Public establishments of relaxed or equivocal morals, which in that paradoxical, unique and unrepeatable Spain were as frequented as churches, and often by the same people.
In "Captain Alatriste," author Arturo Pérez-Reverte paints a vivid picture of Spain, where public venues with questionable morals attract visitors much like places of worship do. These establishments, characterized by their relaxed or ambiguous ethics, signify a fascinating aspect of Spanish culture that intertwines leisure and piety.
Through this contrast, Pérez-Reverte highlights a society that embraces both indulgence and spiritual practices. The same individuals who might frequent a tavern or a brothel could also be found in a church, reflecting a complex moral landscape where traditional boundaries are blurred, and human experience is fully embraced.
