La Regenta
by Leopoldo Alas "Clarín"
Spanish • Public Domain • Free to stream
La Regenta (1884-85) by Leopoldo Alas "Clarín" is Spain's greatest realist novel, often compared to Madame Bovary in its psychological depth. Ana Ozores lives in the fictional provincial city of Vetusta, trapped in an empty marriage, torn between two men — the ambitious canon Fermín de Pas and the libertine aristocrat Álvaro Mesía. Clarín's masterwork exposes the hypocrisy of provincial Spanish society, the corruption of clerical power, and the anguish of a brilliant woman with no escape. Stream in native Spanish with Elvira's voice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Regenta free to listen to?
Yes, La Regenta is completely free to stream. No account, no subscription, and no ads required. It is in the public domain.
Who wrote La Regenta?
Leopoldo Alas, known as Clarín (1852-1901), Spanish writer and literary critic from Asturias.
How does it compare to Madame Bovary?
Both novels depict a woman trapped in provincial society seeking escape through passion and spirituality. La Regenta is longer, more complex, and set in Spanish Catholic culture.