In Soldiers Cry By Night, 1964, the second volume of The Merchants (1959-1969), an award-winning trilogy about the Spanish Civil War, Ana Maria Matute uses a realistic setting and autobiographical detail to depict triumph and loss. Manuel and Marta are forced to accept the end of their innocent childhood happiness, and must come to terms with the allegiances and betrayals of the harsh adult world. During the Fascist attack on Barcelona the two young people are forced to choose sides. Their decisions will forever change their lives.