I like to research before writing anything in a book, even if it is a small part of the story. When Natalie, in Marriage A Journey and A Dog, visits Barcelona, she stays at the home of Linda and José. The father of José was a bullfighter and was killed, so there was reading to be done.
I can understand the excitement of the crowds, and the headiness of the arena, but not the cruelty to the animal. I knew a man who was involved in the finances of bull fighting and he gave a lecture. He spoke about how the bull didn’t feel anything after the first spear accurately entered the neck. Nothing will convince me it isn’t cruel and unnecessary.
I came across this Torero Alvaro Muner’s story on Facebook. He was a matador and this was the moment he was filled with remorse at the suffering of the bull. It changed him into an anti bullfighting campaigner. I found his story on the site of this man.
Researching, even the smallest details can lead onto a trail of interesting discovery. I often have to remind myself that the job in hand is writing.
Marriage, A Journey and A Dog 