perhaps out of control. The likelihood of renewed visibility here remains in question.
“I’ve written a dozen books on bourbons and never filed a lawsuit or requested a fix”
How does the image of the king affect his son, King Felipe VI?
The situation is nuanced. Public perception differentiates Juan Carlos from Felipe. Felipe has often been portrayed as the victim in the discourse surrounding his father. Those who criticize Juan Carlos tend to uplift Felipe, while supporters of the former king may cast doubt on the latter. The distinction remains clear to most observers.
Is there much more to uncover about the honorary king?
Indeed there is. Eyre notes that vast information remains undisclosed after more than four decades of shielding. The tip of the iceberg has been visible, but the full depth of events is still hidden. The author suggests a motivation rooted in desire and power as possible driving forces behind the secrecy.
What does Queen Letizia think of her father-in-law?
Relations started on a difficult note, but over time Letizia has shown a measured stance. Initial indifference gave way to firm boundaries as circumstances evolved.
You will be attending Friday’s Maestral Literary Evenings as the guest of honor. A meal aligned with the book and a wine named Rafael takes the spotlight.
The author expresses genuine excitement. She has attended Literary Evenings many times and cherishes Alicante. She looks forward to the event with anticipation.