Pepita Jiménez by Juan Valera

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Pepita Jiménez by Juan Valera

(3 User reviews) 1599

By Abil Kile Posted on Dec 30, 2025

In Category - History

Authors: Valera, Juan, 1824-1905 Published By : Valera, Juan, 1824-1905

Book Language: Spanish

Ever wondered what happens when a young man's rigid religious calling runs headfirst into real, messy, human love? That's the heart of 'Pepita Jiménez.' Meet Luis, a seminary student home for a visit, who's convinced his path is set. Then he meets Pepita, his father's beautiful and sharp young neighbor. What follows is a quiet, brilliant tug-of-war between duty and desire, faith and feeling. It's not a flashy adventure, but a beautifully observed story about a heart divided. If you love character-driven novels that explore the timeless conflict between what we think we should be and who we truly are, this 19th-century Spanish gem is waiting for you.

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3. The Content must be used solely for a non-commercial purpose. Although this blanket permission to reproduce the Content is given freely such that no special permission is required, the Bahá’í International Community retains full copyright protection for all Content included at this Site under all applicable national and international laws. For permission to publish, transmit, display or otherwise use the Content for any commercial purpose, please contact us (http://reference.bahai.org/en/contact.html). CONTENTS Baha’i Terms of Use [Dedicatory Passage] I: From the Writings of BAHÁ’U’LLÁH 1: Let these exalted words be thy love-song on ... 2: O My Leaf! Hearken thou unto My Voice: ... II: From the Writings of ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ 1: O my well-beloved, deeply spiritual sister! ... 2: O thou my affectionate sister! In the daytime ... 3: Dear and deeply spiritual sister! At morn and ... 4: Dear sister, beloved of my heart and soul! ... 5: O thou my loving, my deeply spiritual ... 6: To my honoured and distinguished sister do ... 7: O Díyá! It is incumbent upon thee, ... 8: O thou my affectionate sister! ... 9: O my dear sister! ... 10: O my well-beloved sister, O Most Exalted ... 11: O thou my sister, my dear sister! ... 12: My sister and beloved of my soul! ... 13: My sister, for a considerable period, that is, ... 14: O my spiritual sister! ... 15: O my spiritual sister! ... 16: O my affectionate sister! ... 17: O my dear sister! ... 18: O my cherished sister! ... 19: O my sister in the spirit, and the companion ... 20: O thou Greatest and Most Merciful Holy ... 21: I do not know in what words I could ... III: From the Writings of SHOGHI EFFENDI 1: This servant, after that grievous event and ... 2: And in this fervent plea, my voice is once ... 3: GREATEST HOLY LEAF’S IMMORTAL SPIRIT ... 4: GREATEST HOLY LEAF ASCENDED ABHÁ KINGDOM. ... 5: O ye who burn in the flames of bereavement! ... 6: Brethren and fellow-mourners in the Faith ... 7: ENTREAT SORROW STRICKEN AMERICAN BELIEVERS ... 8: YOUR MESSAGE ALLEVIATED LOAD MY AGONIZING ... 9: PRAY ASSURE AMERICAN BELIEVERS BEHALF HOLY ... 10: Your valued message brought strength and ... 11: I deeply appreciate your sympathy. My loss ... 12: I greatly value your sympathy in my cruel, ... 13: Your sweet and touching message imparted ... 14: My great love for the Greatest Holy Leaf and ... 15: The many evidences of your increasing zeal ... 16: Your highly impressive and touching message ... 17: The passing of the Greatest Holy Leaf has ... 18: O well-loved friend, ... 19: I wish to add a few words in person as a ... 20: I am moved to add a few words with my ... 21: The passing of the beloved Khánum has ... 22: I greatly value the expression of your ... 23: I wish to express to your distinguished ... 24: O ye who share my anguish and are my ... 25: Moved by an unalterable devotion to the ... 26: It was through the arrival of these pilgrims, ... 27: With ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ascension, and more ... 28: The Fund associated with the beloved name ... 29: BLESSED REMAINS PUREST BRANCH AND ... 30: O loved ones of God, These two precious ... 31: His nine-year-old son, later surnamed the ... 32: ...as a further testimony to the majestic ... 33: The raising of this Edifice will in turn ... IV: Passages from letters written on behalf of SHOGHI EFFENDI 1:...

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Juan Valera's Pepita Jiménez is a classic that feels surprisingly fresh. Set in a small Spanish town, it's told mostly through letters and a diary, giving us a direct line into the hero's conflicted mind.

The Story

Luis de Vargas has been studying for the priesthood and returns to his hometown, convinced of his holy vocation. His father, the lively Don Pedro, hopes Luis will marry the young and lovely widow Pepita Jiménez. Luis intends to guide Pepita spiritually, but as they spend time together, his feelings begin to change. The book is the story of that internal earthquake—watching a man's certain world crack open as he falls in love, battling his conscience every step of the way.

Why You Should Read It

This book won me over with its psychological honesty. Luis isn't a villain; he's a good, sincere young man trapped by his own ideals. Pepita is equally fascinating—she's kind, intelligent, and knows her own heart. Their struggle isn't about grand gestures, but about the quiet, terrifying moment you realize the life you planned might not be the one you want. Valera writes with warmth and subtle humor, making even the supporting characters feel real.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who enjoy intimate, character-focused classics like Jane Austen's novels, but with a distinct Spanish flavor. It's for anyone who's ever questioned a major life path or been surprised by love. Don't expect sword fights or melodrama; instead, get ready for a smart, gentle, and deeply human story about finding your true self.

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