Spain is part of the European Union and considers itself a progressive First World country. Yet Spain is also haunted by the memories of having been conquered by the "Moors." For more than seven hundred years, at least part of Spain was Muslim. Now the Moors are coming back in form of Moroccan immigrants. Flesher (Spanish literature and culture, SUNY Stony Brook) examines the reaction in Spain to this new "invasion." Using historical chronicles, contemporary literature and current events, she demonstrates how the reconquista is still a part of the Spanish national identity. Vestiges of Islamic culture are ignored or suppressed. Muslim heritage is denied. Flesher argues that the sometimes violent prejudice against Moroccans in Spain stems from ambivalent feelings about the past and a rejection of non-European influences in Spanish culture. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)