Pedro Feijóo presents new thriller 'La buena muerte

Author Pedro Feijóo has released his new novel, 'La buena muerte' (or 'A boa morte' in Galician), a thriller set in the Ribeira Sacra region. The book explores the historical reality behind the myth of 'meigas' or witches in Galician tradition.

Feijóo explains that the story is based on real historical accounts of a family of women in a village in Sober, Lugo, who acted as 'acabadoras' (finishers). These women provided practical assistance during end-of-life processes, effectively performing what the author describes as unofficial, popular forms of euthanasia for those facing painful or difficult deaths.

The narrative spans from the early 20th century to the mid-1970s, highlighting how the geographic isolation of the Sil River canyons necessitated such roles when medical or legal aid was inaccessible. Feijóo noted that the story is supported by multiple sources confirming the existence of these women who helped facilitate a peaceful passing for the terminally ill.