In 2025, as Spain prepares to mark half a century of its modern monarchy, the autobiography of Juan Carlos I hits bookstore shelves. Written during his exile in Abu Dhabi, the book immediately draws public attention. Expectations ran high: many hoped for a candid account of the country’s most pivotal moments. Instead, its publication has brought more disappointment than excitement.
The former king’s memoirs are based on personal impressions and general reflections rather than facts and official documents. The author devotes much space to recounting his meetings with the public, ceremonial visits, and his feelings about public life. The book often draws comparisons with Alfonso XIII, but these parallels fail to reveal the essence of the era. Instead of in-depth analysis, readers get a mix of anecdotes and superficial observations.
Key events left in the background
What is most puzzling is how the memoir glosses over crucial episodes of recent history. The attempted coup on February 23 (23F) and the assassination of Carrero Blanco are mentioned only in passing, without fresh details or personal insight. Even the third, lesser-known plot is described vaguely, without specifics. As a result, the book leaves unanswered questions that have long preoccupied historians and the public.
His relationship with Adolfo Suárez is depicted as warm, but the role of Spain’s first prime minister in the key decisions of the democratic transition is clearly downplayed. The memoirs don’t clarify how vital choices were made or who truly influenced the course of events.
Contradictions and Missed Opportunities
The book contains conflicting statements about Franco’s intentions regarding the country’s future. The author sometimes claims he supported democratization, then hints at the opposite, without providing convincing arguments. This only adds confusion to an already complex topic.
Overall, the memoirs leave a sense of incompleteness. Instead of deep analysis or revelations, the reader gets a collection of recollections that fail to provide a cohesive picture of the era. For those seeking answers to the key questions of Spanish history, the book is a disappointment. Many important details are left out, and crucial events go unexplained.
