Gabriel de Araceli is a young volunteer in the Spanish army who arrives in the city of Zaragoza eager to defend it against an anticipated attack by the French. Gabriel quickly befriends a local youth, Augustine Montoria, who faces not only the extramural struggle against the invading French, but also the personal intramural turmoil caused by his love of Mariquilla, the daughter of his father’s enemy.

This sixth book in Benito Pérez Galdós’s National Episodes of Spain puts a human face on the brutal historical events of the 1809 Siege of Zaragoza. Saragossa explores themes of valor, patriotism, and duty in the face of overwhelming odds.